Penley Estate Gryphon Merlot 2006
| Winery: |
Penley Estate |
| Varietals: |
Merlot
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| Vintage: |
2006 |
| Region: |
Australia - Coonawarra |
| Type: |
Red Wine |
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| Past Vintage Rating History |
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| Retail: | $16.79 |
| Savings: |
0% |
| Price: |
$16.79 |
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The Wine
The 2006 Gryphon Merlot expresses distinctive Coonawarra fruit with its luscious aromas, rich
palate and refined, silky tannin structure. This medium bodied Merlot is loaded with regional
personality and amazing finesse. The bouquet is complex with spicy berry and floral notes
integrated with hints of smoky vanilla oak. On the palate, rich red berry flavors are framed by
velvety tannins. Drink now or cellar further to garner additional complexity.
The Growing Region - Coonawarra
Located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, Coonawarra is a pretty flat area, except for the vineyards, which are somewhat elevated. That, along with the proximity to the ocean and clouds that like to hang around, Coonawarra never gets too hot. There is a small strip of soil, about nine miles long and two miles wide, called Terra Rossa, or red soil/earth. It is the coveted place to plant Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon in this small region.
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Notable Facts:
Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the grape of choice here. There is a good amount of Shiraz planted as well, and blends of the two are popular, but Cabernet grown in the Terra Rossa shows a sense of place, and the wines are in high demand. The wine is elegant in structure, with prominent acidity and firm tannins, but full of ripe fruit flavors typical of Australia's style.
About Australia:
Like the United States, which is about the same size, Australia's winemaking regions are huddled into one or two pockets of the country. The state of South Australia, which produces about 60% of the country's wines, also has the most wineries and sub-regions, including McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and Barossa Valley. New South Wales is home to the Hunter Valley, while the smaller, southern state of Victoria has the Yarra Valley in its borders. Head way west to the very large state of Western Australia and you'll find the tiny region of Margaret River at the southern tip.
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