Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Merlot 2018

Description

• Oak spice
• Dark plum
• Sweet fruit
• Supple tannins

This deeply coloured Merlot displays perfumed aromas of dark plum, violets and dried herbs, with complexing oak spice characters. A medium-bodied, smooth and approachable palate follows with sweet fruit, supple tannins and moreish acidity.

The 2018 Hawkes Bay vintage followed on from officially one of the warmest Summers on record, which gave red varietals in particular superb conditions for ripening. The white harvest commenced early in March with pressure from rain, however, the majority of the later ripening reds were harvested in excellent condition under welcome blue skies. Once destemmed and crushed to open-top fermenters the grapes were inoculated with several strains of yeast and fermented at 30 degrees C. Post fermentation the parcels were pressed to oak barriques, 20% new, for 12 months maturation. The wine was blended, egg white fined and filtered to bottle.

Food Pairing: Merlot is particularly good paired with full-flavoured dishes, game, red meat, pizza and cheeses. Styled for enjoyment upon release or hold for up to 5 years as the wine will develop further complexity.