Forrest Merlot 2005
If you just looked at the meteorological data for the 2005 vintage you may conclude, falsely, that it was a rather ordinary vintage - 20% more rainfall, 4% less growing degree days, 0.5ºC, lower mean summer temperature, only average sunshine hours and finally the 2nd coolest December on record. However the timing of these climatic events conspired to assist in the production of ripe grapes with a stunning array and intensity of flavours. Early in the season the cool December flowering period reduced crop levels between 10-30% thus reducing the need to crop thin and ensuring the grapes ripened even with only average sunshine hours. Then, higher seasonal rainfall over the first two thirds of the season produced healthier vines with less stress and more green leaves active late in the season to assist ripening. Finally April (harvest) was exceptionally dry, at 5.4mm the second lowest rainfall on record, allowing the grapes to fully ripen. Our Conders Bend vineyard was especially chosen for the Merlot and Malbec grapes because of the barren stony nature of the soil. This site, in combination with good viticultural practices allows us to produce fully ripened fruit, with exceptional colour. The grapes were processed through the crusher/destemmer to allow approximately 20% whole berries in the ferment. Fermentation took place in three tonne open vats, allowing gently hand-plunged cap management, and lasted between 4 and 14 days. The fermented grapes were then lightly pressed and the wine placed in 1- and 2-year old American oak barriques for secondary malolactic fermentation and maturation. Prior to bottling the wine was lightly egg-white fined and filtered.
Tasting Notes
Meaty and rich, a fabulous nose that just begs for the first barbeque of the season. In fact, it smells like it’s going already – smoke, grilled meat, red plum sauce, a touch of sweet dried thyme. The fruit comes through on the palate – all red fruits, lots of juicy red plums, along with redcurrants and red crab apple jelly – yet the finish is fine and dry. Be warned – this wine will make you hungry. |
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