The grapes for Coleraine ‘05 were hand harvested between 7 and 22 April. The separate parcels of grapes were destemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines werethen run into a mixture of new and seasoned barrels for 20 months’ ageing. Throughout this time they were regularly topped and racked. The separate wines were blended in January 2006 then egg white fined during the second winter in barrel. The finished wine was then bottled in January 2007.
Coleraine ‘05 has a saturated magenta colour and aromas of blackcurrants, very ripe cherries and marzipan. Perfectly ripe and floral, it shows flavours of brambly blackcurrants and dark cherry syrup with hints of rosemary. The palate is powerful and very elegant with fine grained tannins leading to a long, firm finish. Coleraine ‘05 is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. We believe this 2005 vintage to be the finest Coleraine yet produced. Based on experience with earlier vintages, it will continue to develop in bottle and provide great enjoyment between 8-20 years from harvest.
