A red blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, from Matakana, north of Auckland, in a vintage that the producer describes as “climatically a perfect year for the Auckland area”. A perfect ‘claret’ colour – a deep garnet red in the glass. Perfumed with blackberry, plum, cherry, elderberry, rosehip, orange peel, vanilla and lavender. Medium-bodied, with plenty of oak influence that adds spice and char to the palate. Tannin is very fine and well-integrated, and complemented by a breeze of acidity giving line and direction. Elements of cocoa, tapenade and woody herbs pop up amongst the rich fruit, leading to a long, well-focussed finish. 95pts
Providence Private Reserve 2005
