Old Coach Road Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc 2019

Awards

87 Points (4 Star) - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, September 2021, New Zealand

Wine Analysis

Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater and Clover Road Vineyards
Sugar at Harvest: 23.4°Brix
Date of Harvest: Late March - Early April 2019
pH of Wine: 3.42
T.A of Wine: 5.5g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Vineyards

The Brightwater and Clover Road vineyards are both situated 15 km from the coast and are 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. 2019 was a baking hot growing season in Nelson, allowing these late season red varietals to ripen perfectly.

Tasting Note

The 2019 Old Coach Road Nelson Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc is a rich ripe blend of these classical varieties.  The outstanding season in 2019 was perfect for ripening grapes and developing phenolics.  Cinnamon stick, plum and licorice characters come through on the nose. The palate is warm with bold berryfruit and cedar noses and generous finish.