REVIEW

‘Kokoro’ means ‘patriarch’ in Maori and ‘the heart of things’ in Japanese, and is a tribute to Terry Dunleavy, the head of the Te Motu founding family. A blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% each of Malbec and Syrah, fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 20% new French oak. Dark, deep, black-hued ruby-red colour, with lighter garnet on the rim. The nose is elegant and harmoniously melded with aromas of red berry fruits interwoven with tobacco, dried herbs and redcurrants, building to form a good concentrated core that reveals leaf and red plum nuances with aeration. Medium-full bodied, the palate is bright and lively with evenly expressed, juicy dark red plum and berry fruit flavours. Subtle herb and curranty notes, along with cassis and mint add to the piquant freshness. The palate features fine, grainy tannin extraction providing good concentration and grip. Fresh, lively acidity lends tension and energy, enhancing the currant, herb and cassis notes that emerge and carry through to a tightly bound, lingering finish. This is an elegantly concentrated and well-structured, lively Merlot blend with fresh berry, currant, herb and plum flavours. Match with herb-marinated lamb and beef dishes over the next 7-9 years. 18.0+/20 Nov 2015 RRP $75.00