Larose 2015

Opened for my 40th birthday last year and what a wine. Every time I open these older Larose bottles I kick myself for not buying more before the price went to dumb territory. A Waiheke Island blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and the rest of Bordeaux quintet. This could out-Bordeaux many a wine too, yet with a mid-palate ripeness that is Waiheke all the way. Lovely wine. Still bright red coloured, bright and energetic. Obviously, Bordeaux is the inspo, but this is different. Some brick dust development on the nose, but quintessential Cab Merlot. Mid-weight, the tannins a fine dust storm that fills all the extra crevices. This enlivens you. The fruit is a downplay, but it’s perfectly ripe enough. Dark berries, bark, the only thing that you could accuse this of could be firm tannins. Otherwise a near-perfect Waiheke red. Wow.