Blended Red from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara
Review Date : 16-Dec-2022
Full, deep inky red, lighter on the rim. The nose is full, with power and layers, enveloping blackberry, boysenberry, plum, an amalgam of spice, a hint of jerky, cedar, herb and an earthy underlay. Full-bodied, aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and plum entwined with cedar, cinnamon and cloves, unfolding spearmint, jerky and earthy minerals. The mouthfeel is dense with concentrated fruit and tightly bounded fine-grained tannins, leaving a drying finish and reflecting minerals and mealy nuances. Spices prolonged a structured and powerful finish. This densely constructed red blend shows power, complexity and a mealy, long, savoury finish. Match with braised short rib and tomahawk over the next 10 years. Only produced in exceptional years, fermented in stainless steel tanks to 14% alc, pressed off into French oak barriques, 50% new oak. Matured in oak for 2 years, best barrel selection. The final blend is approx 50% Merlot, 40% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) Dec 2022 RRP $55
