Man O War - 'Gravestone', Waiheke Island - 2018 (750ml)

Wine Composition

25% Sémillon, 75% Sauvignon Blanc

Winemakers Comments

Taking it’s name from the fluted basalt boulders that solemnly surround our volcanic hilltop vineyards, Gravestone is bequeathed upon the finest blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon we are blessed with each vintage. Gravestone 2018 is a blend of 75% Sauvignon blanc and 25% Semillon, fully fermented in barrel. The wine exhibits some flinty sulphide notes over aromatics of green pepper, gooseberry and nettles with additional tones of passion fruit and lychee. The palate is fresh and vibrant with vibrant acidity balanced by weight and texture from the barrel fermentation and a long persistent gin and tonic like finish. Designed as a wine best served with food such as rich shellfish dishes or spicy Asian cuisine.

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage 

13.2%

TA

7.1 g/l

pH

3.2

RS

4.0 g/l

Cellar Techniques 

Vintage 2018 began with a settled and dry Spring resulting in great flowering and a corresponding excellent fruit set. We then enjoyed a relatively hot summer although there were intense periods of rainfall thanks to ex Tropical Cyclone Fehi and Gita which put the pressure on during harvest time. Temperatures remained warm into the harvest months increasing humidity but overall and with careful attention to detail in the vineyard we were rewarded with excellent fruit with fresh early picked Sauvignon blanc giving a fresh racy edge to the wine and ultra ripe Sémillon provided masses of tropical fruit characters. Our Sauvignon blanc was hand harvested off a number of hilltop blocks and given extended skin contact before pressing and fermentation on juice lees in barrel. The Sémillon was gently pressed and clarified before fermentation in old seasoned barrels. Following fermentation the wines stayed on lees for 6 months in tank and barrel before blending.

Wine Maker

Name - Duncan McTavish

Winery

The Man O’ War story begins with a special piece of land rich in history. Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War is a stunning array of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and pristine beaches forming a ruggedly beautiful coastline.

It was along this coastline that Captain James Cook came to anchor during his first voyage around the islands of New Zealand in 1769. Upon sighting the ancient stands of magnificent Kauri trees ashore, Cook noted in his journals that they would make ideal masts for the Man O’ War warships of the Royal Navy. Thus the name Man O’ War was bestowed upon this unique land.