Variety: 100% harvested from the Estate Vineyard.

Viticulture: A great season for the later ripening varieties with a long growing season of warm days, cool nights and minimal rain. Grown on vertical shoot positioned trellis, extensive hand leaf plucking to expose the fruit to the summer rays and assist in the ripening of sugars and flavors.

Specifications:

Alcohol: 13.5%
PH: 3.48
T.A.: 5.6g/l
Residual sugar: Dry
Locality: Dakins Road

Winemaking: Hand picked, fermented warm in small open top fermenters and pressed on completion of fermentation to new and 2 year old oak. Aged for 20 months in barrel, each batch was kept separate and racked 6 times before blending and bottling in February 2003.

Tasting Notes: The 2001 Merlot shows aromas of blackcurrants and brambles. A soft, well integrated palate with ripe tannins and mature fruit. The extra time in barrel has tamed this wine. This wine is aging fantastically and beginning to open up its inner self and develop the complexities and savory flavors of fine enjoyable Merlot.

Awards:
Silver Medal: 2003 Air New Zealand Wine Awards
Silver Medal: Royal Easter Wine Show
4 Stars: Cuisine Reds Tasting
41/2 Stars: Capitol Times Regional Tasting