• American & French oak
• Ripe plum
• Asian spice
• Concentrated

"This is powerfully graceful and immensely complex on the nose showing crème de cassis, dark chocolate cedary oak and subtle tobacco aromas. The concentrated palate delivers excellent weight and expansive mouthfeel, wonderfully complemented by velvety texture and polished tannins. Sumptuous and hugely appealing. A blend of grapes from McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. At its best: now to 2032" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2022

"Approx. 14 months after vintage, Scott and I undergo a blind tasting to select the barrels from our Coonawarra and McLaren Vale vineyards that make the grade for our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. These barrels are blended together in tank then returned to American and French oak hogsheads for additional maturation prior to bottling" Winemaker

A very deep dark colour with rich red hues. The aroma is a complex blend of soy, Asian spice, brined olives and ripe plum with hints of earth and leather. The palate is both delicious and powerful, with depth, a fine cacao texture, and tension over its length. The fruit flavours are dark, intense and youthful with well defined acidity providing length, structure and a tight, concentrated mouth feel.

Since establishing himself at Mt Hurtle winery in 1985 Geoff Merrill has achieved significant success at home and internationally. His elegant, subtle wines have culminated in major trophy wins including the coveted Jimmy Watson and The Wine Society Trophy. Geoff’s commitment to releasing wines to be enjoyed at the table has never wavered.

The 2014 vintage started well with above average winter rains providing the vineyards with an excellent head start to the growing season. A warm and dry spring followed leading to early flowering and ultimately reducing yields to below previous years before a series of ex-treme heat events during Summer pushing the vines to their limits. In early February 2014 the rains returned providing great relief while also delaying harvest until March and early April allowing flavour to balance with sugar ripeness. In the end the wine quality was excellent with great colour and bright, pure fruit flavours.

Food Pairing: Enjoy with spit roasted lamb, dry aged steak, Mongolian beef and Brazilian beef ribs.