The classy 2011 vintage (5*) of this distinguished, single-vineyard Gimblett Gravels red is based on Cabernet Sauvignon (50 per cent), Merlot (25 per cent) and Cabernet Franc (25 per cent). Hand-picked and matured for 18 months in French oak casks (70 per cent new), it is deep and youthful in colour, mouthfilling and supple, with rich, pure blackcurrant, spice and nut flavours, fine-grained tannins, and a very long finish. (In a vertical tasting of the 2002 to 2009 vintages, held in August 2012, the stars were the dense 2009 [5*], still a baby; the wonderfully fragrant, rich and ‘complete’ 2007 [5*]; the savoury, complex and leathery, Bordeaux-like 2005 [5*]; and the bold, generous 2002 [5*], which reminded me of a good St Estèphe.)
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Branded and Other Red Wines
Vintage: 2012
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $85 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: AV
Buyer’s Guide Edition: 2015
This wine is a Classic.