This single-vineyard Merlot is a testament to our estate-grown Mere Road grapes trained on low-yielding vines in the renowned Gimblett Gravels of
Hawkes Bay. The fruit was handpicked at optimum ripeness on 2nd April 2016 at 22.7° brix.

The grapes were destemmed, retaining whole berries which were cold soaked for two days in an open-top fermenter. The must was then inoculated with selected yeast and the cap plunged twice daily during ferment.

This outstanding Merlot, from an exceptional vintage, shows great poise, exuding intense notes of ripened blackcurrant and spicy Black Doris plums, in harmony with silky smooth tannins and a wonderful freshness yielding a persistently long mocha finish. Ready for immediate enjoyment, it will also cellar gracefully to reward longer term enjoyment.