Carlei Tre Amici 2005

Variety: Sangiovese 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Merlot 10%

Vintage: 2005Harvest date:  Sangiovese: 19th March 2005, Merlot: 8th April 2005, Cabernet Sauvignon: 18th April 2005

Vineyard location:  Sangiovese: Lake Marmel, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot (Biodynamically certified): Yarra Valley

Oenological Data:
Harvest Beaumé: Sangiovese: 13.6, Merlot: 14.7, Cabernet Sauvignon: 14.1

Total acidity: 6.2 g/l pH: 3.53

Alcohol: 15.0% alc/volProduction: 350 dozenRelease Date: 1st November 2006

Winemaker’s Notes:
Hand harvested at two tonnes per acre off dry grown vines. The fruit was destemmed without crushing to maintain whole berries and then vinified naturally in open French oak fermentors. Prolonged maceration with hand plunging and pumping over for up to 30 days together with fermentation temperatures reaching 35 °C ensured maximum extraction of flavours and other essential fruit components such as tannins and colour. The Sangiovese was aged in a large seasoned Foudre for a period of 16 months, while the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were aged in seasoned French oak barriques.

Tasting Notes:
Complex aromas, dark sour cherries and hints of tar, complimented by dusty, savory notes. Ripe cherry and berry flavours are kept in check by fine dry tannins, great texture and savory elements as suggested by the nose. All of this is wrapped around a beautiful core of acid creating a supple and approachable wine that cries out for food and will improve with further bottle age.

Drink: Now through 2012Printer Friendly PDF: Carlei Tre Amici 2005

Awards and Reviews:

“Rich, succulent array of red fruits; the oak has been cleverly used more to preserve fruits than impart flavour, and the tannins are soft.” - 94/100 points

2008 Australian Wine Companion, James Halliday

“A blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot (hence Tre Amici – “the three friends”), this is a dense, savoury red wine with an intense bouquet of dark fruits, dusty spices, liquorice and fresh tobacco. Fine earthy tannins are given structure and shape.”

Peter Bourne, Sydney Morning Herald - 29th March, 2007

“...a stunning blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot and, while drinking beautifully, will get better still over the next five years. It is well worth a taste.”

Jeff Gordon, Melbourne Weekly Magazine, 7-13th March, 2007