NZED Waiheke Red 2008 classy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Malbec from Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Tasting
Notes
April 2012
Waiheke Island, which sets less than an hour by ferry from Auckland, is one of the few places in New Zealand where red Bordeaux varietals can properly ripen.The NZED Waiheke Red, from Cable Bay has done a very admirable job with this Bordeaux blend, combining Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Cabernet Franc (33%), with Malbec (12%) filling things out. There's a light oak top note to the dark plum and red currant fruit that is touched up with a spicy, leafy, herbal background that works towards cedar and wet tobacco notes aromatically. Medium fuller bodied the fruit has surprising depth, especially in light of its asking price, with finer grained, powdery tannins giving a nice bight on the finish. If you like well made red Bordeaux blends then this should catch your attention.
