Friday 15 November 2013

Cumulus Merlot 2011


Straight varietal Merlots are rare as the variety is normally blended with higher acid and tannin varieties. Merlot tends to be soft, cuddly and in need of consuming young. For top examples, the vines need to be water stressed which didn’t occur in 2011.  The vineyard that this wine comes from is single shoot positioned with a soil profile clay and basault which is formed from lava.

 

Cumulus Merlot 2011

 

This is a polished wine with silky oak sliding it way over the more herbal fruit. The flavours of tart plums, pepper, grass and capsicum sit on a medium bodied palate. The alcohol is not evident at all and if asked what the level was I would have said 12.5 – 13. How wrong was I? I do like the flavours but they sit only on the front and mid-palate before the oak takes over.

 

Alcohol: 14%

Price: $50

Rated: 87
 
Drink: Now - 2017

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