Cabernet Merlot 2008
CABERNET MERLOT 2008
TASTING NOTE
It's all about red fruit in this fresh southern delight. There's trademark sarsaparilla accompanying juicy redcurrants and a mint-hint infusion that overlays cocoa and brambly fruit on the palate. Flesh from the merlot fills the mid-palate with soft squelchy tannins whilst Cabernet provides the balancing act with a chewy yet supple tannin finish. Be careful, it might be more than you bargained for!
Ryan Walsh, winemaker
THE SEASON
The 2008 vintage started early but once the whites were picked, ripening slowed due to some cooler weather in early March allowing some longer time for tannin development in the red varieties.
The whites look exceptional with beautiful natural acidity coupled with ripe fruit flavours. Tonnages were low thanks to a little Spring hail.
VINEYARDS
Fruit is sourced from the Rocky Road vineyard which lies in the headwaters of the Chapman Brook, near Witchcliffe. With a northerly aspect, the vines enjoy long days of sunshine, moderated by the vineyard's southern location. The soils are tough laterite gravels in which the zinfandel, a hardy drought tolerant cultivar, thrives. All vines on the McHenry Hohnen vineyards are grown on a single bilateral cordon with a vertically trained canopy. It is a simple and practical format that maximises light penetration and maintains a balanced vine.
VINIFICATION
This wine comprises approximately 49% cabernet and 44% merlot, with small parcels of petit verdot and malbec making up the balance. Fruit is crushed into small open fermenters, and pressed off still with a touch of sweetness. It is then transferred to French oak barrels, most of which are 2 and 3 years old, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. It is held in oak for 12 months prior to bottling.
Alc 14.5%
pH 3.65
Acidity 5.25
r/s 0.3
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