Turkish delight lingers in the aftertaste, and what a bloody delight it is too, from start to finish.
Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
About The Wine
There's seems to be a resurgence in the classic medium-bodied 'luncheon-Claret' from the Yarra Valley. Here's a lovely example from Stu Proud and the iconic Thousand Candles vineyard.
This is built from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the younger vines on the property planted in 2011-2012. Stu loves the way that Merlot offers so much lush, deep plummy fruit in the mouth, using the Cabernets to lend a little structure and definition.
It lends itself beautifully to long lazy lunches with a slow cooked lamb shoulder on the table. It's not a profound 'Bordeaux blend', but it's a flat out delicious one to drink.
About Thousand Candles
Thousand Candles is one of the most hallowed vineyards in the Yarra Valley and is currently in the midst of something of a resurgence. The site is managed by the rugged hands of Stuart Proud, one of the Valley's most respected viticulturalists.
Stu farms his grapes and livestock with a deep understanding of biological farming, fostering a thriving ecosystem on the property to create the ideal environment to produce first-class fruit.
The wines that come from this site all share a common DNA, the vineyard characteristics shining through in their earthiness and impressive tannin structure. The wines of Thousand Candles are currently made by Stu who looks to minimal intervention in the winery, trusting that his hard work amongst the vines will pay dividends in the cellar.
Thus far, his impressive results speak for themselves.

Yarra Valley, VIC