Geoff Merrill Sangiovese Cilento 2016

£16.45 per bottle

ABV 14.5%

Region
Located just 30 minutes drive south east of Adelaide and parallel to the coast, these rolling hillside vineyards produce some of Australia`s finest Shiraz and Grenache based red wines. Some of the areas historic old wineries were established in the late 1800s and many remain today. With a strong regional identity on the international stage, the wines have a distinctive style and subtlely achieved from a combination of very warm summers, mild winters and cooling sea breezes. Many of Australia`s most famous and expensive wines have their vineyard origins within this region.

Producer
Geoff Merrill was born in 1953 and was raised on a sheep station in the far north of South Australia until he was 11 years old. The Merrill family then moved to the Barossa Valley, just north of Adelaide, where Geoff`s first links with the wine industry were formed. Following his `apprenticeship` at Chateau Reynella, in 1985 he purchased the historic Mount Hurtle winery. Reknowned for his handle-bar moustache and friendship with many of crickets elite, his talents were recently rewarded when he received the legendary Jimmy Watson Trophy, probably Australia`s most prestigious wine award.

Tasting Notes
The colour is a deep brick red, typical of this variety. The aroma is very complex, showing great complexity and interest. Initially there is mint, licorice and spice then pepper, cedar and leather before showing some earthiness and hints of prune and tobacco.The palate is equally as exciting with dark fruits, dark chocolate and mint coming forward, and held together by exceptional tannin and a tight balanced acid structure. This wine will continue to grow in complexity with further bottle age.

Food
The perfect accompaniment to your next plate of Veal Saltimbocca.
Media
James Haliday rating of 90 points, April 2017.