Stormwood 'Meritage' Bordeaux Blend 2021

The assemblage for this vintage is Merlot 52%, Cabernet Franc 23%, 
Cabernet Sauvignon 17% & Petit Verdot 8%. All varietals in this Bordeaux-style wine were all destemmed and fermented separately in open-top fermenters. After three weeks maceration and plunging twice daily, the ferments were pressed to stainless steel where the wine was left to settle overnight. Malolactic fermentation followed in barrique (30% new French), before 11 months ageing in barrel. The wines were then blended and lightly fined prior to bottling. 

Meritage is very much Old World in character: Fragrant herbs and violets with lifted black fruit on the nose couple with a complex, mouthfiling wine. There is an abundance of sweet ripe black fruit, great structure and poise. Close your eyes and you might just be in the South-West of France.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:

VINEYARDS

Owhanake Peninsular, Waiheke Island. Planted in 1992, one of the earliest Syrah plantings on the island. Sandy clay soils within a natural amphitheatre fanned by afternoon sea breezes.

SEASON

Growing conditions were perfect with settled warm weather patterns throughout spring provided optimal flowering conditions and extended dry periods mid summer to autumn. These conditions allowed fruit to reach optimal ripeness.  As a result, 2019 will be fondly remembered as a vintage that produced an abundance of high-quality wines.

HARVEST

By hand in late March.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were destemmed and then very gently pressed to open top fermenters. Twice daily plunging during fermentation before an extended maceration period post fermentation. The wine was aged in 40% new French barrels for 12 months before a light fining and bottling.