2018 The Lane Block 8 Merlot, Adelaide Hills

A blend of 4 clones hand-picked from a carefully chosen South Eastern facing site in a cooler and wetter region of the hills, just outside of Woodside.  50% whole bunch pressing and whole bunch warm fermentation bring tannins and complexity to provide the perfect balance to the bright cherry and rhubarb notes.Vibrant ruby red. Complex bouquet, Morello cherry, rhubarb, charcuterie and dry herbs with hints of forest floor.Approachable and soft; Satsuma plum, sarsaparilla and bresola, with fine, savoury tannins.

Some whole-bunches go into the ferment, and there's a fragrant carbonic lift here with a blush of red and morello cherries. Spicy as all get out, sparky acidity, palate tight and just medium-bodied; sinewy and astringent needs time to flesh out.

93 points Jane Faulkner  James Halliday Australian Wine Companion