Nose
The bouquet reveals complex aromas of black plums, cedar, charcuterie & graphite
Palate
A graceful medium-bodied wine, characterised by a vibrant & plush feel. Displays flavours of Satsuma plum & red currant, nuanced by layers of sweet spice. Fine velvet-like tannins, fresh acidity & perfectly integrated oak create a wine of length and distinction
Growing Conditions
2019 was cooler & later than recent vintages but with no extremes of heat. Bird pressure was extreme, however red varieties enjoyed beautiful weather up until the end of April, allowing long hang-time to achieve optimum ripeness. Yields were lower than average, but quality was consistent & the reds varieties show great finesse.
Harvest
Hand-picked & delivered to the winery in under an hour. Cabernet Franc & Malbec were harvested 29th March, Merlot 5th April, Cabernet Sauvignon 11th & 13th April, & Petit Verdot on 5th April 2019
Bottling
Bottled October 2020
Winemaking
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 57% (for structure & flavour), Merlot 19% (body & softness), Malbec 12% (colour & richness), Cabernet Franc 8% (perfume & smoothness) & Petit Verdot 4% (spice & boldness), which were selectively picked, then sorted for optimum quality. Cold-soaked for four days, then put in a mix of hand-plunged open fermenters & pumped-over closed fermenters. Time on skins varied from 14 to 21 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel creating a smoother, rounder mouthfeel.
Aging
Matured for 18 months in French barriques of which 35% were new.
Appearance
Dense purple red in colour
Food Pairing
Try this wilth grilled rib eye steak with shallot parsley butter & grilled Oyster mushrooms or black bean shepherd's pie