McHenry Hohnen Cabernet Merlot 2008

NOTES

David Hohnen is well-known in the wine industry for his development of both the Cape Mentelle and Cloudy Bay brands, and has forged a formidable reputation as a pioneer and innovator. His latest wine venture is in partnership with his brother-in-law Murray McHenry, his daughter Freya and her partner, winemaker Ryan Walsh. They have planted a wide range of alternative varieties from southern France and Spain which are proving to be well suited to the area. In 2007, David Hohnen received the inaugural Len Evans award for Leadership.

TASTING NOTES

Fruit is sourced from the Rocky Road vineyard which lies in the headwaters of the Chapman Brook, near Witchcliffe. With a northerly aspect, the vines enjoy long days of sunshine, moderated by the vineyard's southern location. The soils are tough laterite gravels in which the zinfandel, a hardy drought tolerant cultivar, thrives.

It's all about red fruit in this fresh southern delight. There's trademark sarsaparilla accompanying juicy redcurrants and a mint-hint infusion that overlays cocoa and brambly fruit on the palate. Flesh from the merlot fills the mid-palate with soft squelchy tannins whilst Cabernet provides the balancing act with a chewy yet supple tannin finish.