2002 Limestone Coast Cabernet Merlot
Tasting Notes
This blend is an approachable wine that is the perfect partner with food. The Cabernet Sauvignon (89%) contributes ripe rich mulberry, spice characters and fine velvety tannins. The Merlot (11%) adds cherry, red currant and blueberry characters, and attractive cedary notes are derived from the oak maturation.
Grape Source
The fruit for this wine was sourced from vineyards in the Padthaway, Wrattonbully and Coonawarra regions, which are located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia. The Limestone Coast has become famous for its high quality fruit grown on the rich, red soils overlying hard limestone rock. The 2002 vintage was exceptional. The cool climate developed intense varietal fruit characters, supple tannins and a firm structure.
Vinification
The individual parcels of fruit were harvested and then fermented separately in roto and static fermenters. The juice was pumped over the skins to extract the rich colors and flavors from the skins. The wine was pressed off the skins and a select portion racked into new and seasoned French and American oak for maturation prior to blending and bottling.
Winemaker
Andrew Hales
Cellaring
Excellent drinking now but will reward careful cellaring for up to 3 years
Technical Details
Alcohol: 14%
pH: 3.52
Acidity: 6.1 g/L
Residual Sugar: 2.7 g/L
Ratings & Reviews
Wine Spectator (April 30, 2005 )
"Firm, with chewy tannins and lively acidity around a core of smoky black pepper and berry flavors."
Quarterly Review of Wines (Winter 2004 - Winter 2005)
"The 2002 red wine vintage was very fine in Australia... Mild to assertive tannins are expected. Blueberry, spice from the Merlot join with oak, cherry and chocolate notes. Delicious."
Fond du Lac, WI Reporter (February 7, 2006)
"Flavors of plums, cherries, currants and spice. The Merlot softened some of the Cabernet's harsher edges and made it drinkable now." - Frank & Kate Sutherland
East Valley Tribune (December 14, 2005)
"There are still good values Down Under, and wines from "The Shark" offer a good value-to-equality proposition. This wine tastes a lot bigger than its price. It has ripe and bright red fruit and spice, but silky tannins that make it easy to drink. Like its cedar highlights, too." - Mark Nothaft
