JENNY DOBSON DORIS 2024

Merlot field blend.  A modern interpretation of a classic grape variety made by a seasoned winemaker. Unique aromatics where savoury elements mingle with floral and red fruit notes. Intense and lifted.

Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"Dedicated to my Grandmother Doris (1899 – 1991). A woman ahead of her time – bold, forthright and determined, with a sense of style and elegance. A leader not a follower.

A tribute to Doris – this red wine breaks traditional concepts combining organically grown Merlot with whole bunch Syrah and Cabernet Franc from Hawkes Bay’s stony soils.

Following in the footsteps of my grandmother Doris, to whom this wine is dedicated, I wanted to be a leader not a follower. I challenged myself to make a unique wine exploring a lighter more fragrant side to the merlot grape variety. The grapes are organically grown on a vineyard in Hawkes Bay with stony, free draining gravel soils.

The merlot starts fermenting with indigenous yeast and once there is a CO2 cover, I add whole bunch syrah and cabernet franc. The whole bunch fruit brings fragrance to the aromas and flavour and succulence to the tannin structure.

In previous vintages of Doris I have added whole bunches of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. In 2024 the crop of Malbec was miniscule and I made the decision to add whole bunches of Syrah along with the Cabernet Franc bunches. Syrah has bought delicious spice and freshness to the wine.

Doris is matured in French oak barrels until there is a harmony between the flavours, texture and tannin. I bottle the wine unfiltered. Doris will mature with elegance in bottle."