Wrattonbully
85% Shiraz 15% Malbec
14% Alc
Almost fifteen years ago, vignerons Colleen and Mike spent four months in Argentina to taste and learn everything they could about growing and making Argentine Malbec. Later, when Argentine clones of Malbec became available in Australia they seized the opportunity to plant an experimental parcel of four clones on their site in 2008 - seeing synergies between their cool climate site and some of the high altitude estates around Mendoza.
Argentine clones can produce smaller berries, creating wine that is more intense in colour and flavours. On our site, our soils and climate coax these newer clones to create Malbec that is inky, with intense fruitiness and aromatic qualities, and the excellent natural acidity and fine tannins.
We're really excited to be able to share an inky, vibrant, delicious Australian cool climate expression of Argentine Malbec with you.
95 points Halliday Wine Companion
MÉRITE Shiraz Malbec 2020
MÉRITE is located in the Wrattonbully wine region, the northern neighbour to Coonawarra, in the Limestone Coast wine regions. MERITE grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Malbec. They have utilised newer clones of these varieties, which grow differently, to create different flavour profiles and wine styles.
The founders, Mike and Colleen, bought land and planted the vineyard in 2000. Initially only selling wine grapes to wine companies. They began making wine from their vines in 2015.
Small parcels from MERITE vineyard are selected each year to make their wines. Today only 10 percent of the vineyard's grapes are made into their wines - the rest are sold to other wineries.