Spy Valley Merlot / Malbec 2003

Country

New Zealand

Region

Marlborough

Vineyards

Johnson Estate

Variety

Merlot and Malbec

Harvest Date

19 - 28 April 2003

Brix at Harvest

23.5-24.5 °Brix

Viticulturalist

Adam McCone

Soils

Shallow and stony soils with overlying sandy loam

Winemakers

Ant Mackenzie & Jayne Grigg

Winemaking

Merlot and malbec grapes were hand picked and gently crushed into 5 tonne ferment tanks. After a short period cold soaking fermentation started naturally with 'wild' vineyard yeasts. Afer this fermentation the wine was pressed off the skins then aged in oak barrels for 16 months.

Colour

Deep red

Bouquet

Full aromas of coffee and spice complement a concentrated core of dark berry fruits.

Palate

This wine shows smooth fruit-derived tannins followed by a very concentrated and rich mid palate. The finish is long and well-structured showing a fine integration between ripe fruit and wood.

Release Date

July 2008

Cellaring

5-7 years