2018 SMITH HOOPER reserve merlot Ancient and secluded, Wrattonbully is one of Australia’s most exciting viticultural discoveries of recent times. Blessed with the celebrated soil profile of terra rossa over limestone, the region is rapidly establishing a high class reputation for wines of depth and elegance. Soft, yet full of flavour, rich and elegant. Wrattonbully Merlot captivates with its flavour, intensity and opulence. Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is naturally at home within this young viticultural region in South Australia’s Limestone Coast. viticulture/winemaking Our Smith’s vineyard is home to some of the most exciting clones of Merlot in Australia; the Argentinean sourced 8R and Italian Q45-14. These clones combined with precise viticulture and winemaking practices are the foundation of this special wine. A large portion of this wine is created by fermenting “berries in the barrel”. Four tonnes of handpicked Merlot were destemmed into French barriques without crushing the berries. Whole berry fermentation minimises the tannin extraction and creates a style of Merlot that is powerful yet generous and flavoursome. vintage 2018 region wrattonbully vintage conditions With good winter soil moisture, the vines grew happily through a winemaker natalie cleghorn warm spring and into the dry summer months. These conditions harvested 7th - 15th march led to an even bunch set and a healthy vine canopy. Dry and warm alc/vol 14.5% weather at vintage ensured the Merlot vines held their fruit in total acid 5.5 g/l great condition. ph 3.60 winemaker’s comments Deep red with a crimson hue. This is an enthralling wine with aromas of ripe plum and warm chocolate, gently warmed spices, panforte and wintergreen. The palate is full and generous, bursting with creamy NARACOorTE oak, lashings of satsuma plum, boysenberry, blackcurrants and choc- CAPE JAFFA Victoria mint. The mid palate is seductive with velvety, encompassing tannins and the wine finishes with intensity and structure. This is a unique ROBE Merlot of great interest that will cellar for ten years. WRATTONBULLY Enjoy with lentil and walnut loaf, roast chicken or contemplate over coonawarra vintage cheddar. penola South Australia www.smithandhooper.com mount gambier.