TRINITY HILL MERLOT 2024

Merlot wines are not often made in serious style in Hawkes Bay (most are blends) so for lovers of this mellow variety, this is a real treat.

Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"Chocolate, plum, and blackberry aromas of Merlot have combined with the aromatic spice of oak aging to produce a fruit-dominant yet complex wine. Soft, ripe tannins make this wine serious yet eminently drinkable. It can be enjoyed with a wide range of different foods, particularly lamb and beef.

Selected parcels from our Gimblett Stones, Tin Shed and Gimblett Gravels vineyards in Hawkes Bay. Individual parcels were harvested separately and destemmed prior to fermentation leaving a high proportion of whole berries. Gentle daily pumping over of the skins during fermentation helped extract a soft, complex structure. Skin maceration was extended for up to 4 weeks following fermentation to further integrate and soften the tannins. Following 7 months aging in a combination stainless steel tanks and small French oak barrels the individual parcels were blended to create the ideal marriage."

5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, January 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"Gorgeously ripe and inviting, the fragrant bouquet shows Black Doris plum, blueberry, rich floral, subtle spice, and toasted nut aromas. The palate displays excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, wonderfully framed by silky texture and finely infused tannins. Sturdy and supple at once with a sustained, satisfying finish. At its best: now to 2030."

5 Stars &18.5/20 (93) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, February 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"Deep purple, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is gently full and elegant, with aromas of blackberry, plum, spice and cedar. Full-bodied, aromas of blackberry and plum entwined with herb, spice and cedar. The fruit is succulent and generous, supported by mouth-watering acidity. Fine tannins structured and elevated to a long finish. This well-made, youthful Merlot is attractive and approachable. Match with skirt steak and shepherd's pie over the next 3-5 years. Fermented to 14% alc. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Feb 2025"

92/100 Cameron Douglas MS, January 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"An excellent bouquet and palate with scents and flavours of violets and baked Doris plums, fresh boysenberry and fruit spices then a layer of wood smoke. Firm and dry on the palate with textures from tannins and plenty of acidity for length and to carry the fruit messages. Medium length and finish with best drinking from late 2025 through 2029+."

91/100 David Walker Bell, WineFolio.co.nz, January 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"A straight Merlot, from the ‘Hawke’s Bay’ white label range from this producer. The wine has good pedigree, winning the Trophy for Champion Merlot at NZIWS in 2021. A very dark ruby colour in the glass. The perfume is a riot of black and red, with plum, cherry, bramble, liquorice, roasted spice and olive tapenade. Youthful and piquant, with a vibrancy, verve and varietal typicity that is drinking very well this young. Tannin is firm but fits the style well, sneaking into every corner and adding bite. Acidity gives an easy flow through what is a medium-bodied palate, and heads to a rounded, dry finish. "