From a single vineyard on Waiheke Island, this wine is the wineries highly regarded top label. They come with our (and reviewers) highest recommendation.
Why Mystery labels? We use these when a producer may wish to clear excess stock or end of vintage lines, but they don't want to compromise the brand integrity, especially on-line where names and prices are visible to all. We can’t tell you the producer or normal RRP here – you’ll find this out when you open the box or come into store.
Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"An amalgamation of stunning fruit, stylish oak & layers of integrated texture. Ripe blackberries, blackcurrants & cigar meld with juicy black doris plum. A superbly weighted palate framed by chocolatey tannins & great length. A velvet revolver designed for superior concealment."
5 Stars & 96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, February 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Gorgeously complex and seductively fragrant with blackcurrant, floral, olive and cedar characters on the nose with a hint of tobacco nuance. The palate is equally impressive, delivering outstanding focus and drive, wonderfully complemented by refined texture and chalky tannins. Classically styled with layers of delectable flavours. At its best: now to 2036."
Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, February 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Fantastic bouquet loaded (pun intended) with chocolate, aromas of darks berry fruits and baking spices, baked nut, apple and blackberry pie crust, fresh blackberries and roasted plums. Youthful and complex. On the palate – an equally delicious wine with a firmness from tannins and acidity, plenty of dark fruit flavours at the core then chocolate and clove, vanilla pod and five spice. A touch of fresh tobacco and sweet clay earth layers in complexity and breadth. Open and pour a glass today with best drinking from 2026 through 2036."
5 Stars & 18.5/20 (93) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, January 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Deep, purple with depth, slightly lighter on edge. The nose is voluminous and elegantly presented, with cassis, plum and raspberry aromas interweaved with tobacco, menthol, clove and nutmeg. Medium-full bodied, cassis, plum and raspberry have a bright core, entwined with tobacco, menthol, clove and nutmeg. Velvety, fine-grained tannin framework and lively acidity provide a backbone. This youthful Waiheke red blend shows good structure and vibrant red fruit with oak complexity, which will benefit from cellaring. Match with beef wellington and roasted lamb over the next 6+ years. A blend of 60% Merlot, 16% Malbec, 10% Cab Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Syrah, fermented to 14.5% alc, aged in French oak barrels, 40% new oak. Vegan friendly."