Montepulciano
150cl * Organic * 14.0% ABV * Marlborough, New Zealand
Feeling frustrated that he could only work with a limited number of grape varieties in Switzerland's cool climate, Hans Herzog left his 500-year-old family winery for New Zealand, where he planted everything from Arneis to Zweigelt.
This Montepulciano is not for the faint of heart! A heady nose, displaying aromas and flavours of dark cherries, blackberries and luscious juicy plums, underpinned by dark chocolate and chilli. A vibrant powerhouse enveloped by soft tannins and mouth watering acidity, seductive and elegant. Delicious now but will continue to develop and soften in the bottle.
~ International Reviews ~
Bob Campbell, The Real Review – 96 points (vintage 2015) “Big, rich, juicy, almost cuddly Montepulciano with dried fruit, cassis, ripe plum, chocolate, mocha and spicy oak flavours. Deliciously drinkable now but with development potential. The best New Zealand grown Montepulciano I've tasted.”
Gourmet Traveller Wine – 96 points (vintage 2015) “Deliciously opulent, even decadent, Montepulciano with dried fruit/cassis, ripe plum, chocolate/mocha and spicy oak flavours. Very approachable now but should continue to give pleasure for many years. An outstanding example of this popular Italian variety.”
The Wine Front – 94 points, Mike Bennie (vintage 2015) “Hans up in the air. Dark, menacing colour. Cherry scents, candied peel, blood orange, raspberry liquorice, fennel. Nice start. Mellow in the palate, a soft, lush flow of flavour but relatively cool and medium weight, crisp edged and hemmed in with sheets of lacy tannin. Something earthy in there. Not sweet. Dry finish. Charming, elegant wine.”