Our Gimblett Gravels Merlot is carefully selected from the 22 parcels of Merlot in our Gimblett Gravels vineyard, individually fermented and crafted, then blended with a seasoning of the two Cabernets and Malbec.
The warm, gravelly soils are perfect for the production of Merlot and the moderate heat allows the wine to retain freshness and structure without showing over-ripe characters.
The result is a rich, ripe wine with ample ‘dusty’ tannins and a lush, warm texture similar to other wines made in the area.
Tasting Note
AromaSeductive aromas of ripe plum, cassis, nutmeg, tobacco and sandalwood reflects beautifully ripe Merlot.
ClosureScrewcap
Grape
Grape Variety91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
Maturation17 Months in Oak barriques (21% new).
Oaked0
PalateThe palate is at first rich and full bodied and then finishes with wonderful graphite-like tannins, fine acidity and a long tapering dry finish.
VarietalV_MERLOT
Vinification100% Destemmed, Closed top stainless steel tanks.
RegionHawkes Bay - New Zealand
Region CodeINZAHAWKES
State
Subregion
WinemakerMatt Stafford
Wine StyleRed (Full Bodied)
Michael Cooper's Best of 2015 Releases
5
0
2018/07/11
Winestate Magazine, April 2015
Delicious young, but still youthful, classy, and harmonious red. The colour is deep and purple-flushed; the palate generous, with rich, ripe blackcurrant, plum, spice and dark chocolate flavours, oak complexity and fine-grained tannins.
Raymond Chan
5
0
2017/07/11
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, April 2015
Full, very dark, deep, purple-hued black-red colour, very youthful in appearance. The nose is elegant and finely concentrated with intense aromas of ripe, black plum fruit along with delicate curranty notes, liquorice and spicy, nutty oak elements. This is fresh, fragrant and vibrant in expression.
Raymond Chan
5
0
2017/07/11
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, April 2015
Full, very dark, deep, purple-hued black-red colour, very youthful in appearance. The nose is elegant and finely concentrated with intense aromas of ripe, black plum fruit along with delicate curranty notes, liquorice and spicy, nutty oak elements. This is fresh, fragrant and vibrant in expression.
Michael Cooper's Best of 2015 Releases
5
0
2018/07/11
Winestate Magazine, April 2015
Delicious young, but still youthful, classy, and harmonious red. The colour is deep and purple-flushed; the palate generous, with rich, ripe blackcurrant, plum, spice and dark chocolate flavours, oak complexity and fine-grained tannins.
Raymond Chan
5
0
2017/07/11
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, April 2015
Full, very dark, deep, purple-hued black-red colour, very youthful in appearance. The nose is elegant and finely concentrated with intense aromas of ripe, black plum fruit along with delicate curranty notes, liquorice and spicy, nutty oak elements. This is fresh, fragrant and vibrant in expression.
Michael Cooper's Best of 2015 Releases
5
0
2018/07/11
Winestate Magazine, April 2015
Delicious young, but still youthful, classy, and harmonious red. The colour is deep and purple-flushed; the palate generous, with rich, ripe blackcurrant, plum, spice and dark chocolate flavours, oak complexity and fine-grained tannins.
