Brookfields Highland Hawke's Bay Merlot 2021

Description

• French oak
• Dark plum
• Herbs & spice
• Refined & harmonious

"Deep, bright ruby-red, slightly lighter on edge. The nose is full, elegant and enticing, with juicy red berry, cassis and young plum underlying delicate floral fragrance and well-proportioned delicate oak elements. Full-bodied, aromas of plum, red berry and cassis show purity, adorned by floral fragrance, nutmeg, cardamom and a hint of milk chocolate. The fruit is attractive and delicate with balanced ripeness and depth flows effortlessly with integrated acidity to a long, sweet-fruited finish. Velvety, fine-grained tannin lined a fine grip, leaving an exquisite mouthfeel. This well-farmed and well-crafted Merlot is harmonious with pure fruit, spice, elegant oak details and a velvety palate" Candice Chow, Raymon Chan Review, Nov 2022

This 2021 ‘Highland’ Merlot is a stunner. A rich magenta red colour with a shine hue will fill your glass. Generous in black plums, dried herbs and spice, cigar box and silky tannins. This wine reflects the quality grapes and French oak barrels used in the winemaking. Refined and harmoniously balanced, the 2021 ‘Highland’ Merlot will age gracefully for many years. It is only the eighth ‘Platinum’ label since 1989. The ‘Highland’ label is reserved for Merlot dominant wines of excellence. This label is even more special as it features the Robertson tartan. 

The Merlot grapes for this wine were grown on the gravels in Mere Road just outside of Hastings - a short drive from the winery.

The Merlot grapes were fermented and pumped over in the traditional Bordeaux manner. The time on skins exceeded two weeks, with malolactic fermentation being completed prior to going to oak barrels which were a mix of new and one year old French oak barriques.

Food Pairing: Ideal with roast beef, seasonal vegetables and a red wine-jus.