Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Wrattonbully Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012 750mL

Country: Australia Year: 2012 Varietal(s): Merlot Cabernet Franc ABV: 14.6% Terroir: Wrattonbully, SA MyBottleShop Notes: The Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Wrattonbully Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012 is a pure expression of the sublime Whalebone Vineyard. Vineyards and Winemaking: Fruit from 38-year-old vines harvested two weeks earlier than usual (March 20-24). The hand-picked bunches of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the Whalebone Vineyard were separately de-stemmed then partially crushed and chilled to 2°C. Four-day cold maceration before hand-plunged fermentation for 10 days. The two blends were then pressed straight to 70% new French oak barriques. Malolactic fermentation followed by racking on full lees and a further 15 months maturation. Tasting Notes: Translucent, vibrant crimson purple in colour with a floral and leather aroma, plus cedar and spice undertones. The medium-bodied palate is rich in premium fruit finesse and unbeatable tannin structure. A dense core of sweet fruit (from the Merlot). Complex palate of cedar and cigars, plus dried herbs and blackcurrent. Cellaring: Ready to drink now, this wine will improve with cellaring for as long as 2037.