Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere

Growing Region: Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Head Winemaker: Stephen White

TASTING NOTE:
Combined with ideal vineyard sites, growing conditions and excellent 'organic' viticulture, the grapes have achieved perfect ripeness. The grapes were hand-picked and taken a short distance to the winery. Fermentation was followed by a 2 week maceration period before being basket-pressed, with malolactic fermentation being completed in barrel. The wine was aged 12 months in 100% French barrels, 60% new oak and the rest 1 year old, racked regularly, rarely fined and never filtered.

Larose is blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot, 17% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere. A deep garnet-purple colour fills the glass; the nose displays pronounced notes of warm black forest berries, black cherry jam notes, cassis, spice, cedar, mocha and cigar box.

Though full bodied, currently it is still tightly knit in the mouth; it has a solid structure and firm, fine-grained tannins supporting the intense fruit. The spice characters of clove and thyme are layered with leather and a hint of freshly roasted dark coffee. The oak is integrated, balanced and supports the fruit beautifully. The persistence on the palate is impressive and goes on forever. An absolute powerhouse, which while impressive at this early stage, will only get better over the coming years. Decant for 2 hours, and serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well this season with decanting; and will reward another 10 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with aged sirloin, venison, ostrich with a rich wine jus, enjoy.

One of the worlds iconic red wines.