2024 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.

The Elderton Merlot has been frequently recognised amongst the best Merlots in the country, as well as one of the most consistent.
It is always good when there is nothing extraordinary to report heading into a ripening season, such was the case leading into 2024 for our Merlot! Decent winter rains and a spring narrowly avoiding hail damage meant we had a healthy crop to ripen with a decent canopy fit for the task. Autumn was long and cool allowing for great flavour development and a lovely freshness in the resulting wine.

As our Merlot is only a single small parcel we have to carefully choose our harvest date, as we only have one shot at it! Merlot harvest time is similar to Shiraz, 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 14 months give this wine time to come together and take on subtle oak flavour and tannin to build the palate. This Merlot has great fruit vital-ity with a lovely fine line of tannin to balance which adds a serious note to the finish.
- Jules Ashmead & Brock Harrison

Alcohol: 14.5%

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, 14 months