Balnaves 'The Blend' Cabernet Merlot' 2017

2017 was cool and long with great ripening conditions for Merlot. The Blend this year consists of Merlot (68%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Petit Verdot (2%). Matured in 30% new oak, balance seasoned French oak for 12 months prior to bottling in November 2018.

"Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot. Classic stuff from great Balnaves mob. What a brilliant wine this is – such ease and charm. Whiffs of blueberry, green herbs, eucalyptus, white pepper. Medium bodied at perfect level, cassis and dark berry flavours, eucalyptus and pepper again, lithe and fine tannins, excellent length and a general sense of succulence. Really punches above its weight. So lovely! What easy charm! Insane value." 93pts - Mike Bennie - WineFront

"68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Matured in French oak (30% new) for 12 months. Some smart winemaking on show which belies the affordable price tag. Gentle fragrance, bright red and black fruits, but the real clincher is the concentrated aromatics, delightfully fresh and lifted. There's violet and rose petal with splashes of spice and some of that Coonawarra bay leaf that is pure terroir. Sensational value." 93pts - Jeni Port - Wine Companion