This blend of the classic Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a long time favourite at Mountadam. Sourced entirely from our estate the wine has an elegant structure reflecting the characters from the renowned cool climate of the Eden Valley – a sub region of the Barossa. The silky characters and intensity of fruit flavours are appealing attributes of this wine.
A blend of 75% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, this wine has subtle purple tinges of medium intensity. Spicy Cabernet aromas are integrated with the deep red earth scents of Merlot. The palate is of lively primary grape fruit flavours of plum and cherry supported with subtle hints of vanillin, tobacco and fennel.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Season/Vineyard
An excellent vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon with a warmer than average season but very low yields
(4t/ha) - this combination ideally suits late ripening varieties like Cabernet which was harvested on the 18th of April. Merlot thrived in these conditions with higher yields of 6t/ha and was harvested over a month earlier on the 15th March. The vines grow in quartz rich soils formed from weathered 500
million year old Schist bedrock at an altitude of 480m above sea level.
Harvest/Vinification
Fermented over two weeks the juice was drained from the skins daily and then recombined to assist in extracting colour and flavour. The wine was aged for 14 months in 10% new French barriques. Both the Merlot and Cabernet were kept separate and blended just before bottling to create a balance of character and flavour. The wine will reward at least 5 years cellaring
