Description
The separate parcels of grapes were destemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to new and seasoned French oak barrels for 15 months’ ageing. Throughout this time, they were regularly topped and racked. The separate wines were blended in January 2020, then returned to barrel for their second winter. The finished wine was then egg white fined and bottled in November 2020. The final blend is 46% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 22% cabernet franc.
A deep brilliant crimson with an underlying amethyst hue, Awatea ’21 immediately
offers up concentrated blackcurrant, blackberry, dark plum, cocoa-powder and cedar
with a subtle marine note in the background. The ripe dark and red fruit is fresh and
varietally defined, enlivening the wine with layers of brightness, persistence and appeal.
This depth of fruit, balanced by the bright, ripe, acid tension, carries right through to its
fine dry finish. The most concentrated Awatea ever this ’21 is a delight.