Product details

2019 The Blend

2019 The Blend

2019 Merlot Blend

Coonawarra, South Australia

This year’s Blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, with 7.5% Cabernet Franc and 5.5% Petit Verdot to add perfume.

    James Halliday Wine Companion 2022
    James Halliday Wine Companion 2022
    93 / 100
    “49/38/7.5/5.5% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/petit verdot. Matured for 14 months in French oak (21% new). The 2019 Cabernet Merlot wasn't made, meaning the best parcels of merlot usually reserved for that cuvée have flowed into this wine. Petit verdot and cabernet franc contribute a heady perfume to the bouquet; on the palate the wine has concentrated black fruits and spice. The shapely tannins through the finish are a highlight. I'd go so far as to posit that this is currently one of the best $20 cabernet blends on the market.”

    Wine Details

    • Region Coonawarra, South Australia
    • Vintage 2019
    • Type Red Wine
    • Variety Merlot Blend
    • Volume 750ml
    • Alcohol Volume 14.5%
    • PH

      3.45

    • Acidity

      6.36 g/L

    • Closure ScrewCap
    • Background

      The Balnaves Coonawarra Vineyard was established in 1975 and is situated at the southern end of the Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. The family, which has been associated with the district since 1855, remains fully committed to a high level of ‘hands-on’ involvement.

    • Vintage Notes

      After good winter rains and a warm spell at Christmas, Vintage 2019 became very cool and late ripening. This year’s Blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, with 7.5% Cabernet Franc and 5.5% Petit Verdot to add perfume and lift.

    • Tasting Notes

      The Cabernet Sauvignon is from both our established vineyards and some cold-soaked, young vine Entav 412 clonal material, while our best Merlot parcel went into The Blend this year as we didn’t make a 2019 Cabernet Merlot. Deep red in colour with a rich nose of liquorice, black fruits, cranberries and some vanilla from the wood, dense and fleshy. Fuller bodied with deep fruit, round soft tannins and lingering dark liquorice fruit characters. 2019 is an outstanding vintage and this is one of the best blends we have made.

    • Awards

      Blend Awards.pdf

    • Tasting Notes

      2019 Blend Tasting Note.pdf

    James Halliday Wine Companion 2022
    James Halliday Wine Companion 2022
    93 / 100
    “49/38/7.5/5.5% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/petit verdot. Matured for 14 months in French oak (21% new). The 2019 Cabernet Merlot wasn't made, meaning the best parcels of merlot usually reserved for that cuvée have flowed into this wine. Petit verdot and cabernet franc contribute a heady perfume to the bouquet; on the palate the wine has concentrated black fruits and spice. The shapely tannins through the finish are a highlight. I'd go so far as to posit that this is currently one of the best $20 cabernet blends on the market.”

    Wine Details

    • Region Coonawarra, South Australia
    • Vintage 2019
    • Type Red Wine
    • Variety Merlot Blend
    • Volume 750ml
    • Alcohol Volume 14.5%
    • PH

      3.45

    • Acidity

      6.36 g/L

    • Closure ScrewCap
    • Background

      The Balnaves Coonawarra Vineyard was established in 1975 and is situated at the southern end of the Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. The family, which has been associated with the district since 1855, remains fully committed to a high level of ‘hands-on’ involvement.

    • Vintage Notes

      After good winter rains and a warm spell at Christmas, Vintage 2019 became very cool and late ripening. This year’s Blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, with 7.5% Cabernet Franc and 5.5% Petit Verdot to add perfume and lift.

    • Tasting Notes

      The Cabernet Sauvignon is from both our established vineyards and some cold-soaked, young vine Entav 412 clonal material, while our best Merlot parcel went into The Blend this year as we didn’t make a 2019 Cabernet Merlot. Deep red in colour with a rich nose of liquorice, black fruits, cranberries and some vanilla from the wood, dense and fleshy. Fuller bodied with deep fruit, round soft tannins and lingering dark liquorice fruit characters. 2019 is an outstanding vintage and this is one of the best blends we have made.

    • Awards

      Blend Awards.pdf

    • Tasting Notes

      2019 Blend Tasting Note.pdf