Grown on mature vines in our vineyard in Church Road, Waipara, this is one of the few straight Merlot wines produced in this area. With low cropping levels, and a long warm ripening season, the grapes have produced a rich and intensely flavoured wine.The Merlot grapes were hand-harvested and de-stemmed, before a natural and warm fermentation in one tonne vats. The ferments were plunged three times daily to ensure the cap of skins remained moist, and well immersed. Following a gentle press, this young wine was allowed to mature for eighteen months in French oak barrels. During this time, it underwent complete malo-lactic fermentation. It was then lightly filtered, prior to bottling

Food MatchThe ripe dark berry fruit flavourings, along with the black plum accents in this wine combine with hints of leather and liquorice to present a wonderful bouquet. This is followed by a full palate with ripe tannins. This Merlot is a lovely match to many red meat dishes, including game meats. It is delicious served with rare roast ribeye, accompanied by marinated char roasted vegetables. It’s best served at room temperature.

Review by Michael Cooper in WINESTATE Magazine Australasia September 2021 issue

Ataahua Waipara Merlot 2019 **** (4 stars) This youthful North Canterbury red was estate-grown, hand-picked and matured for over a year in seasoned oak barrels. Full-coloured, it is fragrant and mouthfilling, with strong berry, plum, spice and herb flavours, savoury notes adding complexity and gentle tannins. Best drinking mid-2022+.

Review by Sam Kim of WINE ORBIT : International Wine Judge and Critic
Ataahua Waipara Merlot 2019 90 pts (4.5 stars)
Offering fabulous ripe fruit notes of Black Doris plum and blackberry combined with nuances of dried herb, mixed spice and roasted nut, the wine displays excellent weight and roundness, backed by silky mouthfeel and polished tannins. Flavoursome and balanced with a lingering succulent finish. At its best: now to 2025. Feb 2021