Our range of wines now encompasses a Chardonnay, a Rose and several other levels of Merlot or Merlot / Franc blends. The main commercial wine is simply known as Merlot / Franc and is the backbone of our production. Above this is our classic Basket Press Merlot / Franc. Another addition to the range is the Erinview Vineyard Merlot and then the flagship Resolution Merlot, only made in outstanding vintages.
Our top red wines are fermented in small open vats which are traditionally hand plunged to extract colour and tannins from the skins. The Rose is taken off part way through the ferment and completes a cool fermentation in stainless steel to retain fruit characters and freshness. The other reds remain on skins for a period of post ferment maceration to maximise extraction and stabilise the colour and tannin. They are then pressed off the skins for maturation in French and American oak barrels for 12 to 18 months prior to
bottling.
2010 Chardonnay
Another ripe citrus / stonefruit style with hints of butterscotch and sweet vanillin oak. Clean, fresh and well balanced, it works as an aperitif or with food. Serve lightly chilled.
2011 Rose
Subtle red berryfruit with savoury notes and a dry finish in an impeccably balanced and food-friendly style. Designed for current drinking and best served chilled.
2009 Merlot/Franc
A great follow on from the 2008, with ripe, dark fruit characters, soft tannins and the hallmark drinkability of warm vintage Hawke's Bay red wines. Approachable now or cellar it for 4-5 years.
"Wine of the week" Mike Cooper, NZ Listener May 2011
2009 Basket Press Merlot/Franc
From a great red wine vintage, this is a dark and ripe wine, with classic dark fruit characters along with a backbone of fine, soft tannins that give it up to a decade of cellaring potentia, although it is very hard to resist now.l.
2007 Erinview Vineyard Merlot
Deeply coloured and super-ripe wine, with dark plum and licorice characters followed by dark chocolate tannins on the finish. Concentrated and mouth-filling with luxurious, fine-grained tannins providing structure, this will mature gracefully over 8-10 years.
Click here for Archived Tasting Notes
