Winery & Vintage Info
Until 1992, Elderton had used the small amounts of Merlot produced from the Estate as a blending tool with Cabernet. In 1992, the individual parcel of Merlot was exceptional and the decision was made to make a single varietal that encompassed the best that Merlot had to offer.
The Elderton Merlot has been frequently recognised amongst the best Merlots in the country, as well as one of the most consistent. The 2019 vintage shows how superb Merlot can be in Australia, when handled well, and this wine sits proudly in our portfolio with its harmonious power and elegance.
Elderton's Nuriootpa vineyard, which is approximately 72 acres in size, has only one small block of Merlot, and two new parcels which will begin bearing from 2020. These vines are towards the back of the vineyard, on the highest point, where the soils are much sandier and free-draining than those closer to the river bed. We also source fruit from Light Pass.
The lead up to the 2019 vintage was tricky given the drier than average winter in 2018, which lead to early frost in Nuriootpa and a much drier than average continuation throughout the growing season. Fortunately, our Merlot vines escaped major loss due to frost. The ensuing summer dry weather has created a wine with structure and elegance, and some subtle fleshy notes to balance this. Winery Notes
