REGION: Clevedon – South Auckland 100%

Puriri Hills makes blended red wines inspired by the wines of Pomerol and St Emillion in Bordeaux and this winery is located in Clevedon, just south of Auckland.

The micro-climate and soil profile are similar to nearby Waiheke Island, with plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Carmenere –all top Bordeaux clones. The wines are hand tended and hand picked using sustainable viticultural practices.

BLEND:  67% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc,  4% malbec & 3% Carmenère

 TASTING NOTES: An amazingly complex nose with red currants, and fruit cake undertones. Palate is yet again another step up from earlier vintages. Extremely stylish, nice level of fruit density which adds perhaps something missing from older vintages.  Super complexity, drinking well now. It really delivers and competes.

ACCOLADES: Bob Campbell MW Comments: A continuation on in the ascent of quality of this winery. The 2004 is dark ruby red, displaying a complex and forward nose of fruit cake and red current. The palate is soft and inviting with good length. Warm fine tannins.” Aug 07

Gourmet Traveller Wine Oct/Nov 2008 95/100 & 5 Stars

"I'm a huge fan of this merlot, carmenere, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot blend. It shows a richness, silken texture and complexity that is unusual to find north of Hawkes Bay. A very classy red offering good value, with the potential to become collectable."