The Holden Manz Vernissage has a deep ruby center with a clear red edge in the glass. The nose is a beautiful collaboration of the typical characteristics of the cultivars, prune juice, ripe cherries, mulberry, cigar box, cloves and graphite. On the palate, this approachable wine has beautiful ripe, soft and silky tannins with good balance and a lingering finish. Black cherry, fresh raspberries, tobacco, herbaceous notes and pencil shavings are prominent. Balanced acidity and vibrant flavors complement this elegant wine.
45% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Syrah, 12% Cabernet Franc
Individual varieties were bunch and berry sorted, crushed and destalked to tank. Fermentation was initiated after 8 days cold soaking. Minimal additions were made to preserve the true cultivar characteristics of the grapes and to minimize man-made impact on the wine. After careful blending trials and numerous test tastings, the final blend combined a variety of batches each contributing in its own unique way to make this a balanced, expressive and fruit-driven wine. Maturation included 18 months in 3rd fill French oak barrels.
