Estate 2018

Puriri Hill Estate 2018 

Case lot - 6 bottles

Accolades:
 91/100 – James Suckling
 95/100 – Bob Campbell MW (2017 vintage)

“A fresh and light style of red with medium to light body, light and delicate tannins. Currant and iron character. Bright and pretty. 46% merlot, 24% carmenere, 23% malbec and 7% cabernet franc. Drink now.” – James Suckling

Tasting Note: The 2018 Estate is a forward release, coming from a cooler growing season with above-average rainfall. As no Pope or Harmonie du Soir were made in this vintage, the Estate contains the best fruit from a small yield and shows off classic Puriri Hills power in spite of the vintage’s challenges. A generous nose of plum, spice and dried herbs leads into a very round palate, with mellow, integrating tannins. Great drinking now with a decant, but will evolve well over five years. A fine right-bank Bordeaux equivalent for a terrific price.

Winemaking Notes: In the winery, bunches were 100% destemmed and 80% crushed into oak cuves or stainless steel open-top fermenters. Ferments were cold soaked briefly to allow wild yeast development, then inoculated with oenological yeasts. Total time on skins ranged from 1-3 weeks depending on the varietal, fruit condition and the character desired. Free run wines were put to barrel and marc was lightly basket pressed. All wine was barrel-aged in French oak for ca. 21 months before final blending. The wine was lightly filtered and bottled under cork on the estate.

Alcohol: 12.9%

Auckland deliveries are overnight, plus one to two days if it’s rural delivery.

North Island deliveries are two days, plus one to two days if it’s rural delivery.

South Island Deliveries are 3 three days, plus one to two days if it’s rural delivery.