Tasting Notes

Variety

72% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc;

Region

Waiheke Island: Soho’s Onetangi Vineyard

Winemaker

Pete Turner

Bottling Date

18 July 2011

Cellaring

1-7 years

Tech Analysis

Oak: Demptos French Barriques (35% new)
12 months maturation
Alcohol: 13.5%

Winemaker's Notes

A serious wine displaying ample concentration and structure - the epitome of optimal ripeness from one of the greatest vintages off Waiheke Island. Cassis and dark berry characters dominate a sumptuous mid-palate with secondary notes of cedar and mocha, bound by firm yet forgiving tannins

Reviews

• for previous vintage

  Bright purple-hued, ruby-red colour with good depth, the finesse of the bouquet of this wine is a feature. Beautifully stylish and aromatic, the nose displays ripe blackberry fruits with dark plum and spice notes, interwoven with toasty, cedary elements. On palate very elegant and refined, the bright, fresh, well-ripened black and red berryfruit flavours are lifted and spiced by lovely new oak and backed by very fine-grained tannin extraction. The wine is surprisingly accessible now, but the balance will ensure 8-10 years of development ahead. Serve at a fine dinner with roast lamb, and with aged cheddar.

  Raymond Chan

• 90 points for previous vintage

  This is a beautifully crafted red made from Merlot (37.5%), Malbec (37.5%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12.5%) and Cabernet Franc (12.5%). It's ripe and gently complex on the nose, displaying dark plum, spice, dried herb and nutty oak characters. The palate is succulent, medium-full and well textured with supple tannins. The wine is beautifully balanced and harmonised, making it a lovely wine to partner savoury dishes. At its best: now to 2015

  Sam Kim