Merlot

90 Points - James Halliday

The Barossa produces some of Australia’s icon Merlot wines. Our vineyard is located high in the Eden Valley and has been the source of premium fruit for over 60 years. The maturity of the vineyard, low yields and attention to detail, ensure our Merlot is of exceptional quality.

Viticulture

Thriving in the somewhat unforgiving soil of the Eden Valley, our Merlot vines consistently produce small quantities of quality fruit. Extended ripening time due to cool nights and high altitude allow the fruit to develop slowly resulting in concentrated flavours. Harvesting on flavour and colour provides us with rich, intense fruit guaranteeing a finished wine with exceptional depth and complexity.

Winemaking

Glen Eldon wines philosophy is to produce rich, varietal regional wines. Our Merlot exemplifies this. The 2003 vintage experienced solid growing conditions following on from excellent winter rains in 2002. An even ripening season produced intensely flavoured berries with terrific varietal character and structure.

Maturation took place in a blend of French and American Oak hogsheads which added further structure and complexity to the wine. Although the wine is drinking superbly now it will benefit from further maturation over the next 6 – 8 years.

Foods

We recommend you enjoy this wine with oven roasted duck, game or a soft cheddar cheese.