Region:Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Viticulture: Hawke’s Bay lies on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The region typically enjoys long, dry summers with moderate cool nights allowing for optimal flavor development on the vine. This wine is a single vineyard Malbec grown in the micro region known as ‘The Triangle’. The vineyard lies on soils formed over several thousand years by the changing course of the Ngaruroro River which left behind gravely, free-draining soils along with patches of silt and loam.

Vinification: The wine was fermented in a unique fashion using upright French Oak barrels which allowed early oak integration and confection of heat giving excellent extraction of soft tannins. 4 different selective yeasts and one indigenous yeast ferment were used to allow for a unique blending of flavors and aromas. The wine was aged in American oak for an additional 12 months. The wine was then bottled, unfiltered, by hand under natural cork to allow for additional development while aging.

Technical Information: Alc 12.7% v/vTA 8.85pH 3.43

Tasting Notes: This 100% Malbec is distinctly New Zealand in style. It has bright fruit and floral notes on the nose with hints of vanilla. The palate is delicate and subtle with spiced rasberries and dark fruit reflecting another great vintage for Hawkes Bay in 2009. The wine was made to enjoy fairly young but will age well up to 10 years in the bottle.

Food Pairings: Roasted vegetablesGrilled steakRack of Lamb

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