Geoff Merrill ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Region: 56% Coonawarra & 44% McLaren Vale
*Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich
Being able to source quality fruit from vineyards in the McLaren Vale and Coonawarra wine regions, brings multiple challenges and opportunities. Geoff has been working in these regions for more years than I can now count, but these very unique sites produce low yields with rich, complex characters along with excellent colour and flavour for this 'reserve' expression.
After vinification and approximately 14 months, Geoff and Scott carried out a blind tasting to select the barrels from their Coonawarra and McLaren Vale vineyards that made the grade for their ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon. These barrels are blended and returned to a mix of 85% new and used American and French oak hogsheads for additional maturation, and then typically aged for another 4-5 years prior to tasting and then bottling.
This particular cuvée is a blend of 53% McLaren Vale fruit and the remainder sourced from the Coonawarra. 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.
★ In your glass you will be greeted by a deep red colour with a softening garnet hue. 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 tannins and a defined grain texture. All of this measured complexity is perfectly balanced by generous dark rustic berry flavours, charming character and varietal integrity. Restrained fruit acidity delivers an advanced experience and a classic dry finish.
This 2015 Geoff Merrill ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 14.5% Alc./vol. Crafted in a classic dry style. Give this wine respectful decanting for 20 - 30 minutes, and serve in a generously shaped, bold wine glass at 17°- 18°C. • *NZ$59
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 7/6/25)
With respectful decanting, drinking perfectly now; and should age gracefully for another 5 - 7 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with bbq’d prime-cuts of red meat dishes served with an aged viscous wine-jus, rich game pasta dishes, earthy vegetarian cuisine and aged, hard cheeses - enjoy.
