Yealands Hawkes Bay Merlot 2020

Description

• Oaked
• Plum
• Warming spice
• Supple tannins

Concentrated notes of plum, dark berries and underlying cassis and warming spice. The palate is soft with finely balanced supple tannins and a rich lingering finish.

They were incredibly lucky to be able to continue to create these wines during the global pandemic crisis. For this reason, their 2020 wines carry
some very unique memories. The 2020 Hawke’s Bay growing season started earlier than usual, and was relativity dry except for light spring rains. Disease pressure was low and temperatures were slightly cooler than usual, maintaining beautifully clean fruit with natural balance and concentration.

The low yielding Merlot was harvested and de-stemmed directly into a mixture of open and closed fermenters. A traditional warm fermentation followed with regular pump overs to help craft a wine with elegance and balance. The fruit remained on skins after fermentation to build structure and mouthfeel, it was then gently pressed, settled and racked to stainless steel tanks to undergo malolactic fermentation. After aging with a range of oak, it was then blended, stabilised and filtered prior to bottling.

Their wine is inspired by the coast that surrounds us, so close to the ocean that their vines are often misted with sea spray. The beauty of their
environment influences how they craft wine, respectful of nature and their land. Yealands believes in sustainable winemaking and creating thoughtfully crafted wines that work in harmony with their landscape

This Merlot was picked in excellent condition, achieving ripe tannins and concentrated flavour.

Suitable for vegetarians, vegans and a gluten free diet.

Enjoy now, or cellar up to 3 years.

Food Pairing: Enjoy with barbequed red meats, hearty stews or dark chocolate.