Shottesbrooke McLaren Vale Merlot 2007

Shottesbrooke was an early pioneer of this variety planting Merlot in the early 1980’s for production as a 100% varietal wine. A combination of the generous climate and the deep sandy loam which require minimal to no irrigation produces fruit of a very high quality and excellent balance.

The 2007 growing season had a low winter rainfall at just 25% of the average which was followed up by a dry spring. The only rainfall of significance came in late January, 58mm in 3 days, and although this did cause some splitting in the whites and Shiraz, the Bordeaux varieties including our Merlot fared much better.

Produced from a greatly reduced yield, our 2007 Merlot shows a more taut, tight structure than the 2006 and exhibits characters of black cherry, blueberry and spice. The firm tannins are slowly softening to show the suppleness of McLaren Vale Merlot.

Shottesbrooke Winemaker, Hamish Maguire commented, “I wanted this wine to take advantage of the McLaren Vale regional qualities and the conditions that 2007 provided. This is a full flavoured wine with a softness and roundness that is unique only to Merlot.”

Recommended retail price $19.95