Four Sisters Merlot

Vineyards: The fruit was sourced from two individual vineyard sites across the Central Victoria grape growing region. The average ages of the vines are 15 years. Soil types across each individual site vary from sandy loam soils with some clay content through to very sandy soils on the banks of the Goulburn River. Vintage Conditions: The growing season in 2014 presented some challenges including frost in late 2013 and extreme heat in early 2014. Once harvesting began in late January we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the fruit and the resulting wines. Yields were down but quality was up this year. Whites have good varietal character, with great flavour, whilst the reds have beautiful colour and flavour intensity.

Winemaking: The grapes for this wine were picked in the cool hours of early morning, ensuring the retention of varietal character whilst modern winemaking techniques were employed through the entire process. After crushing, the must was fermented in a combination of rotary and sweeping arm fermenters to assist with the gentle extraction of flavour and tannins. Minimal oak handling was also an important factor allowing the fruit to be the primary feature of this wine.

Tasting Notes: Delicate fruit flavours of plums, cherries and mulberry are combined with a subtle hint of sweet cocoa to create a soft, rounded wine.

Food Match: A perfect match with mushroom risotto, beef teriyaki or Peking duck