Burton

2001 Limestone Coast Merlot

Variety

100% Merlot

Alcohol

13 %

Origin

Limestone Coast, South Australia

Winemaker

Pat Tocaciu

Awards

BWA 2003	Melbourne 2003	Perth 2003	limestone Coast 2003
Hobart 2004	Sydney 2004	Cairns 2005	Melbourne 2005	Hobart 2005

 2005 Halliday Book

Unseasonably warm temperatures led to vintage starting 10 days earlier than normal, with some vines showing reduced acidity. Rain in March reduced sugar levels for some fruit, but the extended ripening period led to perfect picking opportunities. Yields were good and quality high.

The vintage allowed for the all important even fruit set and thick skins. After picking and pressing the wine enjoyed extended maceration and was barrel fermented in both new and used French and American oak for 20 months. Just before bottling the wine was fined, stabilized and filtered.

The wine shows the benefit of optimally ripe fruit both on the nose and the palate. The use of good oak, which is already fully integrated adds complexity, yet leaves this very attractive wine, fruit driven. The finish is long, soft and pleasing.

Now 7 years old this wonderful soft wine is showing the additional complexity that careful cellaring can offer. Recommended drinking now or up to 2016. Serve at 15ºC.