Estate Range

Merlot

Generous, smooth and made for the comfort zone. Perfumed plum and spice meet soft mocha notes, with a supple, easy-drinking finish. The kind of red that makes dinner feel like a plan.

Sourced from premium vineyards in Hawke's Bay, this Merlot captures the warmth and richness of a standout 2024/25 growing season. Warm, dry conditions through summer helped build flavour and concentration, while a brief spell of late-season rain had minimal impact before fine weather returned for harvest. The result is fruit with depth, balance and fresh varietal character.

Each parcel was selectively harvested at optimal ripeness and transported directly to the winery to preserve freshness and fruit purity. The fruit was gently destemmed and transferred to temperature-controlled red fermentation tanks.

A short cold soak before fermentation helped build colour intensity and enhance mouthfeel, extracting soft tannins and vibrant aromatics from the skins. Fermentation followed at warmer temperatures to maximise flavour development and structure, with regular pump-overs to ensure balanced extraction and integration.

Once fermentation was complete, the wine was gently pressed and transferred to French oak for six months’ maturation. This time in oak adds subtle notes of mocha and spice, while softening the tannins and building texture.

The final blend was carefully assembled to achieve harmony between ripe fruit, supple structure and a smooth, generous finish.

Region, Hawke's Bay and Marlborough
Country, New Zealand
ABV, 13%
Vintage, 2025
Size, 750ml
Closure, Screwcap
Dietary, Gluten Free
Food Match, Slow Cooked Beef Brisket, Shitake Mushrooms and Asian Greens
Tech Specs, pH 3.55 • TA 5.36 g/l • Residual Sugar 0.2 g/l

Awards

2020
2020

Reviews

Sam KimWine Orbit

"Bright and delightfully lifted, the bouquet shows Black Doris plum, blueberry, floral and subtle spice notes, leading to a succulent palate displaying supple mouthfeel and juicy acidity. It's upfront and friendly, offering lovely drinking."