The Waiheke label’s flagship red wine – made this year from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. A classic Bordeaux nose of blackcurrant, red plum, cacao, pencil shaving and cherry blossom. A tightly coiled structure at first, but really quite generous into the palate – some firm tannin is woven into breezy acidity and toasted spices suggesting new oak. The fruit bleeding through this spine, coiling around the palate – with the Cabernet at the front, offering structure and firm tannin; the Merlot adding richness and plush softness. Exotically spicy and textural, it’s drinking very well already, with a long life ahead if cellared well (sealed under cork). 95pts
Mudbrick Vineyard ‘Velvet’ 2022
