Mistral 2019
Regular price
$65.00
Sale
"Terrific Rhone Blend!" James Suckling
50% Viognier, 40% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne
This Rhone Valley blend is grown on gravel and sand to an extremely low yield. A blockbuster with ‘off-the-charts’ aromas of honeyed quince and lemon verbena and so much more. While it promises beautiful aging potential, its flamboyance suggests you'll likely enjoy it long before then. Richness and depth, reminiscent of a hot summer stroll through a Mediterranean herb garden, are followed by a creamy, mouth-filling texture and a lingering, spicy finish. It earned 95 points from James Suckling, who hailed it as a 'terrific Rhone blend'.
Vintage 2019+
The chilly Mistral wind blows through growing season in the French Rhone Valley, home to these powerful and aromatic grape varieties. It cools down the vines, aiding in acidity retention during hot summers. Similarly, Marlborough's cool nights play a crucial role. These low-yielding varieties thrive in our sandy/gravelly soils, soaking up the sun during the day and cooling down at night. The ideal warm 2019 growing season yielded beautiful, healthy grapes, hand-picked at perfect ripeness with an extremely low yield of 500g/vine.
Hans' Winemaking Comments+
The impeccable fruit underwent cold maceration (skin contact) to extract compounds from flesh, pulp, skins, and seeds, resulting in a fruit-forward and complex wine with heightened aromatic and colour intensity. The must of the Marsanne and Roussanne underwent a long, cool wild yeast co-fermentation, while the Viognier fermented separately before being blended and matured into a single 500L French oak puncheon on its fine lees for 18 months. No fining (Vegan), cold stabilization, or filtering were applied to maintain purity and flavours.
Tasting Notes+
The head-spinning, buoyant aromas of honeyed quince and orange peel captivate the senses, evoking images of golden stone fruit drizzled with lavender honey. With each sip, you're transported to a Mediterranean herb garden, where delicious nuances of minerality enhance the exuberant fruit intensity. The lifted floral aromas, spice, and acidity of the Marsanne and Roussanne contribute to a multidimensional, rich wine with a wonderful texture. This beautiful expression of all three varieties offers a full-bodied palate, leaving a long, silky finish that lingers, offering continuous delights.
Technical Data+
| Variety | 60% Viognier, 30% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne, |
| Rootstock | 101-14, RG |
| Vines Planted | Viognier, 1996, Marsanne & Roussanne, 2007 |
| Soil | Shallow (<45cm) well drained sandy and gravelly soil, developed from stony alluvium |
| Plant Density | 5,500 vines/ha |
| Yield | 2t/ha |
| Alcohol | 14% |
| Residual Sugar | <1g/L |
| Ageing Potential | Up to 10 years |
| Bottles Produced |
475 |
Food Matching Suggestion+
Perfectly paired with rich seafood like Marlborough crayfish or creamy oysters, as well as with white fish and chicken dishes. However, Hans suggests that it's equally delightful to enjoy a glass on its own to unwind -no food required.
Industry Reviews+
https://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-notes/212732/hans-herzog-estate-marlborough-mistral-2019/
'Terrific Rhone blend here. Dried mango, pineapple and nougat aromas with some caramel and honey. Full-bodied and dense, agile and focused. Very attractive aftertaste of coconut and toffee to the fruit. A blend of 60% marsanne, 30% viognier and 10% roussanne. Drink or hold.'