• French oak
• Black Doris plum
• Rich florals
• Round & supple

"Sweetly ripe and perfumed, the bouquet shows Black Doris plum, rich floral, warm spice and roasted nut aromas, followed by a silky-smooth palate offering succulent fruit flavours with spicy nuances. Beautifully rounded and supple with a lengthy delectable finish. At its best: now to 2030" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Feb 2024

"Bright, vibrant red with violet, baked earth, bacon fat and spicy oak supported by firm, drying and slightly rustic tannins that suggest ageing potential although the wine can be enjoyed now (Best with food.)" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Apr 2024

"Deep ruby-red, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is vibrant with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, violet and spices. Medium-full bodied, aromas of blackcurrant and plum melded with chocolate, violet and spice. The mouthfeel is soft with smooth-grained tannins, unfolding chocolate and richness; balanced acidity carries the ripe fruit to a satisfying finish. This charming Merlot is packed with succulent fruit and chocolate richness on a smooth palate for early consumption" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Sep 2024

Weather conditions leading up to the 2022 harvest were typical of a classic Hawke’s Bay summer – long hot sunny days with moderate-cool nights. As Autumn arrived the season became cooler, with intermittent rain, However early warm ripening conditions produced a ripe, supple and delicious Merlot.

Several individual parcels were harvested separately and de-stemmed prior to fermentation leaving a high proportion of whole berries. Gentle daily pumping over of the skins during fermentation helped extract a soft, complex structure.

Following 14 months aging in a combination stainless steel tanks and small French oak barrels the individual parcels were blended to create the ideal marriage of components.

Chocolate, plum, and blackberry aromas of Merlot have combined with the aromatic spice of oak aging to produce a fruit-dominant yet complex wine. Soft, ripe tannins make this wine serious yet eminently drinkable.