Estate-grown at Clevedon, in South Auckland, this is a stylish, Merlot-based blend. The refined, elegant 2007 vintage (4.5*) – from a season which did not yield the Reserve label – is a blend of Merlot (56 per cent), Cabernet Franc (24 per cent) and Carménère (20 per cent), matured for three years in French oak casks (60 per cent new). Deeply coloured, fragrant, mouthfilling and supple, it has strong blackcurrant, plum, herb and spice flavours, unfolding a leathery, savoury complexity. The 2008 (4.5*), made from Merlot (53 per cent), Cabernet Sauvignon (25 per cent), Malbec (16 per cent) and Carménère (6 per cent), was matured for two years in French oak barriques (40 per cent new). Deep and youthful in colour, it is full-bodied, with a spicy bouquet and an array of blackcurrant, plum, herb, spice and nut flavours, showing excellent depth and complexity. Fresh, vibrant and firm, it should be long-lived; open 2013+.Note: the 2009 (4*) and 2010 (5*) vintages are not yet released, but the 2010 is a beauty – dark, fleshy and silky, with lovely ripeness and mouthfeel.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Branded and Other Red Wines
Vintage: 2013
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★✰ – 4.5 Stars
Price: $40 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: –V
Buyer’s Guide Edition: 2014