Petaluma Merlot 2019 (6 Bottles) Coonawarra

$389.00 GST Included

AUSTRALIA WIDE SHIPPING INCLUDED

At Petaluma, our unwavering commitment is to craft wines of extraordinary caliber, guided by a profound respect for the unique terroir of each vineyard. Our exceptionally limited Merlot exemplifies this dedication, sourced meticulously from a small parcel of dry-grown, low-yielding vines trained with precision.

Every step of its journey, from hand pruning to hand harvesting, through meticulous fermentation and 22 months of oak maturation, is executed with meticulous care, resulting in a Merlot of true distinction.

This Merlot is a testament to its varietal character: full-bodied, lavish, evoking the richness of plum pudding and the indulgence of mocha. Its palate seduces with a tapestry of red fruits, blackberries, and plums, accented by lingering whispers of tobacco leaf and spice, harmonizing effortlessly with the finely grained tannins derived from our thoughtfully selected oak regimen. Medium-weighted yet remarkably balanced, this Petaluma red strikes a harmonious equilibrium between fruit, oak, and acidity, delivering an experience of unparalleled sophistication.

SKU: 586201-19 Category:

Description

WINEMAKING
Each fruit parcel was handpicked before careful transportation to the Petaluma winery. The fruit was fermented in stainless steel static fermenters with heading down boards. Then, inoculated with our chosen yeast strain, the wines were rack and returned daily before being pressed to tank. The wines then spent 17 months in barrel (54% new French oak barriques and hogsheads with the balance in one year old French oak), during which time they underwent full malolactic fermentation. The wines then underwent racking, fining with egg whites and a light filtration before being bottled.

About Petaluma

Petaluma was founded in 1976, built on the belief in carefully selecting the finest viticultural sites within a particular iconic Australian wine region. This belief is based on planting the right grape varieties specifically suited to that region. The wines of Petaluma are a singular expression of this founding belief. Today, we have a dedicated team of grape growers and winemakers, working together in order to create truly remarkable wines. Our winemaking is uncompromised and intuitive and the wines are handcrafted. Constant attention to detail and dedication to quality, above all else, see the wines of Petaluma setting the standard for now and decades to come. The distinguished sites belief led us to nurture Riesling in the Clare Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz in Coonawarra, Chardonnay in the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, Shiraz from the warm escarpment of Mt Barker and Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills.

 

Ben Thoman – Senior Winemaker
Petaluma Wines

Ben Thoman, the Senior Winemaker at Petaluma Wines, is a true South Australian local. However, winemaking wasn’t his first career path. For over a decade, he worked as an engineer and project manager while quietly amassing an impressive wine collection.
As Ben’s passion for wine grew, he decided to take a leap of faith and returned to the University of Adelaide in 2007 to study winemaking. He completed research scale winemaking and even spent a vintage in the Mosel Valley, Germany, all in the name of pursuing his love for Riesling, which remains one of his favorite varietals to this day.

Throughout his 15-year career, he’s developed his skills in all styles of winemaking, including a stint as a sparkling winemaker in Napa, California. Today, as the Senior Winemaker at Petaluma Wines, Ben considers being the Petaluma Ambassador as well as participating in wine show judging and consumer engagement as critical aspects of his role and development as a winemaker.

Ben’s winemaking philosophy centers around the perfect balance of art and science. With his engineering background, he takes a systematic approach to his work to ensure there’s plenty of time for fun and creativity in what he does. Join Ben on his winemaking journey and see how he blends science with creativity to create some of the world’s most exceptional wines.

Vinarchy

Vinarchy is a major new force in the global wine industry, established in 2025 through the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers. This strategic union has created one of the world’s largest dedicated wine companies, with operations spanning Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain, and annual net sales exceeding AU$1.5 billion. Vinarchy produces over 32 million 9-litre equivalent cases each year and owns Berri Estates, the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere.

The company’s portfolio features some of the most iconic wine brands globally, including Hardys (the number two Australian wine brand worldwide), Campo Viejo (the leading Rioja brand), and Jacob’s Creek (among the top ten most valuable wine brands internationally). Vinarchy also holds a dominant position in New Zealand with Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate, and Mud House, and manages a diverse range of premium and popular labels such as Grant Burge, Jam Shed, Petaluma, St Hugo, St Hallett, Orlando, Church Rd, Ysios, and Tarsus.