The fruit is destemmed, crushed and transferred into stainless steel fermentation tanks. The must is inoculated with pure yeast cultures to enhance varietal aromatics and fruit characters. Tailored rackings and pump overs are performed during fermentation to obtain delicate fruit tannins and maximise flavour and colour extraction. Following gentle pressing, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in tank and in French oak barriques. A large portion of the blend is then aged in French oak barriques over a period of months to provide softness and complexity to the wine.
Oyster Bay Hawke’s Bay Merlot offers the aromas and flavours of juicy black plum, bright red currants, alluring spice and a hint of vanilla.