Sam Harrop Grand Amateur Merchant

The Grand Amateur Merchant is a fresh, elegant, cool climate red made exclusively from one of Hawkes Bays most exciting Cabernet Franc vineyards, The Howell Family Vineyard. Raspberries, cassis, blueberries, plum and a hint of tomato leaf are wonderfully balanced by a background toasty, cedar from oak ageing.

• Winery: Sam Harrop
  
• Varietal: Cabernet Franc
  
• Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
  
• Vintage: 2020
  
• Alcohol: 14%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
• Food pairing: Grilled beef, lamb, pork & chicken; burgers; pasta with tomato-based sauces; garlic & mushrooms; mild-medium cheeses
  

Grand Amateur is a nod to brave and curious souls, past and present, who pursue their own beliefs, fund their own discoveries and pave their own paths. Handmade with autonomy and devotion, these wines are a fresh take on varietals, styles, and processes. Crafted for the love of wine, and the people who enjoy it.

Small batch wines that transport you to their special place in the world, by Master of Wine Sam Harrop.

Grown and made in New Zealand, Sam specialises in Chardonnay and Syrah - in particular, single vineyards. His philosophy of hand-harvesting at optimum ripeness, meticulous sorting and sympathetic crafting produces wines that are subtle, singular and long-living.

New Zealand-born Master of Wine Sam Harrop has spent nearly half his life living and breathing wine and was recognised as one of the top 10 most influential wine consultants in the world (Drinks Business 2013).

From his early years as a flying wine buyer for top UK retailer Marks and Spencer, to his more recent roles as speaker, educator, and co-chair of one of the world’s biggest wine competition, Sam has retained his passion for pushing boundaries and sharing his knowledge.

His respect for provenance and sustainability is the driver behind his boutique wine-making operation in New Zealand.

Focusing on preserving wine diversity and elevating a sense of place in wine, Sam makes small volumes of mainly single vineyard wines in his signature sympathetic style. His wines are globally appreciated and provide a touchpoint for his philosophy in wine and life: to continually challenge conventions.

• 5 Star & Recommended - Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2018 vintage)