Latitiude 41 Tasting Notes
Latitude 41 Merlot
~ Limited Release ~
Although all the other Latitude 41 wines are made from Marlborough and Nelson grapes this Merlot is from Hawkes Bay. The reason is simple. The best New Zealand Merlot is grown there.
- Vintage Conditions:
- This wine is made from a selection of Hawkes Bay grapes. Hawkes Bay had a near perfect vintage during 2005. The early growing season was dry and warm with only a little rain late season. These conditions and slow ripening pro-
duced good acid balance with mouth filling flavour.
- Harvest Date:
- Mid April 2005.
- Vinification:
- The grapes were crushed into the fermenters and punched down three times per day during fermentation. Pressed
lightly, the wine was aged in a combination of new and older French oak. Aged for fifteen months and then blended with a small portion of Malbec to add colour and length.
- Bottling Date:
- August 2006
- Alcohol:
- 12.8%
- pH:
- 3.52
- Acid:
- 6.3 gr./litre
- Residual Sugar:
- 2.2 gr./litre
- Colour:
- Dark purple.
- Bouquet:
- Rich berry fruit hints of fine oak.
- Palate:
- A rich wine that has ripe fruit flavours of berries, chocolate and vanilla. A touch of oak, creaminess and complexity.
- Packaging:
- 12 x 750ml Zork closure