Our range of wines now encompasses a Chardonnay, a Rose and four 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.
All of our red wines are fermented in small open vats which are gently 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.
2009 Chardonnay
Hallmark citrus and peach fruit flavours with a touch of oak and hints of butterscotch for interest and depth. Beautifully balanced and ready to drink, with a cellar life of 3-4 years. Serve lightly chilled.
2008 Merlot/Franc
Dark and ripe, with lots of primary fruit and soft finishing tannins. Medium weight and another very drinkable example from Hawkes Bay, with the ability to cellar comfortably for 5 years or more.
2007 Basket Press Merlot/Franc
From a very warm and dry growing season, this is a concentrated and rich wine, with classic dark berry and plum characters along with a solid backbone of fine tannins that give it up to a decade of cellaring potential.
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.
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