Geoff Merrill ‘Reserve’ McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013
Grape Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - Australia
Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich
5 Stars ★★★★★
The last time I caught up with Scott Heidrich (senior winemaker) at the Geoff Merrill winery in McLaren Vale. We visited several of the key vineyard sites and then looked at a number of ageing barrel components which were to be tasted and chosen for their reserve wines. Only the best barrels of the vintage are selected for their reserve labels and given additional time in oak barrel prior to being released.
This 2013 'Reserve' Shiraz has had around 31 months in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads and puncheons (90% being new barrels) and a total of some 5 years maturation and development. The result expresses a more European style and a gratifying expression that will reveal itself over the come years.
★ In your glass you will be greeted by a dark garnet colour with bright hues. On the inviting nose you have violets and dried spice aromas which are hypnotic, leading to cedar, coffee bean, clove and vanilla notes. The palate is assured and sumptuous showcasing those ripe berry fruits tied nicely by seamless oak giving mouth-feel complexity and well defined tannins from barrel development. The palate is well structured with a perfect balance between the confident fruit, tannins and natural acidity giving a youthfulness to this richly layered wine, with its well-integrated oak spice characters and a smooth long dry finish.
This 2013 Geoff Merrill ‘Reserve’ McLaren Vale Shiraz has 14.5% Alc./vol. A classic dry style. Decant for 35-40 minutes, and serve in a generously shaped red wine glass at 16°- 18°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 8/8/21)
With decanting, drinking well this season; and will aged well for another 7 - 8 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with prime red meat dishes served with a wine-jus, well-seasoned rich pasta dishes, rich earthy vegetarian cuisine and aged, flavoured hard cheeses - enjoy.
