Hans Herzog Zweigelt 2017

Accolades:
94/100 – Bob Campbell MW
94/100 – James Suckling

“This popular Austrian grape is a cross between blaufränkisch and st laurent. Flavours suggesting black doris plum, dark cherry/berry, spicy oak and dark chocolate supported by fine, peppery tannins. Drink 2022 to 2030.” – Bob Campbell MW

“Aromas of watermelon and fresh cherries with some lilacs follow through to a medium body, with bright acidity and a crisp finish. Lots of brightness and energy. Drink now.” – James Suckling

Tasting Note: The vitality and exuberance of aromas is mouth-watering before the wine even reaches your palate. Intense ripe blackcurrant and plum jumps out at you like a sucker punch, enveloping Szechuan pepper, cloves, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect balance in a powerhouse wine as it bursts with vibrant acidity, dark fruit at the core and firm tannins. dark, brooding and savoury melt with freshness on the long, long finish. A wine drinking wonderfully now in its youth but will soften as it matures. A collectors dream…

Winemaking Note: “Hand-picking only perfectly healthy grapes allows for long cold soaks and a slow, soft extraction of colour and flavours from the grape skins. The must then went naturally through a wild fermentation for a true expression of the grape variety and its terroir, as it is not influenced by added yeast. In total, the must was left 21 days on the skins before being pressed and transferred into French oak barriques (20% new) for the natural malolactic fermentation. The young wine was matured for a long 24 months in the same barrels making it a contender for a long life. Unfined & unfiltered to retain the great flavours. Natural sediments may show.” – Hans Herzog

Certification: Organic

Alcohol: 13.5%

Varietal: Zweigelt

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand