A red blend, from Te Awanga in Hawke’s Bay, sealed under cork. A Merlot-dominant wine, it also contains the Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. An opaque deep burgundy colour, with some brick-red as well, showing some bottle age in the colour in the glass. The palate is elegantly mature, with some secondary characters of leather and autumn leaves alongside the plum, blackcurrant, cherry and elderberry fruits. There is still plenty of juicy fruit here, and the acidity keeps the flavours turning. Tannin is now supple, just a spine on which the complex layers sit. This producer is not shy on the oak, and this 20-year old bottle shows warm, toasty and spicy barrel notes. A harmonic, lengthy finish. 94pts
Clearview Estate Old Olive Block 2003
