Note made after 2 days open, decanted. Tasted out of Shiraz shape glass. Under cork but, in a fit of unusual generosity, I forgive it.
On day 1 I felt bristling hostility as this seemed to be some kind of South Australian bastard transplanted to New Zealand - rich, heavy oak and some simple blackberry fruit, but mostly just oak. Creamy, vanilla perfumed oak. Did I mention the oak? Later that day it started to swallow the oak and attractive dark plum with some blackberry came more to the fore.
On day 2 I think we are seeing more of what this wine will do with time. There is a pleasing plum sourness to go with the riper fruit aspects and the oak adds some spice and supporting texture. The tannins are supple and fine and not dominated by oak tannins. This is very good wine that will probably develop nicely over the next 20 years. It will always be a richer style but it no longer looks like a dumb Oz kid brother. It doesn't compel me to buy more, but I would be more than happy to drink it and if you are a fan then I have no trouble seeing why.
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7/16/2022 - Rote Kappelle Likes this wine: 92 Points
Note made after 2 days open, decanted. Tasted out of Shiraz shape glass. Under cork but, in a fit of unusual generosity, I forgive it.
On day 1 I felt bristling hostility as this seemed to be some kind of South Australian bastard transplanted to New Zealand - rich, heavy oak and some simple blackberry fruit, but mostly just oak. Creamy, vanilla perfumed oak. Did I mention the oak? Later that day it started to swallow the oak and attractive dark plum with some blackberry came more to the fore.
On day 2 I think we are seeing more of what this wine will do with time. There is a pleasing plum sourness to go with the riper fruit aspects and the oak adds some spice and supporting texture. The tannins are supple and fine and not dominated by oak tannins. This is very good wine that will probably develop nicely over the next 20 years. It will always be a richer style but it no longer looks like a dumb Oz kid brother. It doesn't compel me to buy more, but I would be more than happy to drink it and if you are a fan then I have no trouble seeing why.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment