Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot Malbec 2020

Description

• French oak
• Boysenberry
• Spicy leather
• Silky tannins

Immediately warm and appetising, this deliciously harmonious blend of two classical Bordeaux varieties showcases boysenberry and plum fruits, complemented with spicy leather, hints of blueberry, violets and embodied with silky smooth tannins.

This fine wine is an appealing blend of the classic Bordeaux varieties, Merlot (80%) and Malbec (20%).

The 2019/20 growing season in the Hawke’s Bay enjoyed a climate of consistently warm clear sunny days and uniform temperatures, allowing grapes to develop perfectly and be harvested unhurried at optimal ripeness. Crafted from Merlot grapes grown in the highly acclaimed Gimblett Gravels, and Malbec from our prestigious Bridge Pa vineyard. Harvest occurred on the 14th and 26th March, 2020.

The grapes were gently crushed, cold-soaked for three days before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with gentle daily cap management to extract colour, flavour and fine tannin structure. A post-ferment maceration followed over ten days. The skins were then pressed off and the wine aged for sixteen months in quality oak barrels (25% French new wood), undergoing one racking during this time. Bottling occurred on the 22nd September 2021 under screwcap.

Food Pairing: An excellent choice with roasted duck breast and plum sauce, with a side of duck fat fries.