Irongate
Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot Franc
2019
Single vineyard Cabernet Merlot Franc where old world structure meets new world generosity.
Irongate Gimblett Gravels Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet 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 and plum with nutmeg, cocoa and cedar aromas.
Forest berries lead the palate in a layered assault of fruit supported by notes of vanilla, dried herbs and spice. Dense mouth filling and elegant. Fine velvety tanning and a lingering finish.
Forest berries lead the palate in a layered assault of fruit supported by notes of vanilla, dried herbs and spice. Dense mouth filling and elegant. Fine velvety tanning and a lingering finish.
Winemaker Notes
Extensive crop thinning produced excellent parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These grapes were picked in the cool of evening and individually fermented in open vats before spending an extended time on skins to aid structural development. The ferments were drained and put into new and seasoned 225 liter French oak casks. The wine spent a total of 21 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 | 14.0% |
|---|---|
| TA | 6.3g/L |
| pH | 3.64 |
| RS | 0.4g/L |
Key Information
| First Vintage | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Region | Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay |
| Fermentation Vessel | Open top vats |
| Malolactic | Yes |
| Fining | Gelatine |
