Estate 2024 Merlot

ACO certified Organic & Vegan Australia Certified As one of Australia's most consistent Merlot producers this under-appreciated variety offers great value. Chateau Petrus sells for around $3000 per bottle and while not quite as expensive, Le Pin also from Pomerol and Cheval Blanc both often contain a bit of Cabernet Franc in their Merlots - funny thing is so does the Mount Avoca! The 2024 Merlot is one of our best Merlots - rich flavoured with that delightful soft and supple finish. COLOUR: Dark ruby red with purple cherry highlights and slow legs on the swirl. NOSE: Clean and complex developed aromas dense plum and raspberry jam and plum, with a toasty stewed fig and bramble vapour. PALATE: Clean full bodied flavours of dark plum, bright cherry and fresh date, aloft a silky tannin structure finishing long, blue berry and sweet, nutty toast. WINEMAKING: The fruit is harvested from two clones of mature merlot vines in section A & D on the estate vineyard. Traditional vinification techniques applied with minimal intervention to preserve its regional identity. FOOD PAIRING: Roast beef or slow cooked lamb shanks with potatoes. VINTAGE NOTES: After three successive cooler and wetter La Niña years (2021-2023) we experienced drier warmer growing conditions in 2024 growing season conducive to a high-quality outcome given our elevated cooler situation. A pre-flowering frost reduced net yield potential by 5% across blocks A, B and C. Ideal flowering conditions thereafter resulted in a good crop which produced grapes of clean and generous variety expression.