"Plums, cherries and smoky oak aromas.  Cinnamon and cedar suggestions and a mild gun metal earthy note.  Dry on the palate with medium + acidity, medium weight, firm youthful tannins and youthful tension and texture.  Fruit flavours reflect the nose with dark plum and cherry.  Still coming into balance showing off the cellar potential and food friendly attributes.  Drink now – decanting recommended.  Best from 2019 – 2024" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"It is attractively fruited and nicely lifted on the nose showing dark plum, cherry, toasted almond, thyme and subtle spice aromas, followed by an elegantly weighted palate that is juicy and smooth. The wine offers ripe fruit intensity and silky mouthfeel, making it immediately appealing. At its best: now to 2021" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Apr 2019

The Toi Toi Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2017 is a delight in the glass, shimmering ruby red with ripe, dark berry fruits underpinned by subtle spicy oak on the nose and a smooth, well balanced palate with a long dry finish. Delicious!

The 2017 growing season will be remembered as one of extremes. January was one of the driest on record with hot sunny days and long dry nights. Our grapes were lapping up the conditions and when we harvested end of March the grapes were at their optimum and benefitted from the rain just prior. The grapes were cold soaked for several days to maximise flavour and colour extraction. Following primary fermentation the wine was aged on light lees then balanced and carefully prepared for bottling in early September 2018. The wine has been aged with oak and is drinking well now, this wine will continue to develop for another five years.

Food Pairing: Merlot and steak is a sure thing. Grill a steak on the barbeque with slices of blue cheese on top, pair with rosemary roast potatoes and broccoli on the side and you have a meal to enjoy.