2023 Elderton Estate Merlot

2023 was an unusually cool year, from the decent winter rains all the way through until ripening time in autumn. This presented as a nice relief for the young vines in our Merlot parcel, allowing for steady ripening with no water stress. As our Merlot is only a small parcel, we have to carefully choose our harvest date – we only have one shot at it! Merlot harvest time is similar to Shiraz, and it is always a pleasant surprise to taste the fermenting Merlot parcel amongst so much Shiraz. Our Merlot is fermented in open concrete vats before maturation in 100% French seasoned oak for around 11 months. This gives the wine time to come together and take on subtle oak flavour and tannin to build the palate. This Merlot has great fruit vitality with a lovely fine line of tannin to balance, adding a serious note to the finish.   – Jules Ashmead & Brock Harrison, Elderton Winemakers