Four Sisters Merlot 2016 750ml

The fruit was sourced from individual vineyard sites across the Central Victoria grape growing region. The average ages of the vines are 15 years. Soil types across each individual site vary from sandy loam soils with some clay content through to very sandy soils on the banks of the Goulburn River.

Vintage Conditions: The 2016 growing season was very hot and dry in the Inland Vineyard areas, especially pre-veraison, which is highly unusual. It was the hottest summer on record for many regions. There were only 1 or 2 Rain days each month in September to December, but then 10 to 25 mm fell in just a few hours in late January, causing flash flooding and increasing disease pressure just as the grapes were finishing ripening. However hot and dry weather following this rain event meant that fruit was harvested in good condition although tonnages was down compared with early estimates.

Winemaking: The grapes for this wine were picked in the cool hours of early morning, ensuring the retention of varietal character whilst modern winemaking techniques were employed through the entire process. After crushing, the must was fermented in a combination of rotary and sweeping arm fermenters to assist with the gentle extraction of flavour and tannins. Minimal oak handling was also an important factor allowing the fruit to be the primary feature of this wine.

Tasting Notes: Delicate fruit flavours of plums, cherries and mulberry a