96/100 Andrew Caillard MW – Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection 2019
Winery notes (2019 Vintage)
"The ultimate selection from three tiny vineyard plots of greywacke river gravel, silt and sand strewn soils deposited in the wake of the 1867 Ngaruroro River flood. These infertile and heat reflective soils produce a powerful, structured wine worthy of an extended wait in the cellar.
This full bodied complex Gimblett Gravels wine is widely regarded as being amongst the finest of New Zealand’s red wines, with a pedigree stretching back to 1989. Very deeply coloured it showcases the black fruit nature of Gimblett Gravels wines. Blackberry and dark cherry are complemented with aromas and flavours of tobacco and cedar."
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2019 Vintage)
"The classy, debut 2019 vintage was grown at two sites in the Gimblett Gravels (Ngakirikiri and Cornerstone vineyards), and matured for 19 months in French oak barriques (45 per cent new). Dark and purple-flushed, with a fragrant, ripe bouquet, it is full-bodied and complex, with fresh, highly concentrated blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, and good tannin backbone. It should flourish for a decade."
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, June 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Gorgeously aromatic bouquet shows cassis, cedar, dried herb, clove and floral aromas, leading to a richly textured palate that's powerful yet graceful. Brilliantly framed by loads of fine-grained tannins, making it sturdy and superbly lingering on the finish. A blend of Merlot, Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon from Ngakirikiri & Cornerstone vineyards. At its best: 2023 to 2034."
Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, June 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Made with Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Ngakirikiri and Cornerstone vineyards the bouquet and palate of this wine are impressive with aromas and flavours of blackberry and tobacco, roasted plums and violets, toasty spices of oak and smoky stony earthy complexities. Ripe, firm tannins and medium+ acidity bring texture and structure while the baking spices of barrel and baked stone flavours of earth layer on complexity and depth. A delicious wine ready to drink from purchase and through 2028+."
Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, January 2022 (2019 Vintage)
"Complex and youthful with a core of red berry fruits with highlights of coco & baking spices of barrel with vanilla and sweet clove with some bacon and tobacco notes. The core of fruit carries through the palate highlighted by raspberry, plum, cherry and fresh black berry. Tannins are fine and in abundance, acidity layers in freshness and texture. Overall a delicious wine with a perfect combination of flavour and mouthfeel. Best drinking from late 2022 through 2030."