Lake Chalice – Merlot ‘The Nest’ – 2020

PRODUCER NOTE:
Lake Chalice was established in 1989 with a vision of producing internationally recognised wines from the heart of the Marlborough region. New Zealand’s native falcon, the ‘Kārearea’, is proudly displayed on every bottle of Lake Chalice wine. Kārearea favour the remote mountains and foothills of the upper Awatere and Wairau valleys and these valleys are home to Lake Chalice’s three unique vineyard sites. Each vineyard has a diverse microclimate, biodiversity and terroir which are seamlessly translated into multi award winning wines by talented winemaker Chloe Gabrielsen. Taking a boutique approach she handcrafts parcels of fruit from single vineyards into elegant, aromatic, fruit driven wines and has garnered a global reputation of outstanding quality. Certified ‘Sustainable Winegrower of New Zealand’.

VINTAGE:
The 2020 vintage saw less than ideal flowering conditions, which led to below average yields. Despite this, the fruit quality was exceptional, displaying incredible varietal character and depth of flavour.

VINEYARD:
The fruit is sourced primarily from Lake Chalice’s estate-owned Falcon Block, near Renwick in the Rapaura district of the Wairau Valley. The Falcon Block sits on part of an old river bed and as a result has stony, sandy soils. The vines are low yielding but produce intensely flavoured fruit from a combination of different pruning methods.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully sorted and vinified in stainless steel tanks. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was pressed and racked into a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks where it underwent malolactic conversion. 60% of the wine was aged on the lees for a minimum of seven months in seasoned French oak.

TASTING NOTE:
Vibrant aromas of ripe blueberries mingle with subtle notes of mulled spice. The full and generous palate delivers a sweetness of ripe plum and forest fruits, complemented by savoury overtones. Beautifully balanced and elegant on the finish.

GRAPE:
Merlot 98%, Syrah 2%.

COUNTRY:
New Zealand

REGION:
Marlborough

SUB-REGION:
Marlborough