{"product_id":"spirit-of-marlborough-2018","title":"Spirit of Marlborough 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kcS6-5FPVZU\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"133\" data-end=\"195\"\u003e95\/100 by James Suckling  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased not in haste, but at its moment of harmony, this certified \u003cstrong\u003eorganic, estate-grown\u003c\/strong\u003e Cabernet blend has been matured for \u003cstrong\u003e30 months in French barriques\u003c\/strong\u003e and a further \u003cstrong\u003efive years in bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e, emerging fully resolved, layered, and composed. While it belongs firmly among the most recognised Cabernet blends of New Zealand, Spirit of Marlborough 2018 is defined by a stylistic alignment closer to classical Bordeaux, favouring restraint, fine structure, and vibrant healthy fruit over overt ripeness or dominant oak expression. A reflection of its provenance and patient élevage, it takes its rightful place as a mature, age-worthy Cabernet blend of Grand Cru calibre.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"en-NZ\"\u003eA perfect long, dry growing season with extremely high sunshine hours ripened the low yield of our Bordeaux varieties to perfection. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"en-NZ\"\u003eWe handpicked incredible small but flavourful and healthy grapes at full physiological ripeness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;\" lang=\"en-US\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHans' Winemaking Comments\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"en-NZ\"\u003eWith perfectly healthy, destemmed grapes, our artisan winemaking begins with a long cold soak to extract flavours and antioxidants from the skins. After a cool 'wild' yeast fermentation and extended post-maceration, the wine matures for 30 months in partly new French Barriques, fostering richness and complexity. Bottle-aged in our cellar for a further \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"en-NZ\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e5 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"en-NZ\"\u003e. No fining, no filtration, just pure natural goodness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"en-NZ\"\u003eA generous, confident nose of ripe blackberries, dark plums and blackcurrant, edged with subtle spice. The palate is seamless and velvety, driven by vibrant healthy fruit and an irresistible juiciness that keeps the wine in constant motion. Rich yet poised, this is a powerful blend handled with restraint and finesse. Each variety plays its part, layering complexity without excess, resulting in a wine of depth, clarity and energy. The finish unfolds slowly and persistently, echoing dark fruit, gentle spice and a sense of purity. Already deeply satisfying, yet clearly structured for graceful, long-term ageing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical Data\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 282px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 55px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 55px;\"\u003eVarieties\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 55px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 31 Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot \u0026amp; Malbec\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 39px;\"\u003eRootstock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 39px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCabernet Sauvignon 3309, Cabernet Franc 3309\/101.14 Merlot 101.14 \/ 5BB \/ Riparia Gloire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 19px;\"\u003eVines Planted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 19px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1996\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 55px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 55px;\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 55px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShallow (\u0026lt;45cm) stony, gravel and sandy soil. Well drained, developed from stony alluvium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 19px;\"\u003ePlanting Density\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 19px;\"\u003e5,500 vines\/ha\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 19px;\"\u003eYield\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 19px;\"\u003e2t\/ha\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 19px;\"\u003eAlcohol\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 19px;\"\u003e14%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 19px;\"\u003eResidual Sugar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 19px;\"\u003e\u0026lt;1g\/L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 19px;\"\u003eAgeing Potential\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 19px;\"\u003e20+ years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22.4675%; height: 19px;\"\u003eHandcrafted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.5325%; height: 19px;\"\u003e340 cases\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eFood matching suggestions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis Bordeaux blend pairs excellently with steak, roast meats, and grilled dishes, enhancing each bite with its rich, layered flavours. For a truly luxurious experience, enjoy it with truffle brie. Alternatively, savour it on its own to fully appreciate its exceptional quality and celebrate its complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndustry Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Hans Herzog Spirit of Marlborough 2018 - James Suckling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jamessuckling.com\/tasting-notes\/323576\/hans-herzog-estate-marlborough-spirit-of-marlborough-2018\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling - 95 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA velvety, layered and textured blend of cabernet franc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon,malbec and petit verdot. The nose shows dark cherries, dark plums, roasted almonds, forest floor, warm spices and some tobacco. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Fresh at its core, with a polished texture. Gentle yet inspired, with a long, flavorful, engaging finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Unfiltered. Drink or hold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hans Herzog Estate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49744250536173,"sku":"Spirit 2018","price":110.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2430\/3373\/files\/spirit_e6ed60ad-d1d1-456a-ad36-430d4144e47b.jpg?v=1711687998","url":"https:\/\/www.herzog.co.nz\/products\/spirit-of-marlborough-2018","provider":"Hans Herzog Estate","version":"1.0","type":"link"}