Falconhead Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet 2019

Description

Blackberry, Fig, Oak

"Ripe, even, layered and enticing bouquet filled with scents of plums and blackberries, there’s also suggestions of baked fig and tobacco, some mushroom and earthy qualities begin to layer in complexity and intrigue. On the palate a dry wine with flavours that mirror the bouquet, some youthful layers from tannins and acidity, developing flavours of fruits that reflect the bouquet with a touch of leather and baking spices. Tannins and acidity add mouthfeel and length. A wine that is still developing, but can also be enjoyed immediately with food. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Apr 2024

Aromas of dark summer fruits are supported by gentle oak and spice. The palate is soft and rich, exhibiting deep berry flavours, gentle tannins and great length. This wine is drinking well now but can be cellared for up to 5 years.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from two of our Hawke’s Bay vineyards – Tantallon and Campbell’s Brook.

The grapes were harvested from the respective vineyards and transported to our Riverview winery where they were crushed to open topped stainless steel fermentation vessels and inoculated with a range of selected yeast strains, ideally suited for each variety. The ferments were pumped over twice per day until dry and then allowed an extra 2 to 5 days extended maceration for flavour and tannin enhancement. The wines were then pressed off the skins and some was put to barrel where it was aged for 12 months before blending with components which had been matured in stainless steel. The wine was then transported by road tanker to our Katikati winery for final blending and finishing. Bottling was in April 2021.