1994 Providence Family Matakana

Community Tasting Notes (3) Avg Score: 88 points

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  4/15/2023 - GrapeScott wrote: 89 Points

  1994 blind (Mike and Anne's house): Wine #4, served double blind. My second experience with this wine, which was a "throw in" in a mixed lot that I bought for the '93 and '94 La Jota's it contained. I had not even heard of this project until a few years ago, but it seems their aspirations are to make Cheval Blanc in the Southern Hemisphere. 70% Merlot, 20% cab franc and 5% malbec. There appeared to have been slight signs of seepage despite the base neck fill, and the cork shredded upon extraction. The color was light translucent ruby, but showed less bricking than my earlier bottle. Stinky, unpleasant nose that has tar and meaty notes (maybe from the malbec?), but the palate is a completely different animal. Elegant and perfumed, with floral notes to go with the delicate sour cherry, red currant and wild strawberry flavors. Fading, so drink up, but still quite an interesting bottle.

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  12/10/2021 - GrapeScott wrote: 88 Points

  A very interesting and distinctive wine. Certainly my first experience with a 25+ year old NZ BDX blend. A bit of maderization on the nose, but the color, although light and nearly transparent, is a good clear ruby. Unusual nose that speaks of cab franc, with a weedy, wet tobacco and underbrush character, accented by cedar, smoke, sandalwood and cherry. Elegant and very old world, with an ethereal light body, pretty bright red cherry core, and hints of spicy oak on the finish. Some may find the nose offputting, but I dig its uniqueness. This does bear a resemblance to Figeac or Belair, which I think is the winemakers' intention.

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  1/3/2015 - pavel_p wrote: 87 Points

  After having enjoyed some more recent vintages (2003 I believe) of Providence Matakana with its Bordeaux blends and Bugundy styles, was curious to try an older vintage to see to what extent these wines can age and develop. Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 20% and Malbec 10%.
  Bottom neck fill. Was having a hard time getting the cork out as it was sitting very tightly. Did not decant but only opened the bottle to let it breath a bit about 1h before dinner at home. Fairly evolved color with clear browning. Initially faintly oxidized notes which if anything grew stronger with more air. On the palate very developed with plenty of leather and tobacco. If this was a representative bottle then this is clearly past peak.

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