Decibel Hawke's Bay Malbec 2021

Description

• French oak
• Ripe plum & cherry
• Chocolate & mocha
• Lingering finish

"Dense, inky red with chocolate/mocha, red-fleshed plum, cassis and peppery/spice characters. Strongly varietal wine with a dusty texture and lingering finish. The product of a very favourable vintage" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Sep 2023

Initial aromas reveal fragrant violets, cardamom pods, and ripe plums, the lush fruitiness powered by the warmth of the growing season and unique soil composition. Complex layers of bramble, blackberry, and black cherry interplay against the hallmark bright acidity and soft tannins of Decibel Malbec.

This wine reflects a blend of two vineyards from the gravelly soils of State Highway 50. These remarkable soils have been laid bare by the constantlyshifting Ngaruroro River over millions of years. The river’s last shift in 1867 left these deep gravel soils which are free draining and radiate heat, allowing a long ripening period and concentrated flavours.

The 2021 growing season was exceptional with a warm summer being followed by a very dry autumn, providing optimal conditions for ripening redgrapes. The resultant wines from this season are brilliant in tannin structure while still holding a generous fruit character. While delicious young, this wine has excellent aging potential.

After picking in early April, the fruit had a 5 day cold soak before natural fermentation kicked in. After an average of 25 days on skins, the wine was pressed to neutral French Oak barrels. The wine aged in oak barriques for 21 months before bottling in late March 2023.

Food Pairing: With it's fruit and spice balance, this is easy to pair with a broad range of flavours, try with grilled vegetables, barbecued meats, or boldly spiced dishes.