Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre Geoff Merrill 2016
Country
Australia
Region
McLaren Vale
Producer
Geoff Merrill Wines
Grape(s)
Shiraz (60%)
Grenache (34%)
Mourvèdre (6%)
Type
Red
Style
Complex
Oaked Style
Lightly oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Not applicable
Alcohol Content
14.5%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
No
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
Located just 30 minutes drive south east of Adelaide and parallel to the coast, these rolling hillside vineyards produce some of Australia`s finest Shiraz and Grenache based red wines. Some of the areas historic old wineries were established in the late 1800s and many remain today. With a strong regional identity on the international stage, the wines have a distinctive style and subtlely achieved from a combination of very warm summers, mild winters and cooling sea breezes. Many of Australia`s most famous and expensive wines have their vineyard origins within this region.
Producer
Geoff Merrill was born in 1953 and was raised on a sheep station in the far north of South Australia until he was 11 years old. The Merrill family then moved to the Barossa Valley, just north of Adelaide, where Geoff`s first links with the wine industry were formed. Following his `apprenticeship` at Chateau Reynella, in 1985 he purchased the historic Mount Hurtle winery. Reknowned for his handle-bar moustache and friendship with many of crickets elite, his talents were rewarded in 2005 when he received the legendary Jimmy Watson Trophy, probably Australia`s most prestigious wine award, named after the iconic Jimmy Watson`s Wine Bar in Melbourne.
Tasting Notes
A traditional Rhone style blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre, full of aromas of coffee and spice with a hint of fennel while the palate is youthful with the old vine Grenache providing raspberries and black cherries, blackcurrant from the Shiraz and Mourvedre giving vigour and savoury earthy flavours, all supported by a firm yet fine tannin structure with well integrated oak adding complexity to the wine.
Food
Best when served alongside roasted or grilled meats such as beef or lamb and mature cheeses.
Media
James Halliday rating of 95 points in 2015.
