Click for larger image | Vintage: 2004
Varieties: Cabernet Franc
Area: Hawkes Bay
Winemaker: Paddy Preston and Tim Preston
Alcohol %: 14.5 Tasting Note: The weather pattern for 2004 vintage was characterised by ideal long warm dry weather throughout the season. The sensational late summer, March through May, gave us a long ripening period which produced grapes with layers of ripe intense flavours.
The grapes were all hand harvested, destemmed and equal portions fermented in stainless steel vats and French oak barrels. The wine was then blended and aged in French oak barriques for 18 months and bottled on the 20th of October 2005.
Enticingly rich and fragrant, this distinguished Gimblett Gravels red has deep, complex blackcurrant and plum flavours seasoned with quality French oak, a backbone of ripe supple tannins and a very harmonious, lingering finish. It is ready for enjoyment now but will also reward cellaring. |