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Fans of our big, ripe 2001 Merlimont may find they recognize some of the same power and fruit characters in this wine. In fact the two are quite similar in style. As in past years, this wine is a salute to the classic Bordeaux blend of complementary percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. However unlike some wines that hail from the renowned French wine region, the rich fruit characters in the Picardy are invariably more balanced while pronounced. Such is the primary difference in Australian and French styles. Here you will find wild berry, ripe cherry, chocolate, musk and even some violet on the nose, while the palate is heady with soft sweet blackberry, plum and cassis characters. The mouth-feel is opulent and unctuous, laced with gentle tannins, while the finish is long, heavy with lingering fruit and decidedly savoury. This delightful red blend is unmistakably the product of Pemberton and arguably the best defining example of the Bordeaux trio of grapes in the area. Fabulous with lamb or venison! |
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This is a special blend of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc which the Pannells have given an extra eight months in barrel (20 months total). Bill’s and Dan’s desire is to produce a wine which is more approachable upon release than the traditional blend. This wine will nevertheless be drinking beautifully in 15 years. Aromas include chocolate, raspberry coulis, musk and violet. As a result of its extended maturation period, this wine is softer and more unctuous than would be the case otherwise. The palate is extremely smooth and long. Structure is still bold, with fine, ripe tannins supporting the palate. Drink now to 2015 |
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Another blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc which spends up to 20 months in barrel. The protracted barrel time makes the wine more stable and approachable on release than many similar blends.The barrel time has paid off. The wine offers up delightful raspberry, chocolate and musk aromas, while there is complex briary, blackcurrant, spice and cedar that lingers on the palate. The tannins are fine and rich flavour integration seamless.Being a denizen of Margaret River I’m used to some pretty fine Bordeaux-style blends, but I really enjoyed this wine primarily due it its opulent flavours and that omnipresent, finely-tuned Pannell structure and balance.Even though the Merlimont was designed to be drunk early it will be beautifully mellow and complex 15 years hence. It’s a brilliant all-rounder.Drink Now to 2020 |
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Due to demand this wine has been exported to overseas markets for some months now, which has left available only a very small quantity. We were however able to hold back 60 cases exclusively for the mailing list.This wine is very similar to the 2002 Merlimont. A seamless blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that is specifically designed to be immediately approachable, yet will also cellar for at least 15 years. There are wild berries, chocolate, musk and even violet on the nose, while the palate is all vibrant blackberry and plum fruit. The mouth feel is opulent and unctuous, tannins soft, and the finish is long, fruit laden and savoury. An exceptional, powerful cool climate Bordeaux-style blend. |
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