2020 Freycinet Vineyard Merlot

"An unlikely hero from Tasmania, but this wine goes well beyond expectation. In the glass, scents of just-ripe plum, cedarwood, black pepper, touches of eucalyptus and a good whiff of baking spice. The palate is quite sinewy in its tannin profile but pleasing, plummy fruitiness, a chocolately element and more of the cedar and spice roll through among the tension and tautness of the tannin. Reserved, and one for cellaring or long decants, it feels."
- 94 points, Mike Bennie

"Such a pretty red-fruited wine with notes of redcurrant, raspberry, red cherry and a liminal whiff of watermelon and cranberry. There's an array of exotic spice and hints of purple flowers, rhubarb, amaro herbs, mushroom broth, forest floor, Peking duck, pomegranate and earth. Spacious, filigreed and mineral-laden, I really liked this wine's energy, super-fine tannins, meaty nuance and tail of raspberry and spice as it slowly retreated. Lovely and perfect for those seeking a lighter, airier style of pinot."
- 94 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

SPECIAL RELEASE - ONLY 1150 BOTTLES PRODUCED

For the first time, Freycinet Vineyard has produced a 100% Merlot wine from the 2020 vintage. This is a serious Merlot, worthy of contemplation and a special place in the cellar of any serious Tasmanian wine collector.

Our Merlot vines are at the heart of our original ampitheatre vineyard and in 2020 produced a rich and densely flavoured wine of superb structure and poise. This special release spans Freycinet Vineyard's three generations with vines planted by founders Geoff and Susan Bull in 1979 and winemaking undertaken by 2nd and 3rd generation family members. The result is an elegant Merlot of substance and fragrance, offering rich plums, blueberries and spice, framed by savoury herbs and black olives. 

With only 1150 bottles produced, this is a limited special release and will continue to impress for many years to come.

Drink: Now - 2037