Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2020/21 750ml

Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernet Merlot 202021 750ml VINEYARDS The grapes for Awatea 20 were hand harvested from Te Mata Estates vineyards between 19 March and 1 April 2020 WINEMAKING The separate parcels of grapes were destemmed before a traditional warmplunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins The resulting wines were then run into new and seasoned French oak barrels for ageing Throughout this time they were regularly topped and racked The separate wines were blended in January then returned to the barrel for their second winter The finished wine was then egg white fined and bottled in November 2021 The final blend is 54 cabernet sauvignon 34 merlot and 12 cabernet franc TASTING NOTE Awatea CabernetsMerlot 20 is a dark royal ruby with a bright purple glow at its edge Immediate classical aromas of walnut and polished cedar shimmer amongst wild blackberry currants marzipan and dusty sunbaked gravel On the palate sparkling red and black summer fruits entwine with brilliant red roses high notes of vanilla and silky darkchocolate tannin Savoury bright sustained and sumptuous Awatea CabernetsMerlot 20 simply shines ALC 140