The Boneline
Iridium 2023 750ml

IRIDIUM 2020

Vintage

2020 was the earliest vntage here in our 32 years - a warm, dry September and cool October were followed by our hottest November on record, which set up very favourable conditions for flowering.  Summer started with dry, slightly warmer conditions than normal for both December and January, followed by a dry, much warmer than average February which put much of the east coast of New Zealand, including North Canterbury into drought. March brought a break in the heat and some much needed rain that slowed the ripening of beautiful clean fruit. The first blocks were picked on the 16th of March. April, returned to dry weather, with above-average temperatures which was ideal for the bulk of our harvest.

All the fruit is hand picked and destemmed with the goal of having whole berries to give us a long fermentation with wild or high glycer- ol producing yeast that slowly builds to a hot peak temperature. Malo- lactic fermentation is encouraged during primary, and a long warm post ferment maceration is carried out until the tannins are balanced. The varietal batches are aged in French oak with 25% being new . The batches were kept separate through two rounds of rack and returning over winter and spring before being put together pre harvest 2020 and returned to old oak. In early winter, the barrels were racked to tank, where the blended wine sat for 2 months before being lightly fined and course filtered before bottling. Wine Dark Ruby core with bright red trim. Aromas of bright Chambord, black berries and red cherries underlined with leather, pencil shaving and purple flowers. Juicy plums, blackberries and redcurrents intertwined with star anise, black licorice and dark chocolate all being complimented with warm barrel spice. Fine grained tannins balance well with gentle acidity and a refreshing long mineral finish.