ShirazGrenacheMourvedreGeoffMerrill2016/2017

£21.95 per bottle

ABV 14.5%

RegionLocated just 30 minutes drive south east of Adelaide and parallel to the coast, these rolling hillside vineyards produce some of Australia`s finest Shiraz and Grenache based red wines. Some of the areas historic old wineries were established in the late 1800s and many remain today. With a strong regional identity on the international stage, the wines have a distinctive style and subtlely achieved from a combination of very warm summers, mild winters and cooling sea breezes. Many of Australia`s most famous and expensive wines have their vineyard origins within this region.

ProducerGeoff Merrill was born in 1953 and was raised on a sheep station in the far north of South Australia until he was 11 years old. The Merrill family then moved to the Barossa Valley, just north of Adelaide, where Geoff`s first links with the wine industry were formed. Following his `apprenticeship` at Chateau Reynella, in 1985 he purchased the historic Mount Hurtle winery. Reknowned for his handle-bar moustache and friendship with many of crickets elite, his talents were recently rewarded when he received the legendary Jimmy Watson Trophy, probably Australia`s most prestigious wine award.

Tasting NotesA traditional Rhone style blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre, full of aromas of coffee and spice with a hint of fennel while the palate is youthful with the old vine Grenache providing raspberries and black cherries, blackcurrant from the Shiraz and Mourvedre giving vigour and savoury earthy flavours, all supported by a firm yet fine tannin structure with well integrated oak adding complexity to the wine.

FoodBest when served alongside roasted or grilled meats such as beef or lamb and mature cheeses.

MediaJames Halliday rating of 95 points in 2015.