Cabernet Franc

This distinguished Cabernet Franc was made from ultra-premium grapes grown on our Mere Road Vineyard, located in the celebrated stony Gimblett

Gravels district of Hawke’s Bay.

The 100% Cabernet Franc grapes were handpicked at ideal physiological ripeness and balance on 15th April 2016 at 22.2° Brix.

The fruit was destemmed, retaining whole berries which were cold-soaked for three days then inoculated with selected yeast. The cap was plunged twice daily throughout ferment, until dry.

The wine was macerated on its skins for a further 18 days, then pressed to barrel and aged for 17 months in quality 100% French oak (of which 24% was new wood) with one gentle aerated racking. The wine was egg white fined, followed by a pad filtration prior to bottling under screwcap on 10th November 2016.

This intensely perfumed Gimblett Gravels wine shows great complexity of character with concentrated bright berry fruit and spice flavours, ripe supple
tannins and finely integrated French oak seasoning. The finish is deliciously long and persistent. Harmonious and drinking superbly now, it will acquire even greater depth with judicious cellaring.