What a year! Drought, pandemic, lockdown, bizarre elections, crazy house prices, interest rates below 2%, and that's just the headline stuff. Fortunately there has also been wine, possibly the best way to help us through the madness. If you've ever wondered what it must have been like to live through major historical events, you've just had a taste of it.
Spring kicked off very early this year, with the first budburst before the end of August, and things have only picked up the pace since then. All of our tucking wires are now up, and flowering had me gobsmacked by starting in the Cabernet Franc in the first week of November. That's at least two weeks earlier than even a very good year and certainly reinforces the reality of climate change.
We have a few new products now up on the website in time for Christmas. The 2019 Syrah is looking very good, with dark fruit, some floral notes and just a hint of cracked pepper. We have finally come to the end of the outstanding 2016 Merlot/Franc and follow that with the 2018 Merlot/Franc (didn't make a 2017 as we didn't think the vintage was good enough). Black plums, soft tannins and our usual drinkability make this a great addition to your summer cellar. Topping off the new trio is our 2019 Basket Press Merlot/Franc. Although it's just a baby, this was a fantastic warm and dry vintage, so the very ripe black fruit flavours are complemented by fine, supple tannins and make the wine very moreish now even though it will cellar comfortably for a decade.
Also in the line up is our rather tasty 2020 Albarino. Is this the best example of Albarino in Godzone? We couldn't possibly say, but wine writer Mike Cooper has dropped a large hint by giving it 5 stars as he did for the previous vintage. Consistency is everything, but don't hesitate on this one, since the last one sold out in February and this one won't last even that long. Add a mouth watering 2020 Rose and a refined beast of a 2018 Basket Press Syrah, and we can cover a multitude of festive occasions. Or a simple thirst.
To help with the budget, we're offering 10% off all of these wines until November 25th. Just use the promo code 10%OFF when you order at www.redmetalvineyards.co.nz. (Please remember to use the promo code as refunding those who forget is a pain in the butt). Free freight for 12 bottles or more and no charge for being the envy of your friends and relatives.
Thanks for your support. Have a great summer, and keep Covid out of New Zealand
Regards
Grant & Sue
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