Grapes for The Garland 2015 were harvested on the 11th of March, hand-picked and meticulously hand-sorted, before a cold soak was allowed for two days to enhance the berry fruit aromas. Fermentation was started by inoculation with a Bordeaux yeast culture to give a slow, even fermentation which peaked at 28°C. Pump-overs were done together with aerations to extract the maximum colour and fruit, and after fermentation, the maceration on skins lasted a total of 29 days. Matured in 100% new French oak for a total of 24 months. During the maturation the wine was racked every few months to soften the tannins and help with the integration of the fruit, tannin and oak. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Inviting aromas of black berry and cassis. Whiffs of rich oak spice, potpourri and subtle notes of pencil shavings.

Palate: On entry lovely sweet fruit notes of blackberries and cherries. Mid-palate reveals slightly more floral and elegant side of the wine with a distinct violet character. Lovely well integrated fine tannin structure.

Finish: Opulent with notes of cedar oak spice and a long lingering finish.