The Exhibitionist Merlot, Barossa Valley 2019

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

Right across South Australia, the 2019 vintage will be remembered as a very challenging one. Very dry conditions persisted throughout the growing season while some areas also had to contend with frost, hail and wind - all of which reduced the crop but helped increase concentration and quality. 

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

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. The wine spent 6 months in older French oak.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 6g/l
pH: 3.4
Residual Sugar: <2g/l
SO2: 74mg/l
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes