2017 Hans Herzog Spirit of Marlborough Merlot Cabernet
2017 Hans Herzog Spirit of Marlborough Merlot Cabernet

2017 Hans Herzog Spirit of Marlborough Merlot Cabernet

95 pts
Hans Herzog |Marlborough |Cabernet Sauvignon
A rare, long-lived Bordeaux blend from Marlborough’s master craftsman Hans Herzog, showing depth, structure and serious ageing potential.
4.0
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review
Price:
$106.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 5 units left
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Description

Hans Herzog isn’t your typical Marlborough producer. While the region is famous for Sauvignon Blanc, Hans and Therese have quietly carved out a reputation for making serious, age-worthy reds from their organic estate vineyard in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. The Spirit of Marlborough has always been their flagship Bordeaux blend, made up of almost equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with small amounts of Petit Verdot & Malbec making up the balance.

The 2017 vintage was a cooler, later year, but with meticulous vineyard work and low yields, the fruit came in beautifully balanced. Hand-picked, wild-fermented and aged for over two years in French oak, this wine is built for the long haul. Dark berry fruit, spice, graphite and fine tannins are all part of the picture, and the structure promises years – even decades – of development ahead.

Scarce and highly sought after, this is one of New Zealand’s most iconic red blends, more European in feel than Kiwi, and proof of just how far Marlborough can stretch beyond Sauvignon Blanc.

James Suckling

James Suckling

James Suckling 95 Points

A linear and firm red with blackcurrant, iron and cedar aromas and flavors. Violets and lilacs, too. Medium-bodied with racy tannins and a linear finish. Needs some time to soften but a beauty already. From organically grown grapes. A blend of 40% cabernet franc, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 30% merlot. Drink or hold.

Customer Reviews

4.0
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 1 review
Total 5 star reviews: 0 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
1 review
  • DW
    Derek W.
    Verified Buyer
    1 year ago
    Reviewing
    2016 Hans Herzog Spirit of Marlborough Merlot Cabernet
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    2016 drop

    A great drop!

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The wine for which Hans Herzog changed 500 years of winegrowing lineage in Switzerland to pursue his dream to find the perfect terroir to make an outstanding Bordeaux blend, able to stand amongst the world’s best. A handcrafted blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a purity of fruit that few can compete with. Power, harmony, and grace – wine lovers rejoice!

VINTAGE 2017
Following a wet start to the season, warm, dry weather prevailed, culminating in a perfect Indian summer for our Bordeaux varieties. We meticulously hand-picked physiologically ripe grapes at a low yield of 600g/vine.

The three grape varieties for Spirit - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, complemented by a touch of Petit Verdot and Malbec - thrive on the gravelly soils of our estate vineyard, akin to the finest wine estates in Bordeaux. These soils, rich in gravel, play a pivotal role in shaping the quality and character of our wines. Well-drained and nutrient-poor, they encourage the vines to produce grapes with concentrated flavours. Moreover, the gravel retains heat, aiding in ripening, while reflecting sunlight back onto the vines, further enhancing the maturation process.

HANS' WINEMAKING COMMENTS
Healthy, destemmed grapes underwent a prolonged cold soak to extract rich flavors and antioxidants from the skins. The must then underwent an extended wild yeast fermentation and post-maceration. Following gentle pressing, the wine was transferred to partly new French Barriques for a second natural malolactic fermentation. With minimal oxygen exposure during 30 months of maturation, the wine and wood harmonized, resulting in a rich, complex, and textured wine with exceptional aging potential. Reminiscent of a "Grand Cru" Pomerol, this flagship wine was matured for three additional years in our barrel hall, offering outstanding quality without the premium price tag. No fining, no filtration. Vegan.

TASTING NOTES:
The nose bursts with ripe blackberries, plums, and blackcurrant, offering a sweet, alluring aroma. The wine's velvety texture captivates the palate with a luscious juiciness that leaves you craving more. Exceptionally moreish and mouthwatering, this powerhouse blend is impeccably balanced with finesse. The different grape varieties each contribute their best, resulting in remarkable complexity and vibrancy that melds into a lively, harmonious whole. The wine displays impressive depth, richness, and vibrancy. The finish is seemingly endless, with layers of black fruits, spices, and purity. A delightful experience now and destined to age gracefully for years to come. Tasted April 2024, hh/thh.

TECHNICAL DATA:
Blend

33% Cabernet Sauvignon

33% Cabernet Franc

31% Merlot

3% Petit Verdot & Malbec

Rootstock

Cabernet Sauvignon: 3309

Cabernet Franc: 3309 / 101.14

Merlot: 101.14 / 5BB / Riparia Gloire

Vines Planted
1996

Soil
Shallow (<45cm) stony gravel and sandy soil. Well-drained, developed from stony alluvium.

Planting Density
5,500 vines/ha

Yield
2 t/ha

Alcohol
14%

Residual Sugar
<1 g/L

Ageing Potential
20+ years

Bottles Produced
2,905

Price Bracket $101 and Above
Type Red
Body Full Bodied
Variety Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety Style ["Cabernet Blends"]
Country New Zealand
Region Marlborough
Reviewed By James Suckling
Critic Score 95
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2017
Closure Cork

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