Pertaringa Stage Left Merlot 2023

Region: McLaren Vale

Story: This wine is called Stage Left Merlot as the variety has never been centre stage in the vineyard theatre of McLaren Vale. We think that it should be enjoyed for its unique interpretation of this beloved Bordeaux variety.

Vineyard: Sourced from a single block on the Martin's vineyard on Bayliss Road in the Tatachilla region of McLaren Vale. These Merlot vines are the clone D3V14 from University California Davis and were planted in 1990 on an east facing slope.

Soils: These soils are sandy loam over lime from the Ochre cove formation which is from the Pleistocine period (2.6 million years ago).

Harvest Date: 13 April 2023

Winemaking: Single vineyard wine. Grapes are harvested and crushed directly to a static stainless steel fermenter. 8 days on skins for maximum colour and flavour extraction.  Wine was pressed off skins directly to seasoned French oak for maturation. 10 months in barrel prior to blending and bottling. No fining and minimal filtration.

Nose: Bright lifted nose of plum and cherry with herbal notes.

Palate: The palate is medium to full bodied with rich dark red fruits balanced by attractive spice.  Soft tannins add to complexity and round out the balanced palate.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2029

Tasting notes:
2022 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2007

93 points - Wine Orbit, 2024
"Beautifully fruited and elegantly fragrant, the bouquet shows Black Doris plum, thyme, toasted almond and warm spice aromas. The palate delivers ripe fruit intensity savoury nuances, splendidly supported by supple texture and fine, polished tannins."

92 points - Wine Pilot, 2024
“For the Merlot fans amongst us, this wine is proving itself to be a most reliable offering, year after year. From a single block in the Tatachilla sub-region of McLaren Vale, planted in 1990, the wine spent eight days on skins, followed by maturation in older French oak for ten months. Dark red/maroon in colour, the nose offers dried herbs, plums, bay leaves, plum pudding, red cherries with hints of vanilla and nutmeg. Silky tannins and good length here, this will provide pleasure for at least the next three to four years.”

91 points - Wine Showcase, 2024