Hãhã Hawke's Bay Merlot 2025

Description

Almond, Chocolate, Spice

"A vibrant and rather intense bouquet of Doris plums and boysenberry, a mix of clay and woody spice qualities, baking spice and earthy qualities. Nicely firm and dry with textures from fruit then wood tannins, acidity and salivating saline quality. A plush and delicious wine tasting and drinking best from day of purchase through 2030" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Mar 2026

"Youthful and pristine, the fragrant bouquet shows sweet plum, cherry, floral, clove, and nutmeg aromas. The palate displays a beautifully rounded mouthfeel and juicy fruit intensity, splendidly framed by supple texture and fine tannins, making it friendly and delightfully appealing. At its best: now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Mar 2026

Rich and vibrant, this juicy expression of Hawke’s Bay Merlot is bursting with blackcurrant and subtle herbaceous aromas, layered with a touch of cocoa and five spice. Smooth and silky tannins lead to a generously rich and savoury finish.

Our Merlot is grown in vineyards across the Hawke’s Bay region where the climate and free draining alluvial soils are renowned for Merlot.

The 2025 harvest in Hawke’s Bay was one to remember. A warm, dry spring set the stage with excellent flowering and an early start to the growing season. While summer brought cooler conditions, the fruit developed beautifully, leading to one of the earliest harvests we’ve seen. The quality of the grapes has been outstanding - vibrant, balanced, and full of character.

The grapes were crushed, destemmed, and cold-soaked before fermentation with select yeasts, with gentle plunging twice daily for depth and structure. After pressing and malolactic fermentation, the wine matured in French oak before blending, light clarification, and bottling, capturing a rich, vibrant Hawke’s Bay Merlot.

Food Pairing: The bold flavours of this Merlot are splendid alongside Mediterranean-style grilled lamb with garlic and herbs.