Upon release the wine has a bright ruby hue. The nose is layered and complex, with earthy notes of undergrowth, woodsmoke, truffle and pot pourri juxtaposed against dark cherry, cranberry, crushed lavender, and hints of clove. In the mouth the wine is generously proportioned, polished tannins and a seam of refreshing acidity tap dancing cheekily across on a broad silky palate. Fresh and vibrant yet concentrated, with a structured frame. The finish is spicy, decadent, and sustained, leaving lingering impressions of velvety depth.
94 Points, Cam Douglas, MS
5 Stars, Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide, NZ “Awarded Super Classic Status.”
The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces. It benefits from being in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, giving maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes and thus creating a unique mesoclimate. The vines are over 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. They are located on the “Glasnevin Gravels” where greywacke stones, silt and loam have been washed down from the mountains over the millennia. The soil is of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir. The vineyard has warm days, but the nights are amongst the coolest in the Waipara Valley, drawing out the ripening period of the grapes, while still retaining good natural acidity.
13% abv.