A Grand Cru-Inspired Cabernet Franc & Merlot Masterpiece

Experience the grandeur of our 2010 Spirit of Marlborough, a wine that stands as the epitome of elegance and craftsmanship, akin to a Grand Cru Pomerol. Meticulously aged in our barrel hall, this exceptional Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend reveals deep, rich black fruit flavours, complemented by elegantly smoothed tannins. The wine’s bold character is balanced by impressive length and a seductive, refined finish that lingers on the palate. With its depth and complexity, this vintage is a must-have for any serious wine collector, offering a truly memorable experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Vintage 2010

A dream vintage! 2010 was almost a game of two halves. A very cool spring led to a later than expected bud burst reducing the yield even further. The cool spring was followed by an extremely dry summer with the 3rd lowest rainfall since records began in 1930. No disease pressure meant perfect fruit. The summer and autumn provided conditions a Vigneron dreams about. Long, bright, warm days and cool nights, meant fruit was able to hang on the vines until perfect physiological ripeness was achieved and we consequently hand-picked the Merlot and Cabernet Franc late on the 20 and 22 April 2010 at a tiny yield of 500g/vine (30 hl per ha) with fruit of intense flavours – pristine, precise, focused and expressive.

Hans’ Winemaking Comments

Such purity in the fruit allowed for a long cold soak to extract the beautiful flavours. I then let the must naturally progress to a long wild yeast fermentation and extended skin maceration. After gentle pressing, the young wine was transferred into partly new French Barriques where it underwent the second natural malolactic fermentation and matured on its fine lees for a long 30 months. Aged in the bottle at perfect condition for further 5 years. No fining. No filtration.

Original TastingNotes

Classic aromas of black cherries, black currants, elderberries, liquorice and dark chocolate show in this stunningly rich, multi-dimensional Bordeaux blend. Impressively pure with sweet, well-integrated vibrant tannins and a refreshing acidity for superb precision and opulence. Juicy on the palate with a huge long finish. Another benchmark of Hans wines to last forever.

Technical Data

Varieties 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc Soil Shallow (<45cm) stony, gravel and sandy soil. Well drained, developed from stony alluvium. Planting Density 5,500 vines/ha Yield 3t/ha Vine planted 1996 Alcohol 14.5% Residual Sugar <1g/L Ageing Potential 20+ years