A blended red wine – using Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec from the Gillman vineyard of 1.5 acres in Matakana. A near black, brooding garnet red colour in the glass – just showing a little brick colour at the edges, indicating the age of it. The aromas show ripe red fruit notes of damson, bramble, raspberry and cherry, entwined with toasted spice and even a hint of smoked salami. Both well-made and yet slightly unpolished – there is a a seamless balance of fine tannin, crisp acidity and toasty oak, but a raw juiciness persists and is supported by that spine of structure rather than corseted by it. Savoury too, with umami tones of mushroom and bracken, into a long, sweetening finish. Plenty of life ahead for this one – should keep drinking well for another decade. 95pts
Gillman 2008
