Stelzer Road Merlot, JJ Hahn
This wine showcases the lovely softness, elegance and sensitivity that is Merlot. Fruit is sourced from a selection of vineyards in various sub regions of the Barossa (Light Pass, Western Ridge and Eden Valley), adding more interest to the final product.
This Merlot has a rich deep purple colour, indicative of the variety. The nose displays hints of stewed plums, perfumed violets, cinnamon and cassis. The palate is ripe with intense sweet concentrated fruit which This is a bright and juicy wine with hallmark varietal flavours of stewed plums and blackcurrant, and hints of spice such as clove and cinnamon. It’s a soft, easy drinking wine with a long persistence of flavour on the finish, supported by plush tannins.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.3 %
pH
3.49
ACIDITY
6.6 g/L
ORIGIN
Australia
WINEMAKER
Rolf Binder
VARIETY
Merlot
TIME IN OAK
10 months
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Screw top
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Barossa Valley
VEGETARIAN
No
VEGAN
No
Vintage conditions
The warm to hot weather in December 2018 and January 2019 combined with a relatively small crop saw harvest begin mid-February, two weeks earlier than the norm. Throughout the season, the flavour and phenological ripening kept up with the sugar development and despite the challenges of the dry season and in many vineyards limited water, most vineyards ripened what grapes they had evenly and completely, once again proving the tenacity of the grape vine, the terroir of the Barossa and the value of old vines.
Vinification details
This fruit is from a combination of Binder Estate vineyards in various sub regions of the Barossa Valley, as well as a small percentage of cooler climate fruit sourced from a grower in Eden Valley. Once picked, the grape parcels are fermented in open fermenters with use of heading down boards for optimal extraction for 7 days. The wine is then pumped into French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels to mature for 10 months before final blending and bottling.
Contact us to discuss
Stelzer Road Merlot, JJ Hahn
This wine showcases the lovely softness, elegance and sensitivity that is Merlot. Fruit is sourced from a selection of vineyards in various sub regions of the Barossa (Light Pass, Western Ridge and Eden Valley), adding more interest to the final product.
This is a bright and juicy wine with hallmark varietal flavours of stewed plums and blackcurrant, and hints of spice such as clove and cinnamon. It’s a soft, easy drinking wine with a long persistence of flavour on the finish, supported by plush tannins.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.1 %
pH
3.45
ACIDITY
6.7 g/L
ORIGIN
Australia
WINEMAKER
Rolf Binder
VARIETY
Merlot
TIME IN OAK
10 months
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Screw top
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Barossa Valley
VEGETARIAN
No
VEGAN
No
Vintage conditions
After reasonable winter and spring rainfall, soil moisture was adequate during the 2018 growing season and the Barossa’s vineyards were exhibiting healthy canopies heading into summer. Jan and Feb were warm and dry, with very warm temperatures in Feb slowing down the pace of ripening, allowing good flavour to develop more slowly. The warm, dry Summer extended throughout the harvest season until the end of April. Overall yields were 10- 20% down, but quality high.
Vinification details
This fruit is from a combination of Binder Estate vineyards in various sub regions of the Barossa Valley, as well as a small percentage of cooler climate fruit sourced from a grower in Eden Valley. Once picked, the grape parcels are fermented in open fermenters with use of heading down boards for optimal extraction for 7 days. The wine is then pumped into French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels to mature for 10 months before final blending and bottling.
Contact us to discuss