2018 Forrest Reserve Malbec

$40.00 Sale Save
2018 Forrest Reserve Malbec

2018 Forrest Reserve Malbec

$40.00 Sale Save
Size 1 Bottle

Sustainably Crafted

Tasting Notes

A truly ripe expression of NZ Malbec. The nose opens with spicy, dark aromas, reminiscent of rich spices and gran's jam simmering on the stove, accented by subtle caramel and nutty notes. On the palate, it delivers a round, rich fruit entry with flavours of dark fruit cake and a sweet, rich oak structure. Chalky dry tannins add depth, followed by a lingering spicy and intriguing finish. Super savoury goodness that keeps unravelling.

Vineyard Sites

Cornerstone Vineyard lies at the heart of the renowned Gimblett Gravels viticultural region, strategically positioned at the junction of Gimblett Road and State Highway 50 in Hawke’s Bay. This area is celebrated as New Zealand’s premier Bordeaux red grape-growing region, and it's easy to see why. The vineyard’s unique terroir, composed of riverbed stones and gravels, challenges the vines, leading them to produce a limited yield of small, intensely coloured, and flavourful berries. The resulting grapes give rise to wines with rich, mouth-filling tannins and a depth of character that speaks to the harsh yet rewarding growing conditions.

Vinification

The grapes were carefully handpicked, then crushed and fermented separately in small 3-tonne open fermenters. Each batch was hand-plunged and allowed varying periods of post-ferment skin contact to enhance complexity and structure. After pressing off, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged in a mix of French (70%) and American (30%) oak barriques, adding depth and subtle layers of flavour.

Analysis at bottling

pH 3.65 | T.A. 5.0 g/l | RS DRYl | Alcohol 14%