1999 Preece Merlot

Notes sourced from Preece

The 1999 vintage started with a wetter than normal spring. Below average yields combined with well-spaced summer rains and a warm, dry vintage period to result in good wine quality across all varieties.A combination of Goulburn and King Valley fruit is selected for this wine. The grapes were grown on Scott Henry and VSP trellis systems and the vines were spur pruned to produce 6 tonnes per acre. The soil types range from red sandy loam to grey clay.Vinimatic fermentation took place at temperatures ranging between 20ºand 27ºc, allowing for total extraction of colour, flavour and tannin, but maintaining softness. After malolactic fermentation the wine was earth filtered then aged in 2-3 year old oak barrels for 17 months.The wine is deep ruby in colour with an earthy broad cherry-like aroma. The palate is smooth flowing, with excellent integration of sweet fruit, acid and tannin. Alcohol: 14.0%