Smith & Hooper `Reserve` Merlot 2018 (6 x 750mL), SA.

$28.99 per Bottle
$173.94 per pack
Wine Summary Image

Vintage Conditions

The growing season was one of the wettest on record, replenishing the soil moisture content and setting the vines up very well. The wet conditions were capped off by a cooler than average spring and early summer. Temperatures normalized at the start of February, with the ensuing long, cool ripening period resulting in lovely fruit flavours and natural acidity.

Viticulture/ Winemaking

Our Smith’s vineyard is home to some of the most exciting clones of Merlot in Australia; the Argentinean sourced 8R and Italian Q45-14. Planted in 2003 we are starting to see the fruit mature beautifully. The use of these clones combined with carefully considered viticulture and winemaking practices are the foundation of this special wine. A large portion of this wine is created by fermenting “berries in the barrel”. Three tonnes of handpicked Merlot was destemmed into French barriques without crushing the berries. Whole berry fermentation minimises the tannin extraction and creates a style of Merlot that is powerful yet generous and flavoursome without harsh tannins.

Ancient and secluded, Wrattonbully is one of Australia’s most exciting viticultural discoveries of recent times. Blessed with the celebrated soil profile of terra rossa over limestone, the region is rapidly establishing a high class reputation for wines of depth and elegance.

Soft, yet full of flavour, rich and elegant. Wrattonbully Merlot captivates with its flavour, intensity and opulence. Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is naturally at home within this young viticultural region in South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

Region:
SA - Other South Australian
State:
South Australia
Country:
Australia

Expert Reviews

"Plump, ripe mulberry and boysenberry flavors."

93 Points

This has a fresh, brambly feel with attractive, spiced mulberry and plum, as well as a cedary edge (35% new oak) and blueberry. The palate is soft, supple and round, with smooth, plush tannins carrying plump, ripe mulberry and boysenberry flavors. Drink now. Screw cap.

Nick Stock, James Suckling.com, 06 Oct 2021

Winery Tasting Notes

Colour

Bright and medium depth in colour with a crimson hue.

Aroma

This unique wine opens with beautiful aromas of cloves, roses, cinnamon and fresh strawberries..

Palate

There is a savoury lift of wintergreen with a sweet spicy finish reminiscent of Panforte. A complex wine that exhibits intricate flavours. The palate opens with a full burst of mulberry and boysenberry and a hint of vanilla. The wine shows depth, supple velvety tannins and lovely fruit generosity accompanied by intriguing savoury undertones.

Food Match

Enjoy with lentil and walnut loaf, roast chicken or contemplate over vintage cheddar.

Cellar

This is a unique Merlot of great interest that will cellar for ten years.

Winery Profile

Smith & Hooper wines are sourced entirely from two Wrattonbully estate vineyards - adjacent vineyard blocks previously owned by the Smith and Hooper families. These are premium red wines from exceptional vineyard sites where the winemaking philosophy is to let the terroir speak for itself - and it does. The elements of soil and climate at Smith & Hooper have transformed the noble varieties of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon into wines of finesse and distinction.

View Smith & Hooper website

Other Information

  • 2018 vintage
  • 6 x 750mL Bottles
  • SA - Other South Australian, South Australia
  • Screwcap closure
  • 14.5% alc.
  • New

The Grays Advantage

We’ll despatch your product the next working day! Depending on your location, you can expect delivery anywhere between 2 and 5 working days from payment date.


We will send you an email notifying you as soon as your items have left our warehouse.


In this email, you will find the name of the carrier company and the consignment note number of your item as well as information on tracking the delivery of your item online. Simply follow the link to the relevant website and enter your reference number. You will then be able to quickly and efficiently track the delivery status of your item!


Please Note: Your goods will be delivered to your registered address. We do delivery Australia wide except for a few remote territories, please check the shipping calculator to confirm delivery availability and timeframes.


Click here for details

Customer Reviews

The Grays Advantage

We’ll despatch your product the next working day! Depending on your location, you can expect delivery anywhere between 2 and 5 working days from payment date.


We will send you an email notifying you as soon as your items have left our warehouse.


In this email, you will find the name of the carrier company and the consignment note number of your item as well as information on tracking the delivery of your item online. Simply follow the link to the relevant website and enter your reference number. You will then be able to quickly and efficiently track the delivery status of your item!


Please Note: Your goods will be delivered to your registered address. We do delivery Australia wide except for a few remote territories, please check the shipping calculator to confirm delivery availability and timeframes.


Click here for details