On the nose this wine showcases plum, boysenberries, blackberry. A ripe spectrum with just a hint of tobacco leaf and spice. the palate is rich, full and firm. Fruit richness is balanced by a fine line of powerful drying tannin.

The Merlot grapes (clones BDX1056, BDX595) were grown at Spy Valley's Johnson Vineyard G Block in the Waihopai Valley where the stony terraces are clay/silt loam lenses over free draining alluvium. Whilst the& Malbec grapes (clones Erindale, UCD6) were from Spy Valley's Johnson Vineyard Lodge Block also in the Waihopai Valley, here the soils are thin sandy silt over very free draining alluvium. This site is well sheltered and warm. At both sites two cane vertical shoot positioning, shoot and bunch thinning are all employed to restrict yields.A vintage that provides ample structure and the concentration necessary for cellaring well. The most complete Merlot Malbec that Spy valley has produced. This should be a pleasure to drink in 2025.