Handpicked Yarra Valley Merlot

Australia

Yarra Valley's growing and ripening season was mild and dry however January and February had some extremely high temperatures resulting in the vintage starting 3 weeks earlier than normal. This greatly enhanced ripening and flavourdevelopment with this Merlot showing intense flavourand tannin ripeness.

"This Merlot has an abundance of cherries and plums which will develop nicely in the bottle. It has a rich and juicy palate with soft tannins, good persistence in fruit flavoursand length. Will be an excellent keeper over the next 3 years."

The YarraValley is one of Australia's best known and loved wine regions is situated just one hours drive from Melbourne and is noted as a premiere cool climate wine growing area. Grapes are harvested from late March to late May with the major plantings being the Burgundianvarieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Merlot is also widely planted on the warmer slopes of the Valley and with the low cropping rates produce a rich, but elegant style with long fine and complex flavours.

FOOD MATCHING
Ideally suited to Duck, Game, Lamb dishes or your favourite cheese plate.

More info at handpickedwineint.com