Geoff Merrill Wines - ‘...complexity & character’ : 14 April 2024.
Geoff Merrill has been crafting wines under his own label & name since 1980, with his first wines released in 1983, that included a 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 1981 Semillon. Geoff had very supportive business partners during the early years, but since 2007 Geoff has been the sole owner of the company and continues to develop and craft exceptional wines.
Geoff Merrill Wines is a true family operation, with those values and the next generation working in the business. Though from day one and seen clearly in all his wines. At the heart of the Geoff wines is a philosophy of ‘balance’ - plus a deliberate focus to make aged wines more accessible to all. I must state that the following wines are not from my cellar... - these are recent/current vintages, the 2014 can still be found in retail & restaurants, and the 2015 has only just been released in Australia, in selected international markets and soon across New Zealand.
Geoff is renowned for his outstanding and ever so varietal Cabernet Sauvignon’s, souring premium quality fruit in vintage years from Coonawarra and McLaren Vale. Both areas have individual growing conditions which provide exciting opportunities to showcase physiologically ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. As the winery logo suggests - in each wine, Geoff and Scott Heidrich (senior winemaker) are looking for the ideal ‘balance’ of fruit, vineyard site, growing season, along with making diligent and respectful choices in the winery to showcase these in harmony - or in ‘perfect balance’.
NB: Do keep a keen eye out for ‘older’ vintages, as they can be found in Australia and New Zealand - all ready to sip, savour & share.
Geoff Merrill ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 : 5 Stars ★★★★★
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Regions: 56% Coonawarra & 44% McLaren Vale
Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich
This particular 2014 cuvée is a blend of 56% Coonawarra fruit and the remainder sourced from McLaren Vale. This 2014 had 35 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels and a total of 7 years maturation. Resulting in a complex textural style in sync with previous outstanding vintages. A generous expression that adds to the legacy.
• On the engaging nose you are welcomed by this vivacious varietal, displaying mint chocolate, mixed berries, violets, dried herbs and cigar smoke. A full and beguiling complexity, along with a well-structured palate surrounded by confident varietal tannins and a fine-grained mouthfeel due to time in oak. All of this engaging generosity is measured by lavish berry flavours and engaging texture. Even though this balanced wine delivers a memorable experience, it has much more to share for those able to keep a few bottles aside. ‘Outstanding’.
• Respectful decanting & serve at 17°- 18°C : 14.5% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 8 - 10 years : *NZ$59.00
Geoff Merrill ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 : 5 Stars ★★★★★
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Regions: 56% Coonawarra & 44% McLaren Vale
Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich
This 2015 vintage is a blend of 56% Coonawarra fruit and the remainder sourced from McLaren Vale. This 2015 had 30 months in a mix of American and French oak hogsheads and a total of 8 years maturation. Crafting a complex textural style in agreement with previous classic vintages. A generous character adding further to the wines heritage.
• On the inviting and hypnotic nose you instantly recognize this classic varietal, displaying mint chocolate, wild violets, dried herbs, small forest berries and tobacco leaf. The medium-to-full palate is broad and engaging, with a meticulous elegance, and sumptuous structure supported by grippy varietal tannins and defined grain texture. All of this measured complexity is perfectly balanced by generous dark berry flavours, charming character and varietal integrity. Restrained fruit acidity delivers an advanced experience and classic dry finish.
• Broad-based Decanting & serve at 17°- 18°C : 14.5% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 6 - 8 years : *NZ$59.00
*(prices, vintages & availability will vary by outlet & country)
Other Geoff Merrill ‘Reserve’ Wine Reviews :
