Tantalus Evoque Reserve Merlot/Cab/Malbec 19 750ml

The berries were gently split to increase the surface of skins in contact with the juice. Separated in small parcels, cold soaked and fermented in stainless vessels and concrete eggs with indigenous and selected yeasts and bacteria, to carefully control temperature and bouquet development. The wine was then macerated until an equilibrium was achieved and then gently pressed. The élevage was brilliant in French oak barrels for eighteen months. The finished wine was bottled under premium cork without fining, to enhance mouthfeel while promising ageing potential.

Dark ruby, our merlot blend is seductive and graceful. Gathering together ripe black plum, liquorice, and cherry, underpinned with a current of Turkish delight, graphite, and sandalwood. Balanced acidity and silky tannins confer structure, and the extending ageing in French oak shows a soft, ample mid-palate. The myriad of flavours lead the senses, creating a revealing bouquet and a long sustained finish.

• Scotch fillet with Roquefort butter, slow-roasted Turkish lamb leg with pomegranate molasses, pan-seared gnocchi with brown butter and sage, roasted Brussels sprouts with raisins and capers, Grana Padano and Manchego cheeses.
• Cellaring Potential: Long term (10+ years)
• Grapes: Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
• Harvest: 100% hand harvest
• Region: Waiheke Island

A Tantalus is a small wooden cabinet that contains two or three decanters of precious wine, for which there is a lock and key. The Tantalus prevents unauthorised people from opening the cabinet and drinking its contents, while allowing the bottles’ beauty to be on display. With a key to our Tantalus wines, one obtains access to the secrets of the treasures held within. All our reserve wines have names referring to the origins of Tantalus. To ‘évoque’ is to evoke forgotten memories, or to elicit fragments of a memory, perhaps even a déjà vu. Put your nose in a glass of our Évoque and it will surely bring to mind one of your most pleasurable experiences.