Geoff Merrill Henley Shiraz 2003

Geoff Merrill Wines has vineyards in two of Australia’s classic viticultural regions: “Pimpala Vineyard” and “Wickham Downs” in McLaren Vale, and “Graymoor” in the Coonawarra. Individual growing conditions at each site provide an exciting opportunity to highlight the very best of what each region has to offer by skilfully blending single varietals such as McLaren Vale Shiraz and Coonawarra Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon for superb results. It’s very good to see a wine that has been kept back and released when the maker thinks right. Nine years old seems an age, but we should remember we drink most wine before it’s reached its full potential. This has the old wine smell that many wine drinkers (I suspect) are not familiar with: fine old polish and dusty bookshops come to mind, both pleasurable in their own right. The palate is tart dark fruits with the drying tannins making it really interesting. The finish is long and memorable. – Anthony Keys, The Keys Report, 96 points The Finer Details Varietal – Red Wine Style – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintage – 2003 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 15%