Čuvar Guardian Cornerstone Vineyard Hawke's Bay Rosé 2023

Description

Dry, Melon, Spice

"Cabernet Franc is the best grape for Rosé in Hawke's Bay,' believes winemaker Michelle Richardson. The bright, light pink 2023 vintage (4.5*) was made from Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-picked in the Cornerstone Vineyard, in the Gimblett Gravels. Tank-fermented and lees-aged, it has vibrant, delicate flavours of watermelon and strawberries, fresh acidity and a dry (3.5 grams/litre of residual sugar) finish" Michael Cooper

"Bright, even, pale blush pink. The nose is full, with aromas of red berry, pomegranate, blossom and savoury meatiness. Medium-light bodied, aromas of red berry and pomegranate melded with savoury nuances, blossom and a touch of peppercorn. The fruit is delicate with lovely freshness and balance; stony mineral texture provides substance and lends a moreish, linear finish" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Apr 2024

The heady bouquet of pink peppercorns and creaming soda is wrapped around the flavours to this beautifully rounded and lengthy Rosé. The natural fruit acidity gives length and the fruit weight gives a surprising sophistication with a smooth finish to the palate.

The Cornerstone vineyard on the Gimblett Gravels is a unique vineyard that has incredible draining capacity. The canopy was kept open to ensure airflow around the bunches which kept them clean and open to sunlight. This meant that the fruit was picked at the exact time we needed to make the wine, rather than be dictated by the weather.

2023 vintage had a complicated beginning with the infamous Cyclone Gabrielle, thankfully the Cabernet Franc in this wine was too young to be affected and proceeded to ripen to its full potential.

100% tank fermented and kept on primary lees. Fermented slowly with a specific Rosé yeast at around 18 degrees until a smidgen of natural fruit residual sugar was left, to which the ferment was halted with refrigeration and wine left on its own lees for several months until filtered and bottled.