Grapes harvested April 2005. This Cabernet Sauvignon was grown on our home vineyard at Kumeu. Hand and foot plunged 4 times per day during fermentation, the wine was macerated (held on the skins ) for 10 days after fermentation to maximise extraction of tannins and fruit flavours. Only light pressings were taken, and following the malo-lactic fermentation the wine was aged for 11 months in a combination of both new and 2 year old French and American oak barriques. The resulting wine is bright crimson red colour; wild cherry berry, peppery characters dominate the nose. There is also an under-layer of earthiness, and those characters follow through on to the palate. The soft fruit tannins along with the finely intergrated oak and balanced structure make for a harmonius wine offering complex fruit and oak characters. The mid palate is warm, rich and sweet, the finish long and savoury. Enjoy our Cabernet Sauvignon with red meats, cheeses and big buxom breads etc. Drinking well now.