Pask Winery
2013 Kate Redburnd "Rich Royal" Merlot
Merlot
New Zealand: Hawke's Bay
Mission Briefing
Wonder down under
When Agent Red was offered today’s Pask Winery 2013 Kate Radburnd “Rich Royal” Merlot, he did a little research - and found that the wine was made by one of his winemaking heroes, Kate Radburnd.
Kate has been making wines in Australia and New Zeland for more than 30 years. She’s won more awards and gold medals than nearly any other Aussie winemaker. Kate is now the co-owner and winemaker of Pask Winery in New Zealand, where she makes distinctive and very reasonably priced wines.
Broad and aromatic on the nose, with aromas of ripe black cherry, Santa Rosa plum, blackberry compote, sweet brown spice, raspberry, toasty oak, dusty red currant, cocoa and spiced cherry candy.
Rich and layered on the palate, with grilled plum, black cherry juice, smoky blackberry, grilled blueberry, soft leather, mixed brown spice, coffee bean, cocoa powder and a hint of cracked pepper.
Of her winemaking, Kate says, “My job is to support the fruit the best way I can - not manipulate it - so the grapes can naturally express their true flavor.” Well, Kate, Mission: Accomplished! This is one great wine.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Dark garnet, with light ruby edges and a springy surface that settles almost instantly. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Ripe black cherry, Santa Rosa plum, blackberry compote, sweet brown spice, raspberry, toasty oak, dusty red currant, cocoa and spiced cherry candy. |
| Taste: | Grilled plum, black cherry juice, smoky blackberry, grilled blueberry, soft leather, mixed brown spice, coffee bean, cocoa powder and a hint of cracked pepper. |
| Finish: | Earthy notes fade before the fruits do, eventually tailing off, with black cherry that refuses to vacate the far corners of the palate. Easy, supple tannins give the wine a plush at the very end. |
| Pairing: | Merlot is one of the most food friendly red wine varietals and this wine is no exception. We love ours with everything from pizza and pasta, to grilled red meats like steak or back yard burgers, to even fish or fowl. This juicy, bright wine works with most everything! |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Kate Radburnd
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Vintage
- 2013
- Appellation
- Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
- Abv
- 13.5%
- Harvest date
- April 4-15, 2013
- Cooperage
- Stainless steel tank and seasoned barrels