The Exhibitionist Merlot, Barossa Valley 2018

Once in a while you meet someone larger than life itself. Someone who has no fear and is not afraid to let you know just how great they think they are. Someone that, really deep down and against your better judgement, you can’t help but admire. You’re dealing with The Exhibitionist.

Vintage Conditions

Though 2017 was a late, cool and sometimes damp season, it ended with lower than average rainfall for the late season. Above average rainfall in July and August filled soil profiles and dams but from then on the season has been very dry. It is this dry weather that characterised the 2018 season and the low disease pressure coupled with ideal conditions for flowering and early development set the vines up for an excellent season. With virtually no rainfall between January and April, fruit quality in all areas was very good though some heat stress in February led to isolated defoliation. As we like to pick ‘on the way up’ our season began quickly with several varieties ripening at once but then progressed nicely, with the ability to pick when it suited given the settled weather.

Viticulture

The Barossa Valley is rightly famed for its red wine production. On the Southern reaches of the region, the climate has more similarities with the Adelaide Hills than the valley floor. Here, varieties such as Merlot thrive in the slightly cooler temperatures. Planted on rich red loams with quartz and ironstone nuggets dotted amongst the vines which lend a structure and minerality to the wines produced.

Winemaking

Precise varietal expression and balance are what we seek to achieve and so picking time is of utmost importance. We pick just as flavours are approaching their peak rather than let them get over-ripe. We retain whole berries in the ferment for vibrancy and we press relatively early to avoid astringent tannins.

Tasting

The Exhibitionist is full of rich plum and damson fruit on the nose. Oak used is unobtrusive on the palate which is dominated by rich red berry flavours while also presenting subtle earthy nuances. The wine is elegant and silky with a long finish.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 5.99g/l
pH: 3.4
Residual Sugar: <2g/l
SO2: 74mg/l
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes