Rabbit Island Nelson Merlot 2017

Wine Analysis

The Vineyards

Our 2017 Rabbit Island Merlot comes from our Edens Road Vineyard. This vineyard is bordered by the Wairoa River and is notable for its exceptionally stony soil texture. 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 mid April 2017, and was fermented in stainless steel open top fermenters, over a two week period. The fermenting grapes were plunged twice daily throughout fermentation to help extract colour, tannin and to build structure into the wine.

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 an extended period. The final wine was blended, stabilised and bottled in August 2019.

Tasting Note

The 2017 Rabbit Island Nelson Merlot has succulent berry fruit and dried herbs on the nose. The palate has basil and hop notes alongside warm plumy fruit leaving a lingering finish.