2023 Barossa Merlot

Until 1992, Elderton had used the small amounts of Merlot produced from the Estate as a blending tool with Cabernet. In 1992, the individual parcel of Merlot was exceptional and the decision was made to make a single varietal that encompassed the best that Merlot had to offer.

Our Nuriootpa vineyard, which is approximately 72 acres in size, has only one small block of Merlot, with two newer plantings from which we took the fourth crop this year. These vines are towards the back of the vineyard, on the highest point, where the soils are much sandier and free-draining than those closer to the river bed.

2023 was an unusually cool year, from the decent winter rains all the way through until ripening time in autumn. This presented as a nice relief for the young vines in our Merlot parcel, allowing for steady ripening with no water stress. As our Merlot is only a small parcel, we have to carefully choose our harvest date – we only have one shot at it! Merlot harvest time is similar to Shiraz, and it is always a pleasant surprise to taste the fermenting Merlot parcel amongst so much Shiraz. Our Merlot is fermented in open concrete vats before maturation in 100% French seasoned oak for around 11 months. This gives the wine time to come together and take on subtle oak flavour and tannin to build the palate. This Merlot has great fruit vitality with a lovely fine line of tannin to balance, adding a serious note to the finish. - Jules Ashmead & Brock Harrison

Alcohol: 14.00%

Aroma: Spicy cherry fruit with a touch on cinnamon

Appearance: Deep crimson

Taste: Punchy red currant, cherry and blackberry notes, peppered with leafy herbal tones and a toasty note balanced with that fruit weight to finish

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, vibrant, supple

Ageing Process: Predominantly second fill French puncheons, 11 months

Drink now or cellar confidently for up to 5 years