Probably NZ's top merlot dominant blend. Gordon Russel at Esk Valley hand plunges all the wines for this fabulous blend. The amount of Malbec, Cab Sav, Cab Franc and Merlot change year to year due to vintage conditions but this wine is nearly always merlot dominant.

This wine exhibited rich complex spiced plum, cassis and hints of leather on the nose. This translated to a big mouthful of flavours. The tannins were very fine encouraging fruit throughout the mouth, length was excellent and drying. Potential for several years age.
95 points.