Winemaker Notes
Mid ruby with crimson flashes in color. Classic cool climate Cabernet nose — cassis cedar spice. Dark plum Merlot. Lifted violets from the Franc. Seasoning notes of soft oak and salty maritime edge Palate is full bodied, softly textured. Franc brings blueberry fruit and savory peppery tannins. Ripe Merlot brings fleshy dense dark plum and low tone earthy graphite. Cabernet Sauvignon brings terroir specific tobacco leaf, cassis, and fine sinewy tannins to the young wine.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
On the central eastern coast of the South Island, Canterbury includes a collection of small and varied subregions. The region is cool and dry with low rainfall and light, infertile soils. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are well-suited here, with Pinot Gris coming in third place.