Alpha Domus Estate The Fox Moth Hawke's Bay Merlot 2023

Description

Boysenberry, Chocolate, Oak

"Complex and fragrant, the bouquet shows dark plum, smoked game, toasted spice, and hazelnut aromas. The succulent palate boasts a silky texture and a rounded mouthfeel, splendidly supported by fine-grained tannins, finishing robust and pleasingly dry. At its best: now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, June 2025

Wonderfully expressive and beautifully scented, medium bodied with plums, chocolate, boysenberry and floral tones. French oak imparts vanilla and toffee. A lovely expression of the variety offering excellent drinkability.

The classic 1932 Fox Moth aircraft helped open the world up to exciting new horizons of travel and adventure. Do the same for your taste buds with this opulent and appealing Merlot.

Grapes were picked in several passes from our estate organic vineyard to obtain a range of ripeness levels and to add complexity. The 2023 vintage had its challenges, but we were able to pick Merlot grapes with exceptional flavour and balanced acidity.

A blend of two individual parcels of Merlot from the vineyard, each parcel fermented, then matured in barrel separately. Fruit from older vines contribute depth and richness to the wine while fruit from younger vines give vibrancy and beautiful colour. Warm fermentation temperatures up to 28˚C and extended skin contact maximise texture, weight and complexity. Individual barrels were selected for this wine based on quality of texture and tannins, but above all freshness of fruit flavour and aroma.

Food Pairing: Soft supple tannins and a lingering finish make this an excellent food wine, ideally suited to red meat dishes and those casual pizza and pasta dinners.