Hans Herzog, "Spirit of Marlborough" Merlot Cabernet 2018

Get to know: Hans Herzog Spirit of Marlborough Cabernet Blend 2018

An exceptional New Zealand red wine crafted from organically grown estate fruit in Marlborough.

Tasting Note

Ripe blackberries, blackcurrants and dark plums fill the glass, backed by gentle spice and a subtle savoury edge that hints at the years spent maturing. Deep garnet in colour, this is a wine with impressive concentration yet remarkable composure. The palate feels velvety and beautifully layered, where vibrant dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and carefully judged oak work together rather than competing for attention. Every grape variety has its role, building depth and complexity while preserving freshness and purity. The finish lingers effortlessly with dark fruit, spice and quiet elegance, leaving no doubt this wine still has many years ahead of it.

Top food pairings:

• Dry-aged ribeye steak with rosemary butter
• Roast lamb or slow-cooked beef
• Truffle Brie or mature hard cheeses

Kate Says

"This is the bottle I'd save for an evening when the food deserves something truly memorable. It doesn't try to impress with sheer power – instead, it quietly unfolds over the course of the meal, revealing something new with every glass."

Producer Info

Hans Herzog Estate is renowned for producing small-batch wines that express their vineyard with absolute precision. Certified organic and grown on low-yielding vines planted in Marlborough's stony alluvial soils, every bottle reflects meticulous vineyard work, patient cellar ageing and a philosophy that values balance over excess. The result is a Cabernet blend whose style looks towards the great wines of Bordeaux while remaining unmistakably rooted in New Zealand.

How it's made:

• Varieties: 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot & Malbec
• Hand harvested at full physiological ripeness from low-yielding estate vines producing around 2 tonnes per hectare
• Destemmed fruit underwent an extended cold soak before cool wild yeast fermentation and prolonged post-fermentation maceration
• Natural fermentation without fining or filtration to preserve purity and vineyard character
• Matured for 30 months in partly new French oak barriques, followed by five years of bottle ageing before release

Good to know:

• Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Style: Red, still, full-bodied
• Closure: Cork
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 14%
• Vintage: 2018

Why we love it:

This New Zealand red wine combines the generosity of Marlborough fruit with the restraint and structure of a classic Bordeaux blend. Years of careful maturation have created a wine of remarkable harmony that's ready to enjoy now, yet has the depth and balance to reward further cellaring.