Old Coach Road Merlot 2013

Wine Analysis

Vineyard: Seifried Edens Road Vineyard 
Sugar at Harvest: 23.1°Brix 
Date of Harvest: Late April 2013
pH of Wine: 3.51
T.A of Wine: 6.1g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Vineyard

The 2013 Old Coach Road Merlot comes off our relatively youthful Edens Road Vineyard. This vineyard is bordered by the Wairoa River and is notable for its exceptionally stony soil structure. The bouldery free draining soil is very harsh on our vineyard equipment, but vital for holding the warmth of the Nelson sun and for ripening grapes.

Winemakers Note

The fruit was harvested in late April 2013, and was fermented in stainless steel open top fermenters, over a two and a half week period. The fermenting grapes were plunged twice daily throughout fermentation to help extract colour, tannin and to build structure.  

The young wine was drained to oak barrels immediately following primary fermentation to begin malolactic fermentation. It was aged in one, two and three year old French barriques for a period of one year. The final wine was blended, stabilised and bottled in July 2014.

Tasting Note

The 2013 Old Coach Road Merlot is delightfully fruit driven with bright plum and berry fruits. The palate has smooth oak tannins, subtle mocha and dried Christmas fruit notes. A long lingering fruit finish persists on the palate.