• French oak
• Blackberry
• Warm spice
• Smooth tannins

Deep crimson in colour with vivid purple edge. This Merlot has lifted varietal characters of plum, and blackberry along with perfume and spice. The ripe plum profile carries over to the palate as well along with red currants, light musk and baking spice. This is an approachable, medium bodied style with mouth filling fruit, smooth tannins, and a long, savoury finish.

The Sandpiper range is named after the migratory bird which visits the Thorn-Clarke vineyards annually from the northern hemisphere - something of a reminder of the tenacity and commitment which is required for long term viticulture.

The 2021 growing season had all the hallmarks of a classic vintage. Consistent warm temperatures without hot days produced perfect conditions for our red varieties to ripen. This along with good winter rains and a dry harvest period resulted in wines with great depth of varietal flavours, excellent tannin structure and colour along with a long balanced finish. Unlike 2019 and 2020 there were more normal yields in the vineyards, giving us the rare double of high quality with good volumes. Reds from 2021 will age well due to their intense concentration and power.

The grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in fermenter and the ferments are pumped over twice daily to maximise colour, tannin and flavour extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferment temperatures remain in the 22-25 degree Celsius range which will allow the fruit to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing then occurs approximately seven days after crushing and the wine is then put into French oak for maturation for up to 12 months.