Made from Waiheke and Ponui Islands fruit – a Bordeaux style blend with a swag of Cabernet Franc plus Malbec, Merlot and a little Petit Verdot. Dark and brooding in the glass, but with a deliciously open perfume packed with boysenberry, thyme, pepper, plum, forest floor, liquorice and salami. This interesting nose leads, curiously to an absolutely velvety cuddle of a palate where the fruit soars, plush and plump over an understated backbone of oak, tannin and acidity in great harmony. Youthful but with enough muscular structure to suggest it could age gracefully. A cracker – and good value for a decent Waiheke red wine. 94pts
Man O’ War Island Blend 2019
