2022 Monkey Nut Tree Merlot

THE NAME: Situated on one of the highest aspects of the Barossa Ranges, this lone standing mushroom shaped tree is visible from almost every vineyard in the region. What was once a key navigation point for Ken Kies and the other pilots of small aircraft, is now a symbol of the strength of Kies Family winemaking, overcoming adversity for six generations. The tree is home to many stories, from underneath and high above.

VINEYARD REPORT: The two plantings of Kies Merlot offer very different styles of fruit come vintage. Michael says the older vines which produce the fruit for the Monkey Nut Tree Merlot are about the ugliest vines you’ll ever see but they continue to supply stunning fruit. Grown on a clay soil with a limestone base, these vines were grafted onto Shiraz rootstock in 1986, they are trained into a single wire and hand pruned.

TASTING NOTES: This Merlot is unique and boasts aromas of rich dark fruits, mint and baking spices, followed by loads of blackcurrant, raspberry and dark chocolate characters on the palate. The finish is round and long exhibiting  silky tannin. This is an elegant wine that will grow with time.

A very popular wine and one that has been sorely missed since the last vintage of production (2017). A small batch production so get in quick! 

AWARDS FOR PREVIOUS VINTAGE: DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – CWSA AWARDS 2018
GOLD MEDAL – AUSTRALIAN SMALL WINEMAKERS SHOW 2019