Grapes for the Planeta Merlot are harvested during the last few weeks of August and once at the winery they are de-stemmed and crushed before spending 14 days macerating on the skins in 150hl stainless steel fermenters. After racking the wine spends a year in 225 litre French Allier oak barrels.
The final Planeta Merlot, made from 100% Merlot grapes, is intense red in colour with a strong ruby hue. On the nose the wine displays complex mineral notes alongside red berries, plums and bilberry. On the palate the Planeta Merlot is elegantly refined and spicy with a touch of mint. The lively tannins balance the ripe fruits and the balanced acidity wraps everything up in a satisfyingly textured and lengthy finish.
Whitehaven wines was formed in 1993 by Greg and Sue White, and winemaker, Simon Waghorn. Their aim was to establish a winery in Marlborough producing premium quality varietal wines. To achieve this they have brought together a leading New Zealand winemaker, a dedicated group of growers, and a small modern winery facility where top quality fruit can receive the 'hands-on' treatment that i
