2018 Gartelmann Joey Merlot
Rylstone

NAME
This wine has been named after Jan Gartelmann’s grandson Joey.
SINGLE VINEYARD
This cool climate vineyard on Cudgegong Road in Rylstone on pebbly alkaline clay-loam over limestone produces a good Merlot, helped by an alkaline pH of 7.5, similar to the Rhone Valley.
The cooler climate with the vineyard at 630m altitude results in a slow ripening season, adding to the complexity of the wine. Sloping reddish brown clay-loam mixed with sandstone and pebbles, provides good drainage and mineral input.
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MATURATION
Kept in 25% new French Oak puncheons, with the balance in 1-3 year old French puncheons and hogshead for 14 months.
TASTING NOTES
Maturation for 14 months has delivered a very full bodied wine with velvet tannins giving structure to a soft rounded palate.
FOOD MATCHING
Good cheese, a roast duckling, pork and roasted smoky BBQ’d anything.
CELLARING
Drink from 2019, great from 2021, or cellar until 2025+.