Climbing Merlot is an active reference to the high altitude vineyards whence fruit is sourced. It also defines the Cumulus team's ongoing quest for higher achievement. Parcels of Merlot are harvested and crushed, destemmed and cold soaked for a fortnight. Ferments begin at cooler temperatures and are treated to gentle pumpovers as they peak at 28C. Time spent on skins is managed for optimal tannin extraction, pumpovers are gradually decreased to wetting the cap once daily. Upon completion, batches are treated to an extended soak, pressed off skins into a selection of French oak barriques for a year's maturation, before assembling, fining and filtration into the finished wine.