$54.99
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Region: McLaren Vale
Grapes: Merlot
First Glance: Elegant, Balanced, Graphite, Violets
The Review:
Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion - 95pts
"From two blocks planed in 1976 and 1989. Crushed fruit, ambient ferment, with 16 days on skins; matured in French barriques (60% new) and foudre for 12 months. Merlot has had a tough trot in this country, but Californian winemaker Chris Carpenter is well schooled in the ways of the grape. This harnesses a more rounded fruit profile, but also with proper linear tannins and drive. It’s a relatively elegant expression, though with a depth of plum and mulberry, subtle florals, graphite, roasted hazelnut and a balanced gloss of classy oak."
