This iconic, purple-hued Carmenère, enhanced by judicious Petit Verdot (8%), delivers complexity, power and opulence. Wide-ranging aromas greet the nose: floral, herbal, spice and red fruits. Intensely rich red and black fruit flavours gush forth, yet soft tannins ensure suppleness and a long, lush finish. Contemplative sipping for the next several years.
This blend of handpicked Cab Sauv (54%), Merlot (32%), Cab Franc (9%) and Malbec (5%) brings out a Bordeaux-like nose, style and elegance. Hawke’s Bay warmth also comes through on its concentration, structure and dark fruit character. Loads of black fruit flavour, with lingering cedar and black olive. Drink until 2017.
The warm, low-fertile, free-draining Gimblett Gravels sub-region is a hot spot for Syrah. The fragrant blueberry and garam masala spice nose sets up meaty, black fruit flavours. Delicious juicy texture, well-integrated tannins and a generous spicy finish make you beg for more. Pair with grilled fare.
A St Émilion-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dense purple-black in colour with a richly expressive nose of cedar and vanilla oak; dry and savoury on the palate with blackcurrant and dark chocolate flavours. Will cellar well.
Gewürztraminer is one of those wines you either love or hate. I happen to love it. The nose is all lychees, rose petals and grapefruit rind. It’s medium bodied with sweet lychee and grapefruit flavours that sustain well on the palate. Serve it as an aperitif or match it with Thai dishes or light curries.
Juicy, bright and full, yet still very elegant and fresh with blackberry and mineral aromas and flavours, pepper, meat and black olive, and firm but supple tannins. Lovely full texture balanced with great finesse, focus, depth and charm and a refreshing finish. Perfect with steak au poivre.
Inspired by Marsala, Amaro Punico is named in homage to the city's ancient seafaring origins, and the very important naval base on Punic Island. This sweet amaro entices with a nose of sweet Sicilian citrus, fresh thyme, oregano and cinnamon. The silken palate introduces sarsaparilla, figs, cola, mace and candied anise, with eucalyptus and marmalade ringing on the finish. The blend includes yellow gentian, oregano, cinnamon, lemon, coriandolo (cilantro), cloves, basil, peppermint and bitter orange. At 30% alcohol, this makes for a lovely sipping amaro post dinner, perhaps with a cube of ice.