A red blend from Waiheke Island, made by vigneron Luc Desbonnets, with a blend of 63% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intended to be a nod towards Cheval Blanc – he actually had a sample sent to that great St Emilion Estate, and received the comment – ‘a great wine’ back from the owners!
A deep garnet red colour in the glass. The bouquet is inviting, with a smoky spice that melds to the ripe plum, bramble, cherry and elderberry flavours of the hedgerow. On that theme, there’s also a hint of crushed herbs, rosehip and a touch of wet leather. So well-balanced, the tannins have a little grip – giving a bony spine to the palate, where an integrated acidity gives lovely line and course. Attention to detail, with high quality oak has also left its mark, with that toasty spiciness adding even more depth and hedonism. Whispers of bitter chocolate, dried mint, hazelnut are sketched around the outline. An athletic power and poise, with both clarity and tenacity, slides into a seamless finish of great persistence. The rarity makes it a very pricey bottle now, but it is up there with the best of Bordeaux-style reds that I have tasted from New Zealand. 98pts
