2003 Limestone Coast Cabernet Merlot

Tasting Notes

A bright ruby red in color with a fresh leafy black currant aroma, supported by complex aromas of spicy plum, red currant, black cherry and ripe cranberries. These aromas follow onto the generous flavored palate, and include complex notes of sweet cinnamon spice, warm clay earth, smoky cedar oak and dark fruitcake.

Grape Source

The fruit for this wine was sourced from the Limestone Coast vineyards in Padthaway, Coonawarra and Wrattonbully. Australian red wines from these regions are renowned for their quality and consistency, particularly parcels of fruit from vineyards grown on rich red soils overlying hard limestone rock. The 2003 vintage was warm and dry; conditions that ensure concentrated ripe varietal fruit characters, soft tannins and a finely balanced structure.

Vinification

The individual vineyard parcels of fruit were harvested then fermented separately in rotary and static fermenters. Careful management of the wine in these fermenters extracted the dark color and rich flavors from the skins without any harsh tannins. The wine was pressed off the skins and racked to new and seasoned French and American oak for maturation prior to blending and bottling.

Winemaker

Andrew Hales

Cellaring

Will age nicely up to three years.

Technical Details

Alcohol: 14%
pH: 3.47
Acidity: 6.2 g/L
Harvest Date: March to April 2003

 

Ratings & Reviews

Wine Spectator (Dec 31, 2006 - Jan 15, 2007)
Great Values of 2006: Outstanding wines for $15 or less.

 

Wine Spectator (December 15, 2006)
#65: The Top 100 of 2006

 

Wine Spectator (October 31, 2006 )
The Values Guide: 100 Great Buys For $25 or Less

 

Wine Spectator (October 15, 2006)
Harvey Steiman's Recommended Australian Reds: Top Values

 

Wine Spectator (September 30, 2006)
"Smart Buy. Lively, juicy and graceful. A smooth red with currant and plum flavors wrapped harmoniously around the finish, with overtones of toast and cedar. Drink now through 2012." - Harvey Steiman

 

Winespectator.com Sips & Tips (August 7, 2006)
Best Buy of the Week

 

Sports Illustrated (The Grapes of Golf, April 10, 2006)
"The Tour's combination doubles the number of wines available with connections to professional golf, thus creating a wine category. Greg Norman was the first golfer to get into the business in the mid-90's. Included on the list of recommended golf wines: 2003 Greg Norman Estates Cabernet Merlot. " - Bill Henderson

 

Baltimore Sun (February 22, 2006)
"Almost purple and very powerful, this Australian stood toe-to-toe with the spicy red beans and rice recipe. The bargain of the tasting." - Rob Kasper