• French oak
• Chocolate & spice
• Blackberry
• Soft, ripe tannins

"Merlot is one of the top four most popular grapes in Hawke’s Bay, both with vineyard plantings to reflect this and in terms of wines that red drinkers look to the Bay to produce. This wine doesn’t disappoint. It rewards with deep ripe red plum flavours in a plush, soft, smooth bodied with impressive structural backbone from the 10% of Cabernet Franc and 5% of Cabernet Sauvignon, which do not need to be declared on the label (85% of the wine is Merlot and this is in line with label regulations). These two grapes add backbone and richness, while allowing Merlot to take the driver’s seat in flavour profile. This wine will hold for a couple of years but it’s a damned delicious drink right now" Joelle Thompson, May 2020

"Dark, deep ruby-red with a youthful purple hue, lighter on edge. The nose is voluminous with aromas of ripened plums, blackberries, unfolding deep florals, dark chocolate interweaved a subtle layer of baking spices. This wine is smooth and generously presented. Medium-full bodied, displaying sweet scent of plums, blackberries; the chocolatey tannin extraction and structure broadened the palate with weight and interweaved spices to a sustained finish. This is a smooth and generous Merlot with flavours of plums, blackberries and oak spices with good tannin structure and body. Match with grilled red meat and casseroles over the next 5+ years "Yvonne Lorkin, Jun 2020

"A gorgeous rendition of the variety; the inviting bouquet shows dark plum, blueberry, violet and subtle spice notes, leading to a succulent palate that’s splendidly flavoursome and smooth. It’s mouthfilling and fleshy, offering terrific drinking" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jun 2020

"Dense, ripe merlot with Black Doris plum, blackberry, mocha, star anise and spicy oak flavours. Fruit sweetness is balanced by juicy acidity and fine, ripe tannins. An accessible wine offering good value at this price" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, May 2020

"Full, vibrant and fruit centric bouquet with aromas of black cherry and dark plums, some black currant, wild mushroom and brown baking spices. On the palate - bold and flavourful with an abundance of dark red berry fruit flavours and plum, baking spices and toasty wood. Moderate to firm tannins and acidity to match. Well made, lush, fresh and dry with lengthy smooth-ish finish. Best drinking from 2022 through 2024" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, May 2020

Chocolate, plum, and blackberry aromas of Merlot have combined with the aromatic spice of oak aging to produce a fruit-dominant yet complex wine. Soft, ripe tannins make this wine serious yet eminently drinkable.

A merlot blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon grown throughout Hawke's Bay in Gimblett Stones, Tin Shed and Gimblett Gravels vineyards.

Weather conditions leading up to the 2019 harvest were typical of a classic Hawke’s Bay summer – long hot sunny days with moderate-cool nights. As Autumn arrived the season became cooler yet remained dry, providing ideal ripening conditions to produce rich, ripe, supple and delicious Merlot.

Several individual parcels were harvested separately and de-stemmed prior to fermentation leaving a high proportion of whole berries. Gentle daily pumping over of the skins during fermentation helped extract a soft, complex structure. Skin maceration was extended for up to 4 weeks following fermentation to further integrate and soften the tannins. Following seven months aging in a combination stainless steel tanks and small French oak barrels the individual parcels were blended to create the ideal marriage of components.

Food Pairing: It can be enjoyed with a wide range of different foods, particularly lamb and beef.