Babich Family Estates Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2009
This stylish Merlot is produced from premium grapes grown in the stony soils of our Irongate vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels region of Hawke’s Bay. These special deep gravel soils typically produce full coloured wines with rich fruit flavours supported by fine tannins.
Winemaker Notes
Region:
Hawke's Bay - Gimblett Gravels
Recommended Food:
An ideal partner for ratatouille, or equally as good with Italian-style meatballs in a garlicky tomato sauce.
Recommended Cellaring:
2-6 years
Production Notes:
These grapes were harvested in early April 2009 at optimum ripeness. The crushed grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks and plunged regularly for tannin and flavour extraction. After a post ferment period “on skins”, with daily tasting, the wine was pressed off and left to develop with French oak. The blend was assembled and bottled in October 2010.
Technical Notes:
Alcohol: 13.0%
TA: 5.4g/l
pH: 3.64
Residual Sugar: 0g/l
Tasting Notes:
This wine has a ripe and attractive nose exuding red current and plum aromas along with pleasing hints of cedar and tar. The entry is rich with sweet red and dark fruits. Fine, soft and supple tannins compliment the medium weight and abundant fruit. Vanillin and cocoa add complexity to the palate with spicy plums lingering on the finish. A satisfying and enjoyable wine.
Awards
4 STARS, 17+/20 -Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, June 2011
4 STARS, 88 POINTS -Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, July 2011
Wine Writer Reviews
"Bright, fruity Merlot in a lighter style with succulent sweet fruit plus a seasoning of herbs and oak. Has cellaring potential."
-Bob Campbell, www.bobswinereviews.com, June, 2011
"Bright, even ruby-red colour with light, purple hues, the bouquet has raspberry lozenge and dark plum jam and berry aromas, sweetly ripe with floral lift. A medium full-bodied wine, this has softly ripe, plum jam, dark raspberry and liquorice flavours, framed in a rounded, plump and very accessible palate. The tannins are supple and even, providing a flowing mouthfeel. Match this juicy, primary-fruited wine with pasta, lamb and Middle Eastern cuisine over the next 5-6 years. 100% Merlot from the Gimblett Gravels fermented to 13.0% alc., the wine aged with oak 18 months."
4 STARS
17+/20
-Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, June 2011
"It's elegantly expressed, showing gentle aromas of dark plum, spice and game. The palate is succulent and smooth with medium weight and well pitched tannins. The wine is harmonious and balanced with good varietal flavours. At its best: now to 2014."
88 POINTS
4 STARS
-Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, July 2011
"The 2009 vintage is a full-bodied Hawke’s Bay red with moderately ripe plum and herb flavours, showing decent depth, and a smooth finish."
-Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2012
"The famous Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay is a limited region, based solely on soil composition, rather than location - only those whose grapes are grown in this limited region are allowed to use the name on their labels.
The Babich offers intense aromas of spicy plums, dark cocoa and licorice, baking spices and vanilla. That intensity is pulled through onto the palate - it has generous fruit, is supple and balanced with bright acidity. Wonderful mouth-filling flavours of fruit and spice linger across the finish. Pair with lamb as a main course or creamy Camembert cheese as a snack."
-Daenna Van Mulligen, Wine Diva, Canada, April 17th, 2012
"The Babich offers intense aromas of spicy plums, dark cocoa and licorice, baking spices and vanilla. That intensity is pulled through onto the palate - it has generous fruit, is supple and balanced with bright acidity. Wonderful mouth-filling flavours of fruit and spice linger across the finish. Pair with lamb as a main course or creamy Camembert cheese as a snack."
-Wine Diva, April 2012
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