From a winery in the Karangahake Gorge (I’m not sure if it is still there – I recall the original owners selling up around 2017) – a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc 27% Pinotage and 18% Merlot (18 per cent). A dark garnet/black in the glass, with that smoky aroma that tells you there is Cabernet franc in the blend. Also some blackcurrant, plum, blueberry, spice and vanilla on the very attractive nose. The palate is dry and very well balanced, with the tannin to the fore, but with zesty acidity and toasty oak also forming the spine. At ten years, this is just moving into secondary characters, with olive, leather and mushroom notes forming underneath that core of plush fruit. The finish is long and sweetening. 92pts
Ohinemuri ‘Taniwha’ Kaipaki Reserve 2014
