Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2022 Arran Matured predominantly in first-fill ex-bourbon

Matured predominantly in first-fill ex-bourbon hogsheads along with a portion of sherry casks

matured for 21 years in a refill hogshead cask and bottled in March 2005 with a total out-turn of 261 bottles

which closed in 1983 (but has subsequently been rebuilt and reopened in 2021)

Nose: Complex aroma with deep vanilla oakiness and delicate spice

Palate: Abundant spice and dried fruits from Speyside and Highland whiskies are perfectly balanced with vanilla

Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2022 Arran Matured predominantly in first-fill ex-bourbonMade entirely from Merlot harvested between 11th and 14th March 2022two weeks later than usual due to a cooler growing season which encouraged steady ripening and preserved natural acidity. Fruit was hand harvested and berry sorted before undergoing spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, followed by a 27 day post fermentation maceration. The wine matured for 22 months in 70% new French oak and was bottled on 10 May 2023. 3 033 bottles produced.