62% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. A fantastic red wine vintage throughout Hawke’s Bay and especially in the warm stony soils of the Gimblett Gravels area. Hand-harvested from 7 year old vines. Water management is especially important so that the vines do not become too stressed in these very free draining soils. Average Brix levels at harvest of 24-25°. Fermented in specially built oak vessels for up to 3 weeks and then transferred to French oak barrels (80% new) for 19 months. Winemakers Steve Smith MW and Larry Cherubino.

Absurdly heavy bottle. Dark, brooding, spicy, plum jam smell. Rich, ripe and spicy taste. Warm, but not hot. A lovely mouthful. Alc 14.1%, TA 6.01g/l, pH 3.63. Available from Wine Direct and 15 branches.
15/10/2008

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