Old Coach Road Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2014

Wine Analysis

Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater and Edens Road Vineyards
Sugar at Harvest: 23.4°Brix (average over all 3 varieties)
Date of Harvest: Late April 2014
pH of Wine: 3.59
T.A of Wine: 5.7g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Vineyards

The Brightwater and Edens Road vineyards are both situated 15 km from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond Ranges. The “soil” is a combination of rocks and boulders which is very hard on the farm equipment, but vital for holding the warmth of Nelson’s sun and for ripening the newly established vines.

Winemakers Note

This soft, easy drinking wine is a blend of three classic varieties. The grape varietal parcels were harvested as they ripened and fermented on their skins separately.

Fermentation occurred over a three week period with punch downs occurring twice daily to help build up the core structure from which this wine would evolve. The wines were then aged separately in French oak barriques to impart spicy oak flavours.

Tasting Note

The 2014 Old Coach Road Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc has juicy berry fruit characters on the nose. Palate has a good entry and gentle fusion of fruit and smooth oak tannins. Warm spicy flavours linger on the palate, leaving a long lasting finish on the wine.

"Quite fragrant with sweet red plum, rose and a mix of red and some black berry fruits. On the palate - fruity, plump. Juicy and simple with flavours that reflect the nose, mild tannins and firm youthful acidity. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2022."

88 Points - Cameron Douglas MS, November 2017