Grape Variety: 100% Malbec

Growing Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson

TASTING NOTE:
This wine is not for the faint-hearted. The grapes for the Sun-Dried Malbec are predominantly from Peters Ohiti Estate vineyards. Each vintage Malbec readily achieves ripeness, normally being harvested at 23 Brix or more. The sun-drying of the grapes enhances the sugar concentration, as well as the flavour and colour. The drying of grapes prior to fermentation is an age old European practice.

The grapes must be ripe at the point of harvest, and then the sun-drying adds another dimension. The Malbec grape are hand-picked, and then sun-dried in trays for two or three weeks before being made into wine. Open fermentation tanks are used so hand plunging can take place. Due to the loss of moisture with the sun-drying, the cap is quite thick and demands more attention than normal when plunged. After pressing, and malolactic fermentation has occurred, the Malbec goes into barrel for a year.

In the glass you have an intense deep dark red wine. On the palate elevated rich black currant fruit is well balanced and supported by firm tannins and silky oak, giving the wine a persistent finish. Decant for 30-40mins and serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well this winter; and will age gracefully for another 7-9 years

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with Angus beef fillet (medium rare) with mushrooms and wine jus, enjoy.

Traditional practice of sun-dried grapes.