Named after Ivan Pope, who planted and tended the vines at this Clevedon, South Auckland vineyard. The 2010 vintage (5*), a blend of Merlot (54 per cent), Cabernet Franc (25 per cent), Carménère (17 per cent) and Malbec (4 per cent), was matured for nearly two years in French oak casks (75 per cent new). Outstandingly lush and complex, with ripe, supple tannins and very deep plum, spice, herb and slight liquorice flavours, it shows great potential. Full of youthful promise, the 2013 vintage (5*) is a classy blend of Merlot (70 per cent), Cabernet Franc (10 per cent), Carménère (10 per cent), Cabernet Sauvignon (5 per cent) and Malbec (5 per cent), matured in French oak casks (100 per cent new). Deeply coloured, it has a fragrant, youthful, berryish, spicy bouquet, leading into a full-bodied, already very approachable wine, with densely packed, complex plum, blackcurrant and spice flavours, firm, savoury and persistent. Best drinking 2020+.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Branded and Other Red Wines
Vintage: 2013
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $120 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: NR
Buyer’s Guide Edition: 2018
This wine is a Potential Classic.
The overall rating for quality is Tentative, as Michael has only reviewed a small number of vintages of this particular wine.
When to drink: 2020