Grape Varieties: Merlot | Syrah | Malbec | Cabernet Franc
The merlot and Malbec were fermented together, with a preferment maceration of around 4-6 days until indigenous yeasts complete the fermentation over ten to twelve days. The fermenters are then closed up and the wine is left to slowly macerate with the skins for a further 10 days. The Syrah which ripens earlier is fermented separately with a shorter fermentation period to keep it bright and floral. Pristine cabernet franc was whole bunch fermented and adds an exotic high note to the blend. Aged in French oak for 22 months prior to bottling to soften the tannins and allow the wine to slowly open and evolve
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with spices of star anise, sumac and cinnamon, following through with ripe Damson plum and top notes of violet. Youthful and energetic, with a succulent mid palate this wine balances complexity and concentration while remaining light on it’s feet. Thirty five years on from the first release of Célèbre, this blend continues to go from strength to strength as the vines slowly mature, their roots moving deeper into the gravels of the Martinborough Terrace.
