Spirit of Marlborough 2011 - Library Wine
Regular price
$164.00
Sale
Experience our stately flagship wine, akin to a ‘Grand Cru’ Pomerol, aged meticulously in our barrel hall. Revel in the rich black fruit flavours and elegantly smoothed-out tannins. Indulge in its impressive length, bold character, and seductive allure. An unbeatable choice for your wine collection.
Vintage 2011+
After a perfect, long dry autumn we handpicked a tiny yield of 600g/vine of healthy, physiologically ripe Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes in harmony with our ‘low yield/highest quality’ philosophy. The vines grow on the sandy, gravelly soils of our vineyard, akin to those of the Pomerol region. Both climates are moderated by their proximity to the Ocean and the presence of rivers yielding wines of exclusive velvety quality best after 10 years of ageing.
Hans' Winemaking Comments+
The grapes enjoyed a long maceration time and progressed into a natural wild fermentation to extract the beautiful flavours. Malolactic fermentation followed in partly new French barriques where the wine matured for a total of 30 month. Unfined and unfiltered. Natural sediments may show.
Original Tasting Note+
The 2011 Spirit reveals vibrant blackberries, cassis, blackcurrants with touches of cigar box and dark chocolate. Delicately crafted with nuanced, quietly intense layers of vivacious black fruits, the palate features a solid frame of polished, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and minerally. This sophisticated power house offers superb precision and opulence, yet is immensely elegant. Juicy on the palate with a huge long finish, this one is made to last forever. A regal wine like the a true king!
Technical Data+
| Varieties | 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc |
| Rootstock | Cabernet Franc - 3309/101.14 Merlot - 101.14 / 5BB / Riparia Gloire |
| Vines Planted | 1996 |
| Soil | Shallow (<45cm) stony, gravel and sandy soil. Well drained, developed from stony alluvium. |
| Planting Density | 5,500 vines/ha |
| Yield | <3t/ha |
| Alcohol | 14% |
| Residual Sugar | <1g/L |
| Ageing Potential | 20+ years (if kept at optimum temperature - <14 Celsius degrees) |
| Bottles Produced | 1,152 |
Food Matching Suggestions+
Perfect for meat lovers, pair with steak, lamb and strong hard cheeses, such as Gruyere.