INGRAM ROAD Merlot

Winemaking

At Helen’s Hill Estate we have a small planting of Merlot. Most of the fruit is used in our premium Helen’s Hill Bordeaux Blend “Cabernets” and some is used in the Ingram Rd Shiraz Cabernets. Recently (now that the vines have reached full maturity) we have started to make small batches of a standalone Merlot under the Ingram Rd label, which is only available at Cellar Door.

Firstly, the Merlot is planted in one of the hottest areas in the vineyard. Secondly our entire crop of Merlot is cropped at extremely low yields to ensure that the fruit is at optimal ripeness and flavours. Thirdly, after fermentation we allow the fermented juice to cold soak with the skins in the fermenters for up to 6-8 weeks to extract extra tannins and skin flavours. Finally, all wine is matured in 100% French oak.

 

The result is a Merlot that captures the uniqueness of this variety. Deep, dark ruby red colour. A nose that display’s those toasty, nutty and vanilla characters that Merlot is famous for. The palate is a virtual “Christmas pudding” or “fruit cake”. Rich blackcurrant, blackberry and stewed plums with hints of lighter redcurrant and raspberry flavours abound. Due to the extended time on skins post fermentation, the finish (which can sometimes be a little lacking in Merlot) is long with smooth structured tannins and toasty oak characters. Santé!