Variety:

29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec

Region

Obsidian Vineyard, Onetangi, Waiheke Island, Auckland, NZ

Season:

Growing conditions: An early Spring with light easterly breezes provided successful flowering and a good fruit set. Light rain from the beginning of January made for balmy growing conditions. Vine vigour was at unprecedented levels and the vineyard staff made many more 'passes' through the vineyard than they would have in other seasons. This included trimming and leaf plucking to ensure that the suns energy made it to the fruit and not just to leafy foliage. 2016 was a challenging vintage but the quality of the fruit was rewarding.

Vinification:

The smallest batches were fermented in open top fermenters with twice daily plunging. Large parcels were fermented in closed top tanks and pumped over.  Once primary fermentation was complete all batches were pressed to tank and allowed to settle prior to undergoing malolactic fermentation in French Barriques.  20% new oak.

Analysis:

Winemaker: Michael Wood Bottled: March 2017, Alcohol: 13%, Ph: 3.75, T.A: 5.8g/l