Colour: Strong colours of deep ruby red. Nose: Powerful concentrated nose. Palate: Fleshy & Full bodied with mellow tannins, good fruits & a long finish. Food Pairing: Ideal with roasted meats, venison, & cheese. Crop & leaf thinning reduce possible disease & increase quality by reducing actual yield to about 49hl ha. Average vine age is 40 years plus. 90% merlot, 10% Cabernet sauvignon. Very selective hand picking, selection & vinification in temperature controlled vats, produce a well balanced wine, rich in colour & fruits. After initial cold maceration for 4 to 5 days temperature-controlled fermentation, with frequent pumping over, lasts at least 5 weeks. Malolactic fermentation continues in barrel, with aging lasting 12 months in predominantly new French barrels. Glued with egg albumin, but not filtered, the wine is bottled in heavy, antique coloured bottles, with highest quality natural corks. Merlot 90%, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.