Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Merlot Cabernet Franc 2016

Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Merlot Cabernet Franc is a supple, characterful red blend with an appealing mix of ripe fruit and savoury development. Red berries, field-grown rhubarb and lifted florals lead into toffee apple, dark cherry, cedar and blackstrap molasses, creating a layered profile that moves between brightness and richness. Soft tannins and focused acidity keep the full palate balanced, carrying the flavours through a long, composed finish. Made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown on Waiheke Island, it is now at a mature stage and well suited to cured meats, glazed ham, mushroom dishes or a selection of soft, bloomy-rind cheeses.

What the winery says:

The Merlot and Cabernet Franc were fermented in open-top stainless-steel fermenters using indigenous and selected yeasts. Extended maceration, regular punch-downs and air pulses were used to build flavour and structure before gentle basket pressing. The wine was then matured for 10 months in French and American oak, with three rackings during élevage, and bottled without fining. The winery describes red berry, rhubarb and floral aromas, followed by toffee apple, American cherry, cedar and blackstrap molasses. Soft, supple tannins and focused acidity provide balance and length. Alcohol is 13.5%, with less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar.