2021 Bella Luna Cabernet Merlot

WINEMAKING NOTES

Fruit was hand picked at our Bella Luna Vineyard by a team of volunteers on 7 April. After a 2 day cold soak pre-ferment, the fruit was fermented by indigenous yeasts in an old barrel with the head taken off. There really wasn’t much of it, we ended up with 1 barrel in the end- a second use Seguin Moreau was what we decided to use for this wine’s maturation. That 1 barrel was watched ever so closely. It was racked once over the subsequent 10 months prior to being bottled without any fining and a light filtration.

TASTING NOTES

This wine really speaks to the versatility of Cabernet and Merlot as varietals. At only 12.7% alcohol you would expect this wine to be much greener but that is hardly the case.

The fruit is bright and red bringing pomegranate raspberries to mind. This is complemented by ripe tomato alongside an alluring spice and an umami note that brings Worcestershire sauce to mind. These complex characters are all carried through by a bright acid line and incredibly fine tannins.

All in all a very compelling Bordeaux blend and one we are proud to present to the world.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Alcohol:            12.7 %

PH:                   3.74

Total made:      28 dozen

6 bottle maximum order. 

The magic of Cabernet/Merlot blend. Fleshy, elegant and complete. Tobacco leaf, red currants, blackberries, red plums. A medium-bodied wine with lightness and finesse, not overwhelming with tannins and no awkward acidity. Feels lifted and modern with a bitterish finish and subtle nutmeg spice. Oak doesn’t stick out, all is in balance. Soft and velvety, satisfying with a little warming touch.

92 Points- Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front