Hope Estate Merlot

Wine information: Hope Estate was established in 1994 when Michael Hope gave up his pharmacy career to do something he loved – to make wine. The winery, adjoining the new Fordwich vineyard, was purchased in 1996 and occupies the site of the former Saxonvale Winery which lay dormant for a number of years. Renamed the Hill of Hope, after years of standing as en empty shell, the winery once again became operational after having been refitted for his first vintage of Hope Estate in 1997. Taking a giant leap forward Michael acquired the Kyneton based Virgin Hills wine business in Victoria and the 45 acre Donnybrook vineyard in Western Australia in 2000. All wine from these interstate vineyards being bottled, warehoused and distributed from his Hunter Valley headquarters at Broke. Since then he’s built one of the Hunter’s most successful family owned wineries. The Hunter Valley heat definitely suits Merlot which is fast becoming a favourite for wine lovers around the world.

Tasting Notes: Hope Estate Merlot is aged in French oak 50% and tight grained American oak 50%. It has a warm plum red colour. There are aromas of stewed plums and chocolate with herbaceous mulberry leaves. On the palate there are ripe stewed plums flavours complemented by blackcurrants.

Food & drink match: Serve with antipasto, roast lamb, and pork or lamb-based Asian cuisine. Hope Merlot is drinking well now, however it will continue to develop flavours over the next 5 years.

 
     

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