Kirralaa Merlot 2001

New Release! The intensity from the famed "Terra Rossa" soils of our extensive vineyard holdings in Coonawarra achieves harmony and balance in our Merlot when we add a dash of our warmer climate Clare Valley Merlot. A final splash of our hearty, tightly-structured Coonawarra Cabernet adds a bolt of strength to the blend and makes the package complete.

A joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Rosemount Estate, Kirralaa Merlot was blended by Tim Mondavi, Philip Shaw and Ian Shepherd.

"Coonawarra is one of the best areas for Merlot. It's continental climate produces vibrant fruit characters that have considerable palate weight. We couldn't reist putting a very stong parcel of Clare Valley Merlot in the blend - this added some sweet fruit to the mid-palate and rounded the wine off nicely. Merlot should have a syrup-like texture with plump, soft tannin. Hopefully we have achieved that."
-winemaker Ian Shepherd

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon