This full-flavoured, claret-style red from Pernod Ricard NZ can offer wonderful value. Merlot-based, it is typically estate-grown, principally in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and fully barrel-aged. Surprisingly complex for its price, the 2018 vintage (4.5*) is a blend of Merlot (92 per cent) and Cabernet Sauvignon (8 per cent), matured for a year in Hungarian and French oak casks (35 per cent new). Deeply coloured, it is full-bodied and sweet-fruited, with very good density of plum, blackcurrant and spice flavours, nutty, well-structured, and very age-worthy.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2018
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★ – 4 Stars
Price: $20 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: V+
Buyer’s Guide Edition: 2021