Moana Park Growers Hawkes Bay Merlot Malbec
750mL Bottle — 12.5% ABV
A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc, all estate grown, given a cold soak and indigenous yeast fermented to 13.0% alc., the wine on skins around 40 days and aged 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels. Full, very dark, near impenetrable black-red colour with youthful purple hues on the rim. The nose is gently full and softly concentrated with youthful, primary aromas of ripe, black-berried fruits and spicy black plums, unfolding fragrant herbs, camphor and cedary oak elements with aeration. Medium-bodied, gently rich and sweet flavours of black berries and spiced black plums feature on the palate and reveal spice, herb and cedary oak detail and interest.
The fruit is supported by moderately grainy tannin extraction lending a dry, textural mouthfeel. Fresh, lacy acidity lends liveliness and drive, carrying the palate to a textured, dry and slightly grippy finish of ripe black fruits. This is a gently rich and fresh, black-fruited Merlot/Malbec blend with grainy extraction. Serve with lamb, beef and venison casseroles, and with semi-hard cheeses over the next 4-5 years.
