Zilzie are one of the few Mildura estates that can call on an agenda of excellent vineyards in the splendid red wine precincts of Wrattonbully. Zilzie know from good Merlot, having supplied and worked with many of the nation's most esteemed labels. Wrattonbully's long growing season and cool ripening conditions are best known for producing soft, rich and fruit driven Merlot wines. Zilzie have access to the best, the challenge is to craft a Merlot of such a quality and style while keeping it appealing and immediately approachable to modern palates.
With climates and soil very akin to neighbouring Coonawarra, Wrattonbully is yielding some of the finest Merlot anywhere in Australia. When the Zilzie team make wine, they know that they are working with some of the best Merlot grapes in the country. Choice harvests from the best vineyards are treated to a cold soak for the extraction of colour and tannins. A small percentage remains on skins for an extended maceration to improve palate structure. Following the vinification, batches are transferred to a selection of new and seasoned French oak barriques for up to a year's maturation before being assembled into the finished wine.
TASTING NOTESMid crimson red with purple hues. Great vibrancy on the bouquet, showing mocha, plums and ripe cherry fruit with charry vanillin oak characters. Red berries on the palate, layers of mulberry and cherries over a structure of supple tannins. A deeply flavoured, generous wine offering ample red berry fruit enriched by charry oak and a lingering kick of spice. Pair off with a rosemary sprigged rack of lamb.