HOLDEN MANZ MERLOT 2010
HARVEST
2010 was an interesting vintage with a few hot spells and very little rain. The heat spikes did not endure and the cool nights offered respite for the vines allowing good accumulation of colour and flavor. Wines from this vintage show superb balance and intricacy of flavor.
COLOUR
Ruby red centre with a bright red edge.
NOSE
Plummy, ripe strawberries dominate a rich full nose with nuances of gentle spicy notes.
PALATE
Sweet ripe fruits, blackberries and red berries on entry support the overall palate of rich fruit and balanced acidity. All this combines to give the palate wonderful depth and a lingering appreciation of this super smooth elegant wine.
The fruit tannins are ripe, rich and full offering a satisfying breadth to the mid palate, culminating in a great follow through of sweet fruit leading to a long finish.
TECHNICAL DATA
Analysis: ALc: 14.0% TA: 5.3 g/L RS: 3.0g/L Ph: 3.451
Winemaker’s Notes:
The Merlot for the 2010 vintage was chosen from selected sections within the different blocks on the Estate. These blocks were manicured to produce +/- 6 tons/ha and were picked at optimal ripeness to get the correct balance between sugar levels, acidity and phenolic maturity.
Grapes were bunch and berry sorted, crushed and destalked to tank. After a short cold soaking at 10°C, alcoholic fermentation was started. The wine was pressed directly to barrels where malolactic fermentation was completed after which the wine matured in barrel for a further 12 months. Maturation is carried out in 20% new French oak and 80% 2nd and 3rd fill 225L barrels.
FOOD PAIRING
- Venison medallions marinated in olive oil, orange zest, sage, pepper and juniper berries – pan fried and served with herb buttered potatoes.
- Rosemary grilled lamb chops prepared rare with cherry tomatoes warmed in a savoury balsamic reduction.
- Tea smoked duck breast with oven roasted pears and a blackberry jus.
