Mills Reef Estate Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet 2018

Description

• Toasty oak
• Blackcurrant & boysenberry
• Spice complexity
• Lingering finish

This fine Merlot Cabernet blend has lovely blackcurrant and boysenberry aromas and flavours underlined with toasty oak. Complemented with subtle liquorice, leather and spice complexity, this full bodied wine has a long lingering finish.

The grapes for this beautifully crafted blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were selected from superior Gimblett Gravels vineyards ideally suited to these Bordeaux-red varietals.

The 2018 growing season experienced a very warm summer and early Autumn, which led to a record number of growing degree days for that period, interspersed with welcome intermittent rain. Despite predictions for a later harvest, these conditions proved perfect for ripening, allowing the first harvest, of several parcels of fruit, to begin on March 26th and finish on April 10th 2018.

Each parcel was individually fermented in stainless steel tanks for enhanced colour and flavour extraction, then racked to barrel for aging and enhanced complexity of predominantly French oak seasoning, for twelve months. Following élevage, the parcels where then blended together in the ideal proportions to compose the final wine - 55% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc.

Estate wines are made in a soft rounded style with an emphasis on natural fruit character and earlier approachability, for everyday enjoyment. They represent great value for money.

Food Pairing: It is deliciously approachable and will pair perfectly with your favourite red meat or pasta dish.