Grape Variety: 100% Merlot

Growing Region: Gisborne, New Zealand

Winemaker: Jules Taylor

TASTING NOTE:
This is the first Rose that Jules Taylor has made under her own label. The fruit for this stunning vibrant Rose came from the Gisborne region which experienced a varied growing season but ended with a lovely 'Indian summer' enabling the fruit from Peter Briant's vineyard at Patutahi to be harvested at optimum flavour and sugar levels.

The fruit was harvested in the middle of the night allowing them to harvest the fruit at cool temperatures. Soon after harvest the fruit was crushed then the juice was allowed to remain in contact with the skins for approx 12 hours. This allowed it to pick up the vibrant red colours and delightful aromas found only in the skin of the grape. The 'must' was then gently pressed and the juice settled for a further 48 hours, following this - a long cool fermentation with selected yeast strains took place. Post fermentation, the wine was given a light filtration to enhance its brightness and sealed with a screw cap to retain the fresh fruit flavours.

This wine reminds me of those Lava-Lamps, as the colour is so vibrant seemingly glowing in the glass with raspberry & tamarillo hues. The nose is no less exciting, with aromas of strawberries & cream leaping out of the glass.

The palate is loaded with wonderfully intense raspberry and strawberry flavours. The wine has lovely balance and a lingering fruit filled finish. A wine that definitely calls for a second glass, and maybe even a third!

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well these coming summer months; and well into 2010.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with prawns, scallops, strawberries, even an avocado, tomato and fresh green salad, enjoy.

Gold Medal - NZIWS - September 2009.