KORO is Maori for grandfather and this wine is named to honour Royce McKean’s great grandfather Chief Tiki Tere Mihi.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS: The growing season weather conditions were perfect for bringing the fruit to full maturity. The large diurnal temperature fluctuations have provided excellent ripeness while still retaining elegant fruit flavours.

WINEMAKING: The grapes were grown under organic management and the wine was made following organic principles, from hand-picked fruit sourced from Hawke’s Bay vineyards whose deep, well-drained shingle soil structure encourages the fruit to optimise its tannin levels. Batches were fermented separately, mostly with indigenous yeast, and then a period of post-ferment maceration was observed to help tannin extraction and development. The batches were individually basket-pressed and all had a full malolactic fermentation. Oak aging for 18 months was followed by blending then several months in tank to harmonise prior to fining and bottling.

VARIETALS: 75% Merlot & 25% Cabernet Sauvignon

MATURATION: Premium French oak maturation for 18 months.

WINE ANALYSIS

Alc Vol: 13.5 %

Acidity (TA): 5.8 g/l, pH: 3.54g/l

Residual Sugar less than 1g/l

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: A deep garnet red

NOSE: Ripe aromatics of plums and dark fruits with a smoky, oaky tannin complexity.

PALATE: The Merlot, that dominates the blend, contributes a plumminess to the fruit spectrum while hand-crafting using French oak has added palate and aromatic complexity. The palate is richly textured and finishes with great length of fine, structural tannins that are a hallmark of the sub-region.

FOOD MATCH: This wine can be enjoyed with an extraordinary variety of dishes but is best suited to full-flavoured food such as braised lamb shanks or sligtly charred barbecued beef.

AWARDS

5 STARS Wine Orbit, December 2017

4 STARS Raymond Chan, December 2017