This is an entry-level wine from Akarua, but delivering bags of drink-young appeal and fresh, classic Central Otago flavours.
With a few years developing in the bottle, this 2016 is showing a little brick red to the edges of a lighter burgundy colour in the glass. Aroma is still compelling with inviting floral – lilac and lavender, and bright cherry, cinnamon, clove and campari notes.
Mid to light weight body, with exuberant fruit and soft silky tannins. Saturated with plum, boysenberry and redcurrant jelly flavours; but an underlying savoury, herbal layer with a wisp of oak adds complexity and keeps the interest beyond just fruit. Sleek and satisfying and quite harmonious. Not one to keep much longer than this – but maybe a couple of years would accentuate further a little more mushroom and game character. 88pts, Good wine, and good value.
