2019 Below & Above Merlot
Varieties: 100% Merlot
People in wine circles are saying that Merlot may have found its home (in Australia) in Pemberton - producing some serious single varietal wines, proving that it isn’t just a blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon as in other regions.
Region: Pemberton
Tasting Notes
- Sweetness: Dry | Medium | Sweet
- Acidity: Low | Medium | High
- Tannin: Low | Medium | High
- Alcohol: Low (9-11%) | Medium (12-13%) | High (14%+)
- Body: Light | Medium | Full
- Oak: None | Some | Lots
- Fruits: Blackberry, Black Cherry
- Flavours: Lavender, Cocoa
Other Notes
2 clones (181 and Q45V14), only 1680 bottles produced
Single Vineyard, Hand Picked, Wild Yeast, Barrel Fermented, Oak Ageing
Cellaring Potential
Will certainly reward 5-10 years in your cellar for those who can wait and appreciate developed wine.
Enjoy With
Rack of lamb with seasonal roast vegetables.
About Below & Above
The Klepec family bought the ex-Houghton vineyard in 2013 and, under the director of contract wine maker Bruce Dukes, have been on a mission since to re-plant the vineyard to produce world-class wines. Since purchasing the vineyard, 6.6 hectares were replanted to Gingin Chardonnay and the coveted 114, 115, 777 and G8V3 Pinot clones, along with 1.2 hectares of new, close planted (1 x 1.5 metre) 667 Pinot, and 181 and Q45v14 Merlot clones.
Of the 34 hectares of pinot noir, chardonnay and merlot plantings, only the best 5% of grapes go into making Below & Above’s wines. Each of Below & Above’s wines are released with bottle age (minimum 3-4 years) so they are both ready to drink now but equally ready to put in the cellar for a few more years.
