Tasting Note:
A classic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec crafted from handpicked grapes grown in our prestigious Gimblett Gravels vineyards. Blackcurrant, coffee and dark chocolate aromas are underpinned by a pencil lead minerality. A complex palate reveals fine grained tannins and a long, concentrated finish.
Cellaring:
This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to develop for the next 10 years at least. Careful cellaring is recommended.
Winemakers Comment:
- Grapes: Merlot 46%, Cabernet Sauvignon 46%, Malbec 8%
- Destemmed: 100%
- Cap Management: Hand plunged Fermentation: Small open top
- Barrel Type: French oak barrique – 64% new
- Maturation: 20 months in barrel
- Fining: Minimal egg white
- Filtration: Minimal
- Malolactic: Spring
- Bottled: March 2009
- Maceration: 20 - 35 days in total
Soils and Viticulture
Fruit for this wine was grown entirely in the Gimblett Gravels grape growing district. The soil is made up of relatively recent alluvial deposits of gravel with varying degrees of silt and sand. These naturally free-draining, low vigour, lean sites combined with meticulous vineyard management and the long, hot growing season of 2007 have produced a wine showing intensity and depth of flavour.
Awards & Accolades:
- Trophy & Gold – Hawkes Bay A&P Mercedes Benz Wine Awards 2009 (New Zealand)
- Classic Status - Michael Cooper 2010
- 18+/20 - Geoff Kelly 2009
- 4 stars - Winestate Magazine 2009 (Australia)