2008 MUD HOUSE
Hawkes Bay Merlot

Deep red. Fruit characters of plums and bramble, with secondary notes of earth and leather. Hints of sweet spice, chocolate and toasty oak completes the aroma profile. A medium bodied wine with a richness and weight typical of Merlot. The palate structure aims for softness of tannin and acidity which accentuates the weight and finish of this wine while showing flavours of plums, anise and mocha. The winemaking focused on good varietal expression coupled with suppleness and hence drinkability. 92% of the Hawkes Bay fruit was sourced from the Te Awa Vineyard on the Gimblett Gravels and Corner 50 Vineyard in the Ngatarawa sub-region. The remaining fruit was sourced from the Kimble Vineyard in Waipara. Hawkes Bay enjoyed an excellent long warm summer with even ripening and great flavour development. Resulting in fruit picked at peak physiological ripeness. By mid-March light rainfall and diurnal weather had settled in Waipara, with cooler nights and daytime temperatures in the mid-20’s ideal for optimal ripening, and a sunny harvest. 90% Merlot 5% Malbec 5% Cabernet Franc. Nine months fermentation in stainless steel tank and barrel. Alc Vol: 13.0%     Acidity (TA): 5.55 g/l     Residual Sugar: 3.0 g/l Now, but will evolve for another 5 years given good cellar conditions. New Zealand lamb shanks. Room temperature.