Return to Our Wine

2006 Heathcote Merlot

Current Vintage 2006
The 2006 Heathcote Merlot displays a lovely deep purple with crimson hues in the glass. The aromas are typical for this variety; ripe plum, blueberries, crushed herbs and tobacco with a hint of spice and French oak. The palate is supple and fruit driven; by more plums, dark berries and a hint of spice, the tannins are fine. Best enjoyed on release or after medium term cellaring.

The Vineyard
The fruit for this wine is grown in our Willoughby Bridge Vineyard at Colbinabbin, at the northern end of the Heathcote wine region. Grown on the rich red Cambrian soils, the best Merlot from the vineyard is selected for the production of this wine. Vintage 2006 in Heathcote yielded perfectly ripened grapes from balanced low-cropped vines, ensuring remarkable fruit intensity and depth of flavour.

The Winemaking
After harvesting in mid April, fermentation took place both in barrel and in static vessels at warm temperatures. The wine was matured for 10 months in a range of new and seasoned French oak barrels, before bottling under screwcap in April 2007.

Technical data
Alcohol: 14.0%
Standard Drinks: 8.3
pH: 3.37
TA: 6.4g/l

Bottle: $29
Case: $174

Current Vintage Reviews

'89 points'
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2009 Edition