PREVELI Merlot 2001

Bottle per case: 12

Preveli winemaker Andrew Home was mentored by one of the Best in the West, namely winemaker Clive Otto, the senior winemaker at the Holmes a Court owned Vasse Felix Winery.  Vasse Felix has achieved an incredible number of accolades and show medals, resulting from Clive Otto’s expertise.  On tasting the Preveli range it is evident that much of Clive’s experience is present.

Although the Preveli winery is to date largely unknown, the wines are simply too good for this to remain the case.  Nurturing is crucial for the wine and this is evident from the winemaker himself - Andrew Home.  Preveli also has the breeding, as the wines are sourced from estate grown and contracted vines (predominantly dry grown) and their ages differ from a minimum of 14 years.  The Margaret River is the breeding ground for much of Australia’s Super Premium wine, and includes Leeuwin Estate, Cape Mentelle, Devils Lair and Moss Wood to name but a few.

The environment in the south western corner of Australia, especially the famous Margaret River, enjoys near perfect conditions for viticulture.  Its west coast Mediterranean climate features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers - ideal for the growth of high quality fruit.  By comparison with Bordeaux, Margaret River enjoys less rain during a longer, drier, moderate growing and ripening period.  And like Bordeaux there are certain grape varieties that are well-suited to the area, eg. Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.