Puriri Hills pope, Vintage 2008
THE REVIEWS
“What magnificent, elegant, full-bodied, intensive, silky-fine and fresh Claret. Initially calls to mind the red wine from Saumur (because of the Cabernet Franc), but then one moves away from the Loire and is approaching the Gironde, but to place oneself on the right bank, rather in Saint Emilion than in Pomerol. Splendidly clear and precise, sweet bouquet of ripe black berries, liquorice, cherries and graphite. On the palate, dense, meaty-intensive, perfectly ripe, with dark cherry and berry aroma, silky tannins. Perfectly ripe material, but the wine is fresh and rich in finesse, silky like a Pinot, peppery and tangy like a Cabernet-Franc, juicy (lush) like a Carmenėre. Perfectly balanced. Animated and long-lasting Cassis–finale with chilly tanginess. A great concentrated wine of remarkable finesse and elegance, but also a remarkably deep fun-wine of the very highest level. One should put it to the test among the finest St. Emilion wines, amongst which one wine should not be missing: ‘Cheval Blanc’. Unfortunately the challenger does not come cheap, but is worth the money.” Translation of article by Stephan Reinhardt that appeared in Weinwisser magazine, 25th June 2012
98 Points “Dense but not heavy. It defines subtle power. A very seductive red indeed, with wonderful perfume and spicy complexity. Layers of fruit, spice and hints of flowers. Best of all is the wine’s rich and seductively smooth texture.” Gourmet Traveller Wine (Aug/Sept) 2012
5 stars “Deeply coloured, it is mouth filling, fresh and supple, with substantial body and deep, lush blackcurrant, herb, spice and nut flavours, framed by fine, silky tannins. Showing lovely richness and texture, it’s already approachable”; drink now or cellar. Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to NZ Wines: 2012:
98 Points “Predominantly Cabernet Franc with a wonderful perfume and spicy complexity. Dense but not heavy. It define subtle power. Very seductive red indeed. Should clear well. Layers of fruit, spice and hints of floral.” Bob Campbell MW Reviews – Dec 2010:
THE WINE
32% Merlot, 52% Cabernet Franc, 16% Carmenère
14.2 % Alcohol
Less than 2200 bottles produced
LIBRARY WINE - Very limited quantity available