Crossroads Hawkes Bay “Talisman” 2009

A Talisman is an object imbued with powers of protection and good fortune.

Crossroads Winery is a boutique winery founded in 1990 with a vision to produce an iconic wine that would showcase the harmony of soil and climate of Hawke’s Bay. The vision was realised in our flagship wine, Talisman – a long kept, secret blend of classic red wine grape varieties. The Talisman is made from parcels of exceptional fruit, the best each vintage gives us. Our secret is to craft a perfectly balanced wine using these select parcels which may differ in proportion from vintage to vintage. This enables us to ensure that in Talisman, the sum is always greater than the parts.
VINTAGE INFORMATION
An early and warm spring began the superb growing conditions while our protection plan kept the vines safe from any spring frosts. 2008 was another drought year; the sign of a good red vintage. Milder autumn conditions contrasted this as the tannins gradually developed finesse. Talisman only ever includes our very best parcels of fruit, to this exacting standard we’ve identified our best estate-owned sites. While the varieties are secret we can tell you these sites are in the Fernhill, Gimblett Gravels and Mangatahi subregions. Naturally low in vigour these vines consistently produce our most intense fruit. Thinning to one bunch per shoot ensures terrific, concentrated flavour.
THE SECRET
A range of vinification and ageing techinques are used to create Talisman. The fruit is mostly hand picked with some of the varieties co-fermented, others individually for complexity in both open and closed top fermenters. The true magic of Talisman shines during the blending stage. Barrels are tasted and retasted in search of the elements of aroma, texture and elegance that are the hallmark of this unique wine.
WINEMAKER COMMENT
Layered, complete and bold, this vintage boasts an alluring amalgam of fruit and savoury notes. The primary aromas of bramble and blueberry sit alongside spicy and mineral elements framed by fine oak. The rich, yet supple mid-palate moves with currant and violet flavours. Fine, polished tannins gently grip the palate through the very complex and persistent finish. Enjoy leisurely with your favourite red meat and companions.
STATISTICS
Maturation in French oak barriques, new and a year old, held the majority of the 2008 wine for 14 months. A tiny parcel was aged in American oak adding another dimension to the final wine.
Region Hawkes Bay
Alc/Vol 14.0%
Titratable Acid 5.55g/l
pH 3.72
Residual sugar Dry
Cellaring Until 2018
www.crossroadswinery.co.nz

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