Third Reef Merlot 2018

Tasting Notes:

The Rockcliffe Third Reef Merlot 2018 presents a deep, rich red colour in the glass, instantly catching the eye. The nose is dominated by the deliciously ripe aroma of plums, followed by subtle notes of red berries that lead into a smooth, medium-bodied palate. On the palate, flavours of ripe plum and red berries shine through, offering a harmonious balance of fruit and smooth tannins. The finish is soft and satisfying, making it a perfect wine for easy enjoyment.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Roast Chicken: A perfect pairing for roast chicken, as the wine’s smooth fruitiness complements the tender meat beautifully.
• Charcuterie: Serve with a spread of charcuterie, including salami, prosciutto, and pâté, to enhance the rich fruit flavours of the wine.
• Pasta Dishes: This Merlot pairs effortlessly with comforting pasta dishes, especially those with a tomato-based sauce, such as spaghetti bolognese or penne arrabbiata.
• Cheese: A great match for mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavours.

Best Serving Temp:

Serve the Rockcliffe Third Reef Merlot at 16C to allow its fruit-forward profile and smooth finish to shine.

• If storing at room temperature (22°C): Chill the bottle for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Technical Terms Explained:

• Medium Body: Refers to the weight or fullness of the wine. A medium-bodied wine like this Merlot offers a balanced mouthfeel—not too light or heavy.
• Tannins: Natural compounds found in grape skins and seeds that contribute to the structure and texture of the wine. This Merlot has soft, integrated tannins that provide a smooth mouthfeel.
• Fruit-Forward: A wine that emphasizes the flavours of the fruit in its profile, offering juicy and vibrant notes of ripe berries and stone fruits.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: Merlot
• Region: Denmark, Great Southern, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 14% by Vol | 8.8 Standard Drinks
• pH: 3.6
• Titratable Acidity (TA): 5.5 g/L
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2018

Learn More About Rockcliffe Winery

At Rockcliffe Winery, premium quality and sustainability go hand in hand – it’s at the core of everything we do! We source 100% of our energy from renewable solar power, with any excess energy carefully stored in lithium batteries.

But our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. Despite the convenience of having Denmark mains water just 40 metres away, we’ve opted for complete self-sufficiency in water usage. We utilise filtered dam water for irrigation and cleaning purposes, while filtered rainwater – predominantly collected from our roofs – is used to rinse anything that comes into contact with our wine, including pipes and tanks, as well as for drinking water.

Our overarching goal is to operate at the highest environmental standards possible. We’re dedicated to being as sustainable as we can, ensuring that every step of our winemaking process reflects our commitment to both quality and environmental responsibility.

Who Owns Rockcliffe Winery? Steve Hall, After a long and successful career as a Geologist all around the world, Steve stumbled upon the 36 hectare Rockcliffe Vineyard property in 2002 and knew his life was about to take a very different direction. Having visited over one hundred countries and thousands of wineries, Steve could see the potential in Denmark. Over the next 5 years, Steve worked tirelessly to craft Rockcliffe Wines and continued to develop it into what it is today.

There is no dull moment when Steve is around! He has a wealth of stories and anecdotes to share and is known for making people laugh. Steve’s attention to detail and passion for quality shows in everything Rockcliffe produces.

See all wines from the Great Southern Wine Region HERE

Read the latest Rockcliffe Wine Reviews HERE