2016 'PHILLIP ALEXANDER' RYLSTONE CABERNET MERLOT
Named after Jorg Gartelmann's son Phillip Alexander. This cool climate vineyard on Cudgegong Road in Rylstone on pebbly alkaline clay-loam over limestone produces superb Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.Helped by an alkaline pH of 7.5, similar to the Rhone Valley. Rylstone is a coolclimate district within the Mudgee region.
Awards
James Halliday Wine Companion (91 points)
Silver Medal 2020 Wine Showcase
Cellaring
Drink from 2019, better from 2022, or cellar until 2025+.
Food Pairing
Right now, it needs great Shepherd’s Pie, Osso Bucco or vintage cheddar. In a few years it will sit beautifully alongside a creamy goulash or a chunky minestrone. Love winter, love comfort food, love a Gartelmann Phillip Alexander.
Range
Single Vineyard.
Region
Rylstone (630m) altitude in Mudgee, New South Wales.
Tasting Notes
The nose is a gentle violet version of aniseed swirled with dark berries; blackberries, blueberries and mulberries. This wine shows why it is a match made in heaven. Strength and subtlety in a glass. The palate speaks of careful ageing in subtle French oak to soften the power of leafy Cabernet tannins, and mould them to the silkiness that is Merlot. It is still young though. This wine, and its acid backbone declares it is going to make its presence felt for some years yet.
Vintage
Rylstone had above average rainfall in December and heavy rainfalls in January,February and low rainfall early in March were followed by weeks of completely dry weather until harvest.