Tasted with Rory Dunleavy at Te Motu. Named in dedication to Margaret Dunleavy, the green-fingered mother of eleven, Kuikui means ‘the matriarch’ in Maori. The wine making credit for the wine goes to Sam Dunleavy. In 2015, Sam found the ripe fruit was exceptional – BUT, due to wind damage during flowering – amongst those pristine berries, nearly every bunch had a few green berries. So began an intense level of hand sorting, with Sam making it a personal task to ensure only the best berries made in to the ferment.
From fruit on the Te Motu vineyards, in the Onetangi Valley, Waiheke island. Roughly 600 bottles and a few magnums are produced if vintage conditions are suitable – the next allocation resting from the outstanding 2019 vintage. A deep ruby colour, lighter magenta at the edges. The aromatic presence is restrained, elegant – with plum, redcurrant, a hint of spice, mulberry, mocha, blueberry and violet florals. Ripe and delicious with a big heart – generous through the core with a balance of delicacy and power. Framed with oak, the palate is as savoury as it is sweet with succulent fruit, without too much pepper character. With the elements all working in harmony, this is drinking well now, but will be blooming in another 5 years. Gorgeous. 96pts.
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