GRAPE VARIETIES:

Cabernet, Merlot, Cab-Franc, Malbec and Petit-Verdot

GROWING REGION: Waiheke Island, Auckland

HEAD WINEMAKER: Stephen White

TASTING NOTE:

This wine is showing all the classic youthful characters of a true Bordeaux blend. Great fruit expression from the famous five Bordeaux varieties, notes of cassis, plum, berries, subtle customary talc like fragrance that Stephen recognises in his wines, with delicate layers of chocolate, tobacco and Waiheke sun-baked earth. Some fine spices, cedar and a whiff of pencil shavings are also derived from the French oak.

This is a big wine, not for the faint at heart, matured in 90% new oak, this is all gobbled up by the huge ripe fruit from the 2004 vintage. Richly flavoured and excitingly complex, with finely balanced tannins and amazing structure, this wine clearly has a long life ahead of it for those of your with patience. The finish is concentrated and lingers on and on, one wine experience that should not be missed. Treat yourself.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:

Approachable well now and will improve over the next 8-10 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:

Perfect partner for duck pate entree and roasted game as a main.

5 Stars - Classic Wine - Michael Cooper.