Brookfields Sun-Dried Hawke's Bay Malbec 2020

Description

• French oak
• Ripe plums
• Herbs & spices
• Earthy tannins

Intensely dark, this ‘Sun-Dried’ Malbec shouts dark fruits, ripe plums, dried herbs, spice, cigar box, and earthy tannins all perfectly supported by the oak. This wine has an enticing mouthfeel due to the weight and fullness on the palate. This 2019 follows its illustrious predecessors with aplomb. Once again Malbec on steroids comes to mind.

Grapes for the Sun-Dried Malbec are harvested from the Tuki Tuki Valley and Ohiti Estate. They are trained on the classical VSP trellis system. The 1056 clone of Malbec readily achieves ripeness, while the balance is MS Malbec adds complexity. The sun-drying then enhances the sugar concentration, as well as the flavour and colour.

The Malbec was hand-picked, and then sun-dried in trays in a shade house before being made into wine. Open fermentation tanks were used, so hand plunging could take place. Due to the loss of moisture with the sun-drying, the cap was quite thick and demanded more attention than normal when plunged. After pressing, and malolactic fermentation had occurred, the Malbec went into one and two year old French oak barrels for aging and development.

Food Pairing: Enjoy with Venison back-strap & slow cooked earthy vegetables, also enjoyed with chocolate torte.