Alpha Domus Estate The Navigator Hawke's Bay Red Blend 2020

Description

Boysenberry, Oak, Spice

Softly concentrated with deep and dense aromas of plush red plum, berry fruits, hints of blackcurrant, cocoa, spice, and cedar. Each variety contributes to an exquisitely varied array of aroma and great depth of flavour. The palate is medium-full bodied, rich with layers of succulent fruit and chary oak flavours. The long finish with silky, finegrained tannins make this an ideal accompaniment for your beef dishes, richly flavoured foods, and cheeses. Merlot 36.1%, Cabernet Franc 33.4%, Cabernet Sauvignon 17.9%, Malbec 12.6%.

Designed to be age worthy but also approachable in youth when matched with richly flavoured dishes. Time in bottle will yield further depth of flavour and a wonderful melding of fruit, oak, texture and moreish spice. 10 years + potential.

Since 1989, Alpha Domus has been dedicated to creating wines with exceptional craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality. A small independent New Zealand owned winery, the name 'Alpha' is derived from our founders, while 'Domus,' from Latin, represents home.

Fruit for this wine was sourced from our estate vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District. We use a variety of clones mostly grafted on 101-14. All vines are cane pruned and bud reduction, shoot thinning and second set removal performed as required.

Blended from the best blocks in our estate vineyard which have been carefully managed to ensure optimum ripeness along with extra concentration to allow for a long, gentle maturation once bottled. Each block was fermented then matured in oak barrels as standalone parcels. After at least 16 months initial maturation, each individual barrel was tasted and scored with only the best making the cut for Navigator. As always Merlot plays the lead role in the Navigator blend, giving body, richness and a plump roundness to the mid palate. New plantings of Cabernet Franc coupled with a good vintage has allowed greater use of this variety, giving elegance and gentle herbal perfume. Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure, length, and longevity. A good splash of Malbec gives highlights of floral violet and boysenberry aroma while deepening the colour with purple hues.