Paulett Wines

2014 PAULETT POLISH HILL RIVER CABERNET MERLOT

RRP $26 / 2034

An estate-grown 64/36% blend matured in French hogsheads for 18 months. It’s not a common blend in the Clare Valley, but this elegant, medium-bodied wine pays no attention to any preconceptions. Cassis and a touch of black olive are provided by the cabernet, black fruit and plum by the merlot; the tannins are supple, the oak integrated. Seriously good wine at this price. 14.4% alc.

WINEMAKER Kirk McDonald What do you love about aged wine?

It's enjoyable to see a wine grow into the body it was born with, such as in red varieties that have fresh fruit characters, an oak influence, tannin and acid structure that provides power and attitude in the early years. This all creates a poise that demands respect after years in the bottle. Cellaring multiple bottles of a wine, and making the decisions to enjoy it at intervals along its maturation with the goal of finding that magic moment of opening the bottle and experiencing a 'wine moment' can show how special wine really can be.