A red blend wine from Waiheke, and the sensational 2013 vintage. Led by Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), then Merlot (27%), with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec in smaller amounts. A dark ruby-garnet colour in the glass. A complex, inviting scent of blackcurrant, bramble, red cherry and raspberry emerges. With aeration those aromas are joined by cracked pepper, cedar, mint and pencil shavings. Generously mouth-filling and textural on the palate, with a fine structure of firm, chalky tannin and spicy oak. A little tobacco and tapenade adds a savoury edge mid-palate, and the body never turns down a path of plush over-ripeness – rather staying tight and well-balanced. A classic right-bank style, done with some aplomb, and I imagine it has many years of good drinking ahead. 94pts
Obsidian Reserve ‘The Obsidian’ 2013
