The icon wine from Paritua in Hawke’s Bay – a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. A dense, inky ruby-black colour in the glass. The nose is quite decadent, with a wonderfully ‘old world’ scent of earthy sous-bois, then ripe blackcurrant, olive, plum, tobacco, bramble, cocoa fruit flavours and then top floral notes of lavender and violets. That abundance of flavours is kept in check with a firm structure of fine tannin, in unison with the spice and warmth of new oak. Dense and bold, but quite agile and lively, with latent acid and a plush texture as well – seamless and well put-together. Youthful for now, but will impress in the long haul (this was a magnum). 95pts
Paritua 21•12 2018
