Esk Valley, Gimblett Gravels

Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec

This wine was made from a blend of grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels sub region of Hawkes Bay. These free draining shingle soils have excellent drainage and low vigour. Our vineyard sites are close planted and yields per vine are kept low to maximise fruit quality.

WINEMAKING

The individual vineyard parcels were de-stemmed to our fermenters and inoculated with selected yeast strains. Once active, the ferments were hand plunged to gently extract all available tannin and colour from the skins. After a period on skins, the wines were pressed to barrel and tank for malolactic fermentation. The individual varietal and vineyard parcels were aged separately in barrel for 12 months before being bottled.

WINEMAKER'S COMMENT

This is a full bodied and rich Hawkes Bay blend, densely coloured and exhibiting a bouquet of plums, red fruits, dried herbs and hints of oak. The palate is soft and generous in nature, making it easy to enjoy as a young wine; however well ripened tannins suggests this wine has the potential to age exceptionally well.

FOOD MATCH

Enjoy with most meat and game dishes, but especially lamb.

IDEAL DRINKING

Enjoy while young or cellar to five years with confidence.