REGION: Hawke's Bay, Gimblett Gravels

Winemaking Note: 65% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec.

Selected special sites within the Te Awa vineyard give us Boundary quality grapes. Each grape variety and each parcel was hand picked and fermented separately, which allowed us to maximise the vineyard’s potential in the winery. Post ferment maceration where the new wine remains in contact with the skins was a key step in achieving balance and finesse. The average time of maceration in 2002 was 23 days. The components of

Boundary underwent the malo-lactic fermentation in barrel. In spring, after extensive laboratory trials, blending of the various components to achieve the best possible expression of the vineyard character was carried out. The Merlot brings a supple, velvety texture to the palate, Cabernet Franc, which gave us stunning results in 2002, gives fragrance and an early palate richness, Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth and structure on the finish, and Malbec brings perfume and spice. Boundary 2002 spent 17 months in fine grained French oak barrels and was bottled in December 2003.

Tasting Notes: 

Lifted dark red berry fruit, with mineral, leather and savoury notes. A firm flavoursome attack, leads to a refined and elegant mid palate. The wine is well structured with a great length of flavour on the finish.

Boundary 2002 can be enjoyed now with food and will reward careful cellaring by developing extra complexity in its flavours and generosity on the palate.

Accolades: "Future Classic" Michael Cooper