Frenchmans Hill Estate White Horse Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Waiheke Island

With 100% new French Oak barriques used and the wine aged for 16 months in them as well as unfined and unfiltered - the bouquet of this wine is big. There’s no mistaking the impact of oak - and with so much - there needs to be a core of fruit to withstand the power of wood - and there is. Aromas then flavours on the palate include fresh blackberries and marmite, dark plums and clove, charred wood and smoke, tobacco and wood shavings. As the wine opens up additional flavours begin to show with vanilla and baked goods, dry stony soil and mushroom. A complex and intriguing wine, built for food, cheese and probably cigars as well. Best drinking from today and through 2026.

92 Points