AROMA

Vibrant black forest fruit, supported by well-integrated earthy notes that evoke dried leaves and forest floor. Gentle layers of supple oak introduce threads of vanilla and warming spice, adding refinement and lift to the bouquet.

PALATE

A medium-bodied style with a smooth, polished texture. Rich tones of dark berry fruits intertwine with savoury hints of dried herbs and subtle earth-driven complexity. Fine, silky tannins provide structure, while nuances of cinnamon and vanilla carry through to a long, seamless and expressive finish.

WINEMAKING

Grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness, fruit was trucked from Alexandra, destemmed, arriving at the winery and into open-top fermenters. The must underwent a cold soak of 5 days to extract colour and delicate tannins. The ferment was then worked twice a day either with pump-over or hand plunging, enabling the extraction of weight and flavour. Carefully managed, this process allowed the creation of great balance in the wine. When balance was achieved, the ferment was pressed off skins and then the wine was matured in French oak barrels for 12 months. The wine was then allowed to settle in tank for 4 months prior to racking to bottling, where lastly the wine was bottled unfiltered, preserving its natural texture and character.

SOURCE VINEYARDS

McArthur Ridge, Alexandra, Central Otago (100%)
 Unique Brassknocker soils, sited on expansive ancient glacial moraine terraces.