Hans Herzog
Spirit of Marlborough 2012 750ml

A Rare Library Release for Our 30th Anniversary

To celebrate our 30-year legacy, we are proud to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the 2012 Spirit of Marlborough, a vintage that has been carefully held back for this special milestone. This exceptional Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend, comparable to the finest 'Grand Cru' Pomerol. 

With a stellar 96/100 rating from James Suckling, this wine delivers an unparalleled depth of flavour and elegance, inviting you to indulge in its heavenly allure. A must-try for all wine enthusiasts and collectors, this release is the perfect way to mark a significant chapter in our winemaking journey.

Vintage 2012

The cooler 2012 vintage yielded a prolonged growing season, albeit with significantly reduced volume. Unusually chilly spring conditions disrupted flowering. However, the consistent warmth of late summer and autumn, characteristic of Marlborough's maritime climate, facilitated optimal grape maturation. Handpicked at a mere 400g per vine, these exceptionally concentrated grapes boast captivating aromas, destined for a truly exquisite fine wine crafted for eternity.

Hans' Winemaking Comments

‘Perfectly healthy, destemmed grapes allowed for a long cold soak to extract the superb flavours and beneficial antioxidants of the skins. Allowing the temperature to rise, the must naturally progress through a long wild natural fermentation for a true expression of terroir and place.

After some time on post maceration, the young wine was gently pressed and transferred into partly new French Barriques for a natural second malolactic fermentation. The minimal oxygen exchange over a 24 months of maturation in the same barrels made all the difference. The wine and wood had time to marry together to form a richer, more complex and textured wine, able to age for many years in the bottle.  No fining. No filtration. Natural greatness.’