O’Leary Walker Blue Cutting Road Cabernet Merlot 2018 Clare Valley – 6 Bottles

TASTING NOTES: Martin & Joan Smith’s vineyard stands as an excellent example of what this sub-region of Clare can achieve. Quality soils are the thumbprint of all great wines and as the road leading to both vineyards is called Blue Cutting Rd, so too is the basis of these vineyards. Grey loam acid soils over sandstone and slate make up the profile with much of the topsoil littered with rock, hinting at just how tough the vines need to be to sustain growth and produce quality fruit – not to mention the work of the vigneron to ensure overall balance. Marked the first year of NASAA Organic Certification for these vineyards. These varieties are blended at the crusher. Small batch ferment in 2 and 4-tonne fermenters over a 12 day period using natural yeast and hand plunged. The wine was left on skins for 15 days to enhance tannin complexity maximising flavour and length. Pressed to tank then racked to oak after 4 days (25% new French oak; 75% seasoned oak) for a total of 2 years. Plum red with deep purple hues Violets, rich mulberry and spice. Complex with hints of French oak and cassis. Decadent juicy palate with dark forest fruits. Mocha and spice from the use of French oak. Great balance and long juicy tannins. This food-friendly wine.