Made for the first time in 2020 from “an exceptional year, perfect grapes and five barrels” according to David Evans at the winery. A deep, dense inky black claret in the glass, with really pure Cabernet aromatics of blackcurrant, mint, bramble, campari and bitter chocolate. Tight and youthful, with a beautiful purity and sustained intensity. It’s got a real swagger – a really confident, chest pumped-out kind of Cabernet. The oak is hedonistic, but eaten up by that ripe fruit, adding great structure, working in unison with the plump tannins to form a well-defined, generous core. Some resinous savoury notes, and a dusting of toasted spice and hazelnut. Sweetness starts to flood the palate as the texture builds into a sleekness and viscosity. Finishes succulent, rich and lasting. The winemaker reckons it is the best wine they’ve ever made – it is certainly one of the best New Zealand reds I’ve had the pleasure of tasting – magnificent. 97pts
Passage Rock ‘Generation’ 2020
