Expressions Hawkes Bay Merlot Malbec 2019

Rich, black plum and cassis aromas of Merlot are met by violets, wild berries and game from Malbec. This is an elegant wine with depth of flavour and an assertive yet warming structure. The palate is loaded with dark berry fruits, mocha and spice, while earthy and cedar undertones add a layer of savoury complexity enhanced by balanced acidity.

Select vineyards from the gravelly soils of Hawkes Bay. A Maritime climate, similar Bordeaux, Hawkes Bay has a long, consistent growing season. Taken from Wine Hawkes Bay: The legacy of four major rivers’ historic meanderings, Hawke’s Bay is a virtual kaleidoscope of soil types, creating significant impact on viticulture and wine styles. The densely planted plains are alluvial over gravely subsoils.

Harvest Method: Selective machine harvested providing whole intact berries. Yeast added for protection in the vineyard with no sulphur added until the end of secondary fermentation. Processing: Partially crushed retaining a percentage of whole berries for primary fruit expression. Fermentation: Cold soaked for several days, then inoculated and fermented with regular aeration. Left to macerate on the skins for 30 days for colour and tannin integration.

Maturation: 10 months in French and American oak barriques (20% new).