Region: Waiheke Island, Obsidian Vineyard

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 82%, Merlot 12%, Malbec 3%, Cabernet Franc 3%

Sight: Moderate to deep red in the glass with a dark core. The rim is ruby red with flashes of garnet.

Nose: The nose is rich and complex. It is an amalgam of cassis and chocolate with plum and fruitcake undertones.

Tasting Notes: This is all wrapped up in subtle, savoury oak. A medium bodied wine with masses of soft, yet firm tannins. It is exquisitely balanced and has a core of sweet, plummy fruit. The finish is long and intermingles sweet berry flavours with spicy oak.

Winemaker's notes October 2003: Weeping Sands 2001 is approachable upon release, but we know from experience that these wines will improve into the medium term if correctly cellared.

Reviews: 90/100 ....."Currant, fig, and pipe tobacco on the nose, against a background of chocolaty oak. Attacks deep and chocolaty too, building blackberry and blackcurrants, and a hint of leafiness. The tannin is fine and the texture is really smooth and silky. For lovers of elegant canernet" The Australian Financial Review, September 17-19 2004.