This distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon is made from ultra-premium grapes grown on twenty-one year old vines in our Mere Road Vineyard, located in the celebrated stony Gimblett Gravels district of Hawke’s Bay.
The grapes were handpicked at ideal physiological ripeness and balance on 22nd and 29th April 2016 at 22.4° Brix. The fruit was destemmed, retaining whole berries which were cold-soaked for 24-hours. Sixty-one percent was allowed wild fermentation, the balance inoculated with selected yeast. The cap was plunged twice daily throughout ferment, until dry.
The wine was macerated on its skins for a further 14 days, then pressed to barrel and aged for 17 months in quality oak - 90% French, 10% American oak, 48% being new wood, with one gentle aerated racking. The wine was egg white fined, followed by a pad filtration prior to bottling under screwcap on 23rd November 2017.
This opulent Cabernet Sauvignon, with its dark brooding presence, exudes distinctive blackcurrant character, laced with aniseed and mocha. Silky smooth tannins and ageing in quality oak contribute poise, structure and length. A distinguished wine, it is eminently enjoyable now or to greatly reward cellaring.
