2006

Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2006

Vintage: 2006

Varieties: Cabernet Merlot

Area: Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay

Winemaker: Tim Preston & Paddy Preston

Alcohol: 14%

Tasting Note:

This distinguished Hawkes Bay red is made from ultra-premium grapes grown on close-planted low-yielding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines in our Mere Road Vineyard, situated in the heart of the renowned Gimblett Gravels district.

Hand picking of both varieties took place on April 20th and 24th at an average of 24.5 brix. They were destemmed and the berries gently crushed, then cold-soaked for 5 days prior to ferment.

The Cabernet Sauvignon was 60% fermented with a selected yeast in an open-top fermenter, whilst the remaining 40% was fermented with an indigenous yeast in integrale barrels. The Merlot was 100% fermented with a selected yeast in an open-top fermenter. Both varieties were plunged twice daily and fermented out to dry. The wines were cold-macerated post ferment for enhanced concentration, then pressed to quality French oak barrels (53% new and 47%, 1 and 2 year old barriques) for 16-17 months aging. Bottling took place on December 18th under cork closure.

This classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is deeply coloured and offers intense aromas of blackcurrant and berry fruit, perfumed violets and a hint of mint with chocolate caramel, coffee and cinnamon. The palate is rich and full bodied with a fusion of blackcurrant, berry, liquorice, black olive, dark chocolate and coffee flavours and a hint of cedar. It's a deliciously long fruit burst, harmonius and velvety, on a backbone of fine grained tannins and spicy oak seasoning, finishing soft and dry.

Already delicious, it will continue to flourish with cellaring.

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