29 Apr Complex flavours for family get-together
If you are looking for an honest red with the depth and complexity to complement hearty autumn and winter fare, Sacred Hill’s Orange Label Merlot Cabernet 2014 delivers all that and more.
The 2013 vintage of this popular varietal grabbed the attention of wine critics throughout New Zealand and was widely lauded for punching well above its weight to deliver top quality at an affordable price. The 2014 version carries right on where its predecessor left off.
Sacred Hill founder and Managing Director David Mason says this wine is an ideal choice to provide a little extra warmth and bring friends and family close together as the winter approaches.
“This is our family’s go to wine for those informal get togethers as the days become shorter and the nights cooler.”
Mason says Pinot Noir and Syrah have been popular in recent years but the 2013 and 2014 vintages should ensure Merlot Cabernet stays front of mind for Kiwi wine drinkers.
“2014 was another incredible year in Hawke’s Bay and we picked some of the best Merlot we have seen in a while. This wine is a timely reminder of the rich, rewarding wines Merlot can produce and will be a wine to keep coming back to throughout the winter, and beyond – if you can keep it that long.”
Senior Winemaker Tony Bish says when the cherry crop came in two weeks earlier than usual he had the first indication that his team were in for an early 2014 harvest and the vintage was going to be something special,
“The superb weather allowed us to pick over two weeks giving us ripe and intensely flavoured fruit to ferment. We also had the luxury of selecting vineyard portions with great attention to detail.”
The resulting wine is a delicious soft, supple blend, full of rich fruit flavour with the depth and complexity that comes from French oak maturation.
2014 Sacred Hill Orange Label Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet – Deep, ink red in colour, The nose has ripe plums and red berries with spicy hints and nuances of nuttiness. The palate is very supple and smooth, reflecting the enticing aroma with ripe, red fruits and a lovely complexity of flavour.
Food match: Steak Sandwich – a thick juicy steak served on toasted ciabatta with caramelised onions, your favourite salad fixings and a side of chunky duck fat chips.
2014 Sacred Hill Orange Label Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet is available from supermarkets throughout New Zealand and has a recommended retail price of $19.99.