2005 Limestone Coast Cabernet Merlot

Viticulture

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. 2005 vintage began with a cool, wet spring, followed by extremes of temperature in February. By autumn, however, the weather had settled providing perfect ripening conditions resulting in grapes with excellent flavor and great natural acidity.

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's Notes

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%) and Merlot (9%) is a supple generously flavored blend, which is always the perfect partner with food. The Greg Norman Estates 2005 Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is bright ruby red in color. Vibrant and complex aromas of spicy, red berry fruit, cinnamon and clove spice. The same abundant, vibrant fruit is reflected on the palate which also shows a hint of licorice, sweet cinnamon spice, and subtle cedary French oak. The wine is beautifully structured with soft, velvety tannins, balanced acid and abundant, bright, sweet fruit on the finish.

Winemaker

Andrew Hales

Cellaring

Will age nicely up to three to four years.

Technical Details

Region/Country: Limestone Coast, Australia
Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.48
Total Acidity: 0.62g/100ml
Harvest Date: March to April 2005
U.S. Release Date: October 2007