2004 Cabernet Shiraz Merlot

VINTAGE DESCRIPTION
The 2003 Gum Bear Cabernet Shiraz Merlot is an excellent young wine that displays fresh and intense blackberry and plum aromas with a hint of spice. The palate is well balanced with dark berry, cherry flavours. The crafted blend finishes with fine persistent tannis.

WINEMAKING NOTES
the 2004 vintage was noted for a very long period of ripening with rain fall in February, coupled with extremly cool weather. The harvest was very late, however the flavour development was excellent. THe Merlot was picked first followed by the Shiraz and the later, te Cabernt Sauvignon. All varities were fermented seperately in small Roto-fermenters at cool temperatures to retain the delicate flavours. Post fermentaion that various wine batches were carefully blended to give a distinct, fruit driven style of wine the reflects bith the Coonawarra region and he generous varietal fruit flavours. A very easy drinking wine that has excellent length of fruit on the palate.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHING
Best enjoyed with rib-eye steak

CELLARING NOTES
Drink now till 2008