Tight structure and fine tannins to allow the development necessary to evolve complexity not often seen in Australian Merlots.
Deep red in colour, this wine has rich aromas of ripe mulberries, plum tart and fine oak. The palate has layers of dark fruit, cocoa and spicy oak, finishing with mouth-coating tannins adding to the persistence of this powerful wine.
A great wine to pair with the richest of red meat dishes now, with a long cellaring life ahead.
This wine was awarded a Silver Medal in Tranche 2, International Wine Challenge, 2015
Graeme Phillips, The Mercury ‘Tasmanian Weekend’ supplement, 11 July, 2015 –
A much more vinous, savoury style than any of the others (reviewed in article), typically Grey Sands, less opulent fruit and body and with a wiry, mouth-watering edge and finish to the soft and beautifully balanced, maturity of the palate. Lovely food wine and great with a hare or venison ragout. 5 glasses
David Ellis, online, Vintnews –
SEVEN YEARS CELLARING REWARDS WELL
BOUTIQUE Grey Sands Vineyard tucked away in Glengarry overlooking the Tamar Valley just north-west of Launceston, have just released their 2008 Merlot, and while the results of its long seven years in the cellar must be enormously rewarding for owners Bob and Rita Richter, we’re ready to say they’re even more-so for buyers.
The Richter’s have a philosophy of not irrigating their Grey Sands vineyard, preferring to sacrifice higher yields in favour of maximum flavour concentration in the resultant fruit. And it’s certainly paid off in this case, with a drop that’s got wonderfully concentrated dark fruit flavours (think mulberries and plums to the fore,) cocoa, spicy oak and nicely balanced tannins.
And it’s equally rewarding for those who love to savour aromas out of the glass, all that fruitiness simply erupting from this one – almost like putting your nose into a rich plum pudding.
With those already seven years in the cellar, this 2008 Merlot still has plenty more years of life to come, but if you want to get into it now, enjoy with your favourite red meats – as we did, with a Winter-time’s steak and kidney pie.
If you’re planning a driving holiday in Tasmania, Grey Sands Vineyard is a half-hour north-west of Launceston with the Cellar Door, gardens and vineyard open from midday to 5pm the last weekend of every month from October to April (inclusive.) To order their 2008 Merlot ($40 cellar door plus freight) email info@greysands.com.au
Gary Walsh, posted online August 20, 2015 –
Grey Sands Merlot 2008
Tasmanian Merlot. I think it has a future. Time to get TarraWarra on it and graft over some Pinot Noir.
It’s maturing slowly, but confidently. Some cigar box and camphor, aniseed perfume, cherries and even floral scents, very subtle tomato paste character, but the fruit presents as deep and ripe and even. Medium bodied, plush fine grained suede tannin, small berry red fruits, satisfying finish with a twist of black olive. Excellent. Not sure if 93 or 94 points, but I like it. Discreet.
Rated: 94 Points Tasted: Aug 15 Alcohol:13.6% Price: $40 Closure: Diam Drink:2015-2020+
Tony Peters posted on 28.3.16 http://wordsfromawineglass.com/2016/03/28/2008-grey-sands-merlot/ –
2008 Grey Sands Merlot
This wine is not trying to be anything other than what it is. A damn good expression of Australian merlot. The other thing I have to clarify, this is the current release for Grey Sands.
This is a merlot that does not disappoint right from the start. It is a beautiful garnet colour. No, let me rephrase that. Royal garnet in colour and still showing some youthfulness.
Poke your nose in the glass it’s all plush plums, a touch of spicy black cherry and other black fruits. I felt a bit weird because I realised everyone was watching me swirl and sniff this wine for, what seemed to them, like a hell of a long time.
All that yumminess is there too when you finally decide you’d better have a taste or a drink (before the guests start thinking you’re a bit odd). The oak and tannins have become very comfortable and relaxed while wrapped in a doona of dark fruits that this wine seems to possess in spades. This wine has a warm, friendly feel about it and you can’t help but like it.
I have been a fan of this wine for a number of years but don’t drink enough of it but only because I can see it’s potential and tend to put it away for a rainy, roast lamb, kinda day.
Region: Glengarry, Tasmania Cost: $40
Patrick Eckel posted 31.3.16 http://winereviewer.com.au/merlot/2008-grey-sands-merlot –
2008 Grey Sands Merlot
The 2008 Merlot is the current release from Grey Sands and they have released it at a great point in it’s maturity, a veritable bouquet garni on the nose that is led by bay leaf with sultry and leathery dark fruits and touch of peppermint.
The palate gives balance and structure that is consistent with the winemaking style of Grey Sands; leathery plum are wrapped by supple tannins with background notes of peppermint crisp and undergrowth, you are met with a long finish of plum and earth.
An very good expression of the much maligned variety.
When to Drink
Optimal Drinking
2016 – 2022
Date Reviewed
03 28, 2016
Ben Thomas posted 27.4.16 http://www.theweeklyreview.com.au/drink/get-over-the-merlot-myth/ –
MAGNIFICENT MERLOT
Grey Sands Merlot 2008
Tasmania; $40; 13.6%
Enjoy with: Lamb and prune tagine
Score: 95/100
I’m head over heels with this. It’s a delight to smell – layers of spice, plum, mulberry and rose petal aromas – and, indeed, to drink.
Concentrated, powdery tannins and vibrant acid are perfectly balanced with its fresh plum, earth and spice flavours.
dean –
Discovered this little number a few weeks back at the launceston country club.
The nose is incredible. Structure colour and taste only can be put down as class…
My new weekly red at the country club thank god they have a number left…
Graeme Phillips, The Mercury, June 28, 2016 –
Grey Sands 2008 Merlot
A vinous, savoury style, typically Grey Sands, with damson plums and mulberry fruit and a wiry, mouth-watering edge and finish to the softly tannic and beautifully balanced maturity of the palate.
Peter Fisher –
I don’t know about the 2008, but last night I had a bottle of the 2003 (under cork) which was delightful, soft with lovely fruit and a long finish. Still quite youthful but probably at its peak, although I expect it would keep well for quite a few more years to come, unfortunately my last! – great job.
Rita Richter –
Thanks Peter for taking the trouble to comment. Glad you enjoyed it.