Babich Irongate Cabernet Merlot Franc 2017

Irongate Vineyard had been Babich’s flagship producer, is situated in an old shingle bed of the Ngaruroro River in the Gimblett Gravels
appellation of Hawke’s Bay. First produced in 1987, this single vineyard wine has evolved to represent the very best from Babich. Low crop level, to ensure excellent flavour concentration in the grapes, with the final blend delivering a rich, round and complex wine.

The classic 3 Bordeaux red varieties are what make Irongate red wines. For 2017 vintage, the blending ratio is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon; 37% Merlot; 18% Cabernet Franc.

Hawke’s Bay has seen some rain during early March of 2017, but things dry up near the end of March. The harvest in Irongate vineyard commenced on 30th March, lasted until 10th April. Machine harvest used, all berries had been destemmed during harvest. Then they are crushed, and ferment in open vats.

During the fermentation, the temperature peaking at 33℃ with gentle hand plunging of cap for maceration. The carefully selected yeast had been: Torulaspora delbrueckii in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Every variety had some different soaking time, but the average was 13 days on skins.

French oak for 15 months immediately after fermenation and racking.

Upon sipping this wine, the entry combines sweet and savoury elements. Red cherries, plum and underlying cedar flavours carry through the palate and linger attractively. Medium weighted and elegant. Cameron Douglas MS rates it 94/100.