Winemakers Notes
An unlikely, but thoroughly loveable assemblage of these four grapes from our two main red Hawkes Bay vineyards. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from our Gimblett Gravels block, and the Malbec and Cabernet Franc are from our Roys Hill vineyard in the Red Metals triangle. Vintage 2009 was very kind indeed in Hawkes Bay and all parcels were in superb condition at harvest. All components were separately vinified and aged in barrel and then for a period of time in tanks before assemblage and bottling.
 
Analysis

Alc	13.0%
Acid	5.5g/L
Res sugar	3.0g/L
pH	3.36

Tasting Notes

Colour:	A beautiful deep purple/red, with a dark core and bright, flashing rim.
Bouquet:	Very Bordeaux like, with a delicious lift of black fruits and grilled meat along with a dash of pepper.
Palate:	Not a full bodied wine, but a wine with great balance, fineness and finesse. The tannins are soft and round and there is just enough fruit sweetness to give the wine real length and focus.

Cellaring
Already approachable, but we expect this wine to cellar for a number of years.
 
Food Matches
The soft tannins and earthy flavours of merlot make it a great match with full flavoured meats such as lamb, venison, beef and game. Sauces that are not too rich will go well with this wine as will roast garlic and vegetables. Cheeses, both soft and hard are always good.
 
Suggested wine list description
Smooth and silky in the mouth with ripe berry flavours, soft tannins and subtle oak characters.

Awards

Silver Medal	Bragato Wine Awards 2012
Silver Medal	Spiegelau International Wine Competition 2012