Export - Willowglen Merlot 2009

Region
Australia

Appearance
Deep crimson with purple hues.

Bouquet
Lifted savoury notes with spiced plum and cherry and underlying  vanilla bean oak.

Palate
The palate is rich  with plum compote and cherry fruit flavours complimented by subtle oak , firm tannins and persistent length.

Vintage Conditions
The lead up to the 2009 harvest in the riverina was one of the best on record, with refreshing rains during spring and mild december temperatures. This lead to fruit with flavour intensity and acid structure not seen for a few years. This all changed at the end of january with an unprecedented heat wave of plus 40 degrees for 14 days which saw ripening stall for 3 weeks. Overall the vintage was good to excellent.

Winemaking
Fruit was selected by the winemaker and picked when both flavour spectrum and baume were optimum. Average 7 days on skins  at 22 - 25°c.

Wine Analysis
Alc/Vol : 14.0 %   pH : 3.50   TA : 5.80 g/L

Cellaring
Drink now or carefully cellar for 1-5 years.

Suggested Cuisine
An ideal accompaniment to rich red meat dishes or hearty casseroles.

General Characteristics
Dry     Full Bodied