Irongate
Cabernet Merlot Franc
2018
Single vineyard Cabernet Merlot Franc where old world structure meets new world generosity.
Irongate Cabernet Merlot Franc
Our flagship Irongate Vineyard is situated in an old shingle bed of the Ngaruroro River in the Gimblett Gravels appellation of Hawke’s Bay. First produced in 1987, this single vineyard wine has evolved to represent the very best of our craft. Crop-levels are heavily restricted to deliver excellent flavour concentration in the grapes, with the final blend delivering a rich, round and complex wine.
Tasting Notes
Blackberry, blueberry, cigar box and plum aromas. Inviting and warm with a touch of spice, charcuterie and well-integrated oak.
Smooth and seamless with layers of sweet dark fruits, cocoa, leather, cedar and liquorish. Dense, concentrated and vibrant with a long finish.
Smooth and seamless with layers of sweet dark fruits, cocoa, leather, cedar and liquorish. Dense, concentrated and vibrant with a long finish.
Winemaker Notes
Extensive crop thinning produced excellent parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. These grapes were picked in the cool of evening and individually fermented in open vats before spending a lengthy time on skins to aid structural development. The wines were drained and put into new and seasoned 225L French oak casks. The wine spent a total of 15 months in oak.
Food Pairing
This wine is a brilliant match for red meats, game and pasta dishes. A perfect partner for casseroled lamb shanks or with scotch fillet, roasted rare.
Technical Notes
| Alc | 13.5% |
|---|---|
| TA | 5.6 |
| pH | 3.76 |
| RS | Dry |
Key Information
| First Vintage | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Region | Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay |
| Fermentation Vessel | Open top vats |
| Malolactic | Yes |
| Fining | Gelatine |
