Spy Valley Merlot 2006

Tasting Notes

Spy Valley Merlot 2006 - Ant Mackenzie

This wine is produced from selected Merlot vines in a small very stony block in our Marlborough vineyard. The stony soil reduces the vigour of the vines, resulting in very intensely flavoured berries. Like the Pinot Noir, Merlot is fermented in small, traditional open-top vats. Fruit driven, with intense plum and berry flavours, soft tannins and spicy oak.

Country

New Zealand

Region

Marlborough

Vineyards

Johnson Estate & Johnansen Estate

Variety

86% Merlot 14% Malbec

Harvest Date

13 - 21 April 2006

Brix at Harvest

25+ °Brix

Viticulturalist

Adam McCone

Soils

Shallow and stony soils with overlying sandy loam. Some clay.

Winemakers

Ant Mackenzie, Jayne Grigg and Paul Bourgeois

Winemaking

Our Merlot and Malbec blocks were hand harvested, gently crushed and soaked for five days prior to a wild fermentation. After ferment the tanks were left to macerate on skins for a further three weeks. Post pressing the young wines spent 14 months in barrel prior to blending. Bottled with minimal filtration.

Colour

Deep red with violet/purple hues.

Bouquet

Mainly dark berry fruits and cassis.

Palate

A lively mixture of black currants, chocolate and spice. The palate has loads of sweet fruit and refined tannins.

Release Date

July 2007

Cellaring

3 - 5 years

Analysis

Residual Sugar: