2015 Hans Herzog Montepulciano, Marlborough

Hans Herzog changed 500 years of winegrowing lineage in Switzerland to pursue his dream to find the perfect terroir to make truly outstanding wines able to stand amongst the world’s best. Unfettered by commercial considerations Hans adopts an experimentalist stance, producing highly acclaimed, age worthy wines rich in in varietal character.

True to the adage: quality over quantity. A force of experience in winemaking and viticulture, the varietal specialist is one of the country’s most respected winemakers and his famed wines have stolen hearts all over the world

Marlborough basked under blue skies throughout summer and experienced wonderfully warm weather after a cooler than average start. The long warm ripening season ended in a beautiful Indian summer. No cost and time was spare for our mighty Montepulciano. For an even ripeness throughout the bunches, Hans cut the shoulders off after veraison. It is the last variety to pick late in April at extremely low yields of 500g per vine to achieve this essence.

Winemakers comments:

Warning - not for the faint hearted! A heady nose, displaying aromas and flavours of dark cherries, blackberries and luscious juicy plums, underpinned by dark chocolate and chilli. A vibrant powerhouse enveloped by soft tannins and mouth-watering acidity, seductive and elegant. Made for the ages.

Big, rich, juicy, almost cuddly Montepulciano with dried fruit, cassis, ripe plum, chocolate, mocha and spicy oak flavours. Deliciously drinkable now but with development potential. The best New Zealand grown Montepulciano I've tasted.

96 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com