Newton Forrest Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
The Cornerstone Vineyard is situated in the heart of the “Gimblett Gravels” viticultural region at the junction of Gimblett Road and State Highway 50, Hawkes Bay. This region has established itself as New Zealand’s pre-eminent Bordeaux reds and Rhone Syrah grape growing area. The explanation for this lies within the extra warmth of the riverbed stones and gravels in which the grapes struggle to survive and produce only a few bunches of deeply-coloured, intensely flavoured ripe berries with superb mouthfilling tannins.
Vintage 2006 produced what was ideal ripening conditions for Bordeaux reds from Gimblett Gravels. Our summer was superb and its warmth extended into autumns vintage period allowing all grapes to attain full ripeness. By analysis the growing season was 100 Growing Degree Days (G.D.D) up on vintage 2004 – significantly above average. Rainfall through late summer was also above average, occurring mostly in discreet bursts, and had the affect of maintaining vine growth, reducing late season stress and ensuring even ripening of the crop without any significant disease pressure. Harvest began mid April with each variety being hand picked. Each pick was fermented in small 3-tonne open fermenters, hand plunged and allowed varying periods of post-ferment skin contact prior to pressing off the wine for malolactic fermentation and ageing in a mix of French (70%) and American (30%) oak barriques.
Tasting Notes
Gimblett Gravels, Cornerstone Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon – ripe cabernet flavours of black currants, black berry, dry herbs and a smokey cigar box, and not one hint of greenness – fantastic!
The palate has the same blackberry fruit, dry herbs and smokey aromas intermingled with cabernets fabulous tannic texture – rich intense tannins that at the same time are both full and drying yet soft and opulent. A wine with both power and elegance showing the virtues of a great site, vine age, a great year and sensitive winemaking. |
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