Winemakers: Hamish Clark and Kyle Thompson
Region:
Omahu Road, Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing Region, Hawkes Bay.
Terroir:
Soils: Vigour moderating free draining gravel.
Topography: Flat, even site with a gradual slope.
Climate: Warm, sheltered site.
Regional characteristics and contribution to uniqueness of flavours:
Warm days and cooler nights with gravel rich vigour-moderating soils all contribute to small berries which give this wine concentration, perfume and a deep rich colour.
Viticulture:
This outstanding fruit was sourced from a single vineyard within the Gimblett Gravels winegrowing area of Hawkes bay. The vigour moderating, free draining gravel provides a superb base for this low cropping Merlot. This vineyard site has ideal ripening conditions for achieving the full aromatic profile and tannin structure that Merlot can give. The fruit was carefully monitored during ripening and harvested in the cool evening at maximum flavour maturity and physiological ripeness.