2009 Kemp Road Series 'Whenua' Bordeaux Blend

Created to celebrate diverse small-production vineyards around New Zealand, the Kemp Road series brings together great artisan winegrowers, whanau, history and the work of a professional artist in one beautiful package. Kemp Road wines are produced in close collaboration with the best artisan winemakers of New Zealand as one-off special edition releases of their favourite wines.

Accolades:

• 94/100 Bob Campbell MW

Tasting Note: Vibrant ruby red with no signs of age. The nose is explosive, with dark spice and herbal lift over the still-alive red fruit. A strong savoury, gamey component faintly hints at secondary characteristics. The palate is open and enveloping, still fresh with an attack of plum and cedar. The finish is lengthy and opulent, caressing with gentle, beautifully integrated tannins and a decent prickle of acidity. The power of this wine is obvious despite its age, sitting just within its optimum drinking window and at peak pleasurability.

40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 22% Malbec.