Variety:

Tempranillo

Region

Onetangi Valley, Obsidian Vineyard, Waiheke Island, Auckland, NZ

Season:

Growing conditions: November brought perfect conditions for a high vigour vegetative growth state, even flowering and fruit set.  Consistent south westerly breezes between November and mid-February meant that temperatures remained slightly cooler than expected for this time of the year.  Offsetting this cooler weather was a lack of rainfall through January.  The vineyard was looking better that it ever had.  However, the rain events from February through to the end of April causing 750mm of precipitation, made 2018 the wettest Waiheke vintage on record. 

Harvest:

Hand Picked: 22 March 2018 

Vinification:

The fruit was destemmed to open top fermenters where it was inoculated with yeast. Once primary fermentation had commenced the ferments were managed with twice daily hand plunging. After a one week period of post fermentation maceration the wine was pressed to tank, settled then racked to barrel for malolactic fermentation. Oak Treatment: 11 months, 30% New American, balance seasoned French oak.

Analysis:

Alcohol: 13.0%
Winemaker: Michael Wood
Bottled: March 2019, 75 dozen produced