Sileni Merlot/Franc The Plains 08

Named after the alluvial plains formed on the old river beds where many of the best reds from Hawke’s Bay are sourced, ‘The Plains’ is a blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, sourced solely from Don and Jean Brown’s Demak Brae vineyard. The must was fermented in a mixture of closed and open top fermenters to 14% alc, then matured in 85% French and 15% American oak barriques for 14 months. Dark ruby red in colour with youthful purple hues, this has a tight and dense, brooding nose, the dark berry fruit perfumes still reticent and somewhat locked up. Breathing reveals concentrated violet perfumes and aniseed-like complexities to the aromas, which are echoed on the palate. It is a wine of structure, texture and mouthfeel; it has a penetrating intensity and fine-grained concentration that will show fully over the next 8-10 years.  RC Apr 10

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