Waiheke Island
2019
2019 Ironclad Bordeaux Blend
Tasting Notes
The Ironclad 2019 is predominantly Cabernet Franc and Merlot supported by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is a mixture of red and black fruit with pencil lead and sous-bois and a hint of incense. The palate is medium bodied with a ferrous grip that knots together with some excellent acidity. The flavours are more of the black fruit with some attractive herbal notes highlighting the Cabernet Franc.
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Winemaking
Vintage 2019 was exceptional with a perfect fruit set in the Spring followed by a hot settled summer and practically no rain during the harvest months.
With 15 different vineyard sites planted in the five traditional varieties of Bordeaux the 2019 Ironclad is a careful selection of the very best fruit from the vintage. As with all our vineyards the fruit is carefully hand harvested and then sorted again in the winery before stem removal and fermentation of whole berries. Only pumped over twice a day the extraction is careful and can continue for over 30 days. Once the perfect balance has been achieved the wines are pressed directly to barrel and remain on gross lees for 20 months undergoing a natural malolactic in the Spring. After ageing the wines are then selected for blending into the Ironclad.
Reviews and Accolades
Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier - 93 Points, "An intense and savouty bouquet with mineral and dried herb, dark red berries and cherry, a touch of mint and fine toasty spices of barrel."
Bob Campbell, Master of Wine - 93 Points, "Concentrated Christmas cake-like flavours of dried fruits and spices together with dark chocolate and mocha characters."
