At the time, the 2010 vintage was described as the greatest vintage ever on Waiheke Island – both in terms of its abundance, but also the power and concentration. This was a result of very low rainfall (12ml) in the three to four months prior to harvest. In fact the lowest ever recorded to that point. This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot, 17% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere. Under cork – in excellent condition. Opaque, impenetrable, deep ruby colour with no signs of ageing. Despite a solid decant, aromas are still quite tight – with dense blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis and some background cedar notes. An oak presence and dusty tannins provide a backdrop for a layer of medium-density black fruit, which, while mature, has a roundness and richness with some fruit sweetness. Plenty of years ahead and hasn’t yet peaked. 93pts
A note from David:
WineFolio has been reviewing the best wines of New Zealand long enough now, to find that some top bottles are inevitably revisited from time to time. David tasted the Larose 2010 back in May 2022 – here – https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=5610, where he describes Larose as “One of our great wines” and gave it a higher score than the bottle that Steven encountered last week – at 97/100! The wine also featured in an annual Bordeaux tasting three years ago in August 2023.
