98 Raymond Chan - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

Deep, inky ruby with a deep purple hue, lighter purple on the rim. The nose is full, packed with alluring aromas of blackberries, cassis and plums entwined with cloves, cardamom and violet, subtle leathery note developing, along with dark cocoa, black olives and whisky barrel, very complex. Full-bodied, a bright palate full of energy and multilayered, black fruit melded with black olives, cocoa and violet, unfolding a hint of leather and barrel spices of cloves, cardamom and star anise. Herbal element unveiled as the wine aerated, echoing spices, black olives, linger to a very long, fulsome finish. The wine has concentration and density, yet it's bright with clarity and layers, full of whimsical interest. The tannin is well structured and integrated, fine-grained with a velvety grip, provide great vitality supported by balanced acidity. This is a stunning blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 20% and Cabernet Franc 15%, with concentrated flavour of perfectly ripe fruit and balanced acidity, elegantly complex barrel details on a fine-structured palate. Match with t-bone steak & truffle sauce and roasted lamb over the next 15+ years. Fruit sourced from best parcels in Paritua Vineyard at 2112 Maraekakaho Road, Bridge Pa Triangle. Destemmed, cold-soaked, fermented to 14.5% alc, 20-28 days post ferment maceration. Aged in French oak barriques for 24 months, 50% new oak.

97 Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

Immensely complex and engaging, showing cassis, blackberry, smoked game, cedar, tobacco and violet aromas on the nose. It's concentrated and richly textured on the palate offering fabulous fruit power combined with savoury nuances, leading to an impressively long structured finish. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot & 15% cabernet franc. At its best: now to 2038.

96 Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier - CamDouglasMS.com

Powerful core of blackberry and roasted plums, a touch of dark chocolate and smoky tobacco oak complexities. Youthful, intense and compelling bouquet. Full-bodied, rich in flavour and texture with barrel spices and fruit flavours that mirror the nose. Firm tannins are abundant and ripe. There's no mistaking the toasty oak and barrel spice layers, these attributes contribute to a complex and powerful wine that will age for some years to come. Decant for service and serve with food or cellar. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030+.