Winemakers’ Reserve
Hawke's Bay Merlot
2020
A measured expression of strength and style, showing concentrated fruit, fine texture and length that feels inevitable.
Winemakers' Reserve Hawke's Bay Merlot
Babich Winemakers’ Hawke’s Bay Merlot is produced from a special selection of grapes grown in the stony soils of our Babich vineyards in the Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay. It displays a wealth of berry fruit and plum aromas, balanced by full-flavoured, soft tannin finish.
Tasting Notes
Plums, blueberry and forest berries with vanilla and violet notes, spicy leather and a touch of blood.
Finely focused entry with dark fruits, liquorish and cinnamon. Elements of Christmas cake also detected. Warm, fleshy and dense. Sweetly brooding on the finish.
Finely focused entry with dark fruits, liquorish and cinnamon. Elements of Christmas cake also detected. Warm, fleshy and dense. Sweetly brooding on the finish.
Winemaker Notes
Thinned grapes from our Irongate vineyard on the Gimblett Gravels were crushed to vat and fermented. After 20 days on skins the free run wine was put to 225L oak casks. 10 Months later the blend was assembled then bottled.
Food Pairing
The sweet-fruited soft finish makes it an ideal partner for ratatouille, or equally as good with Italian-style meatballs in a garlicky tomato sauce.
Technical Notes
| Alc | 14.5% |
|---|---|
| TA | 5.8g/L |
| pH | 3.66 |
| RS | Dry |
Key Information
| First Vintage | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawke's Bay |
| Fermentation Vessel | Wide Stainless Steel Vats |
| Malolactic | Yes |
| Fining | Skim Milk |
