Cameron Douglas MS reviews our 2013 wines that were released in early 2019
From Auckland’s sub-region of Clevedon the wines from Puriri Hills are exceptional
Puriri Hills Estate 2013
Blend of Merlot/CS/Mlbc and CF
An enticing bouquet of red wine with a Bordeaux-esque package of aromas from baking spices and dark red berry fruits to a broody muscley core of earthiness and energy. The Cabernet France, though only a 6% contribution to the blend, is powerful and focused with a strong voice of olive and bramble. Flavours on the palate mirror what the nose suggests with baking spice, light and dark berry fruit flavours especially dark plums and blackberry, a whisper of dark chocolate. Youthul still with firm tannins, a slight dusty edge and plenty of acidity. Young, vibrant and balanced though still developing harmonies. Long finish, decant for service though probably best from 2022. 96 Points
Puriri Hills Harmonie Du Soir 2013
Merlot/CS/CF/Mlbc
Youthful fragrant lifted bouquet packed with scents of plum and blackberry, a touch of blueberry then clay, earthy tones, complex and layered. Dry, fresh, tense and very youthful on the palate. Firm tannins with chalky attention seeking textures, abundant acidity and youthful energy. All these messages are tempered by the core of dark red fruit flavours. Persistent in flavour, texture , length and complexity. A very young wine that requires a lot more quiet cellar time to integrate and harmonise. A wine with great potential for those who can wait. Decant for service though best drinking likely from 2024. 94 Points
Puriri Hills Pope 2013
Merlot/Carmenere/CF/ CS/Mlbc
Fragrant and alluring bouquet with some beguiling perfumes, complexity, focus and youth. This is a young wine still with lots of aromas of french oak and toasty wood spice layers. Dark berries, marmite, whispers of dark chocolate and olive. On the palate - tense, vibrant, full-bodied and rich in flavour and texture. Some very fine tannins, medium+ acidity still ageing and integrating well. Still requiring cellar time or double decanting if you cannot wait. A reflection of the excellence that 2013 gifted us in New Zealand. Complex and lengthy finish. A true investment wine likely best from 2030. 98 points.