2013 Botham Merrill Willis Cabernet Sauvignon

The Story: Lord Ian Botham and Bob Willis are two of the biggest names in the modern era of world cricket. Geoff Merrill’s reputation on the International stage of winemaking is equally impressive.

A mutual passion for their respective professions, cricket and wine, drew them together during the English tour of Australia in 1978. Since then a lasting friendship has developed over many bottles opened and balls bowled.

Vintage Information: The 2013 vintage was a welcome return to a fairly normal vintage with good winter and spring rains and only a small reduction in yield across a few varieties.

The ripening period had a small heat hiccup but the vines made it through unscathed and ripening continued extremely well enabling us to pick at full flavour ripeness.

Winemakers Notes: The colour has great depth and youthful hues. Blending of both Coonawarra and McLaren Vale Cabernet brings the best from each region. The Coonawarra component adding perfume, capsicum and bright red berries on the nose with fine tannin and good acidity to the palate.

Chocolate, dark fruits, savoury notes and richness and depth on the palate are delivered by the McLaren Vale Cabernet. The blend is complex and harmonious producing a wine which is undeniably Cabernet both on the aroma and palate.

Food Pairing: Enjoy with slow cooked beef, lamb, lasagne and mushrooms.

Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Coonawarra 52% / McLaren Vale 48%

Harvest Date: March / April 2013

Oak Handling : Aged for 22 months in American & French Oak hogsheads

Alc: 14.5%, pH: 3.29, TA: 7.37 g/L, RS: 2.3 g/L