Jenke Vineyards Tasting Notes

2005 Merlot

This is our ninth release Merlot varietal. The grapes were grown on our Golf Link's Vineyard which adjoins the Para River in the Barossa Valley. This wine was barrelfermented in French oak barrels. The wine is a medium to full bodied style highlighting the characters of Merlot. Sweet and generous aroma's of ripe plums, blueberries and juicy mulberries are complimented by some savory herbal characteristics.
A veritable mouthful of fleshy fruit flavors - plum, cherries and redcurrants underlined by soft dusty tannins. There are some savory spices which add character and complexity to a long, lingering finish.

Vineyard

The vines were planted in 1989 on alluvial
loam which is well drained. The
vines are pruned to approx. 70 buds
per vine. The vines are mechanically
pruned and harvested..

Oenology

The grapes were harvested at 15 be
and fermented in open top ferment
tanks. The wine was fermented on
skins for 10 days. It completed its fermentation
in seasoned oak barrels.
After racking, the wine was returned
to barrel where it remained for 12 months before bottling.

Filtering & fining

We have bottled this wine without filtration
or fining..

Cellaring

Our 2005 Merlot will benefit from short terms cellaring. Although drinking well now, this wine will continue to
soften and improve over the next 5-7 years. Drink now through 2012..