We have been producing Irongate Cabernet Merlot since 1986 and it has evolved into this richly flavoured, balanced and elegant wine. The vines from this now-famous Gimblett Gravels ‘Irongate’ vineyard are selected at pruning and crop levels are closely monitored to ensure excellent flavour concentration in the grapes.

Winemaker Notes

Grapes: 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc

Region: Hawke`s Bay – Gimblett Gravels

Recommended Food:

This wine is a brilliant match for red meats, game and pasta dishes. A perfect partner for casseroled lamb shanks or with Scotch fillet, roasted rare in the piece.

Recommended Cellaring:

4-10 years

Production Notes:

Extensive crop thinning in the vineyard produced select parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. These grapes were hand picked, individually fermented and hand plunged in open vats before spending an extended time on skins post ferment to aid structural development. The wines were put into new (40%) and seasoned French oak and assessed for quality after several months. After 6 months the wine was blended then returned to oak for a further 7 months.

Technical Notes:

Alcohol: 13.0%

TA: 5.9g/l

pH: 3.72

Residual Sugar: 0g/l

Tasting Notes:

The inviting bouquet of blackberries and blueberry develops into attractive savoury and earthy notes. Ripe fine grained tannins are seamlessly integrated with subtle French oak to create excellent texture. It is balanced, smooth and even from start to finish. This is a mouth-watering and warm hearted wine of power and balance. A perfect partner for fine dining.