Much more successful is the sweet, ripe Montepulciano 2005 with a savory nose infused with a touch of roasted chestnuts, a medium-bodied, peppery palate quite masculine upon entry but mellowing out towards the cherry-tinged finish.As the name suggests, Herzog roots lie in Europe, Switzerland to be precise and since planting his 13 hectares vineyard bordering the Wairau River in the mid-90’s, Hans Herzog has adopted an experimentalist stance, cultivating an eclectic array of varieties with a leaning towards Italian Nebbiolo and Barbera, with Gruner-Veltiner due this year. The vineyard benefits from a dry, warm microclimate and Hans ferments at cool temperatures using wild yeasts, the white wines barrel-fermented in puncheons, the reds aged for 12-30 months in French oak. He does not pull everything off, but when he does, the results testify to his meticulous approach. Note that these wines will simply be branded “Hans” in the USA.No known American importer.