The 2009 vintage is saturated and almost blue black in appearance. Aromas reminiscent of vanilla pod, anise and a sprig of dried oregano on the nose. Floral and spice notes add to the aromatic complexity with hints of sandalwood. Fruit flavours of plum and blackcurrant are crystal clear on the palate.

This cabernet sauvignon shows a timeless elegance and outstanding potential as a cellar prospect due to its structure - Cellar carefully for up to 10 years+

2009 Vintage

• Trophy & Gold - Best Red Wine of Show - Five-nations wine awards, Sydney, Sep 2011
• 5 STARS, 95/100 "A very pure expression of variety and place with dense, powerful cassis, mint, cedar wood and mixed spice flavours.There's also a suggestion of floral/violet characters giving extra complexity. It's hard to imagine a New Zealand Cabernet Sauvignon getting much better than this." Bob Campbell MW– bobswinereviews.com – May 2011
• 5 STARS, 96/100 "This is truly magnificent. Impressively ripe yet does not show over-ripe fruit characters. The nose is youthful and fragrant, displaying cassis, dark plum, floral and a hint of dried herb notes. It's intense and powerful on the palate, while remaining elegant, showing outstanding mid palate weight and chewy tannins. The wine is beautifully balanced and integrated. We don't see many single varietal Cabernet Sauvignons in New Zealand any more, certainly not great ones. And it is a treat to have a wine of such quality and style available for us to enjoy. At its best: 2014 to 2025." Sam Kim – Wine Orbit – May 2011
• 5 STARS, 20/20 - A PERFECT SCORE "100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Kidnapper designated ‘Zone 10’ block in the Gimblett Gravels, given a 7 day cold soak, fermented to 14.0% alc., with a peak temp. of 30°C, with foot-treading, given no post-ferment maceration. Aged 18 months in 33% new French oak barriques. Impenetrable, saturated, inky, purple black-red in colour, this has an incredible, beautifully perfumed bouquet of blackcurrants, cassis and violets, of great varietal purity. Sumptuous and fine aromatically, with perfectly integrated oak handling. The palate is ultra-refined, the ripe cassis flavours showing wonderful intensity, supported by extremely fine-textured, but significant tannins. There is an iron core to this wine. Youthful and fresh, the acidity contributing to the focus and tension and its classical proportions, this has a very long, sustained finish." Raymond Chan – www.raymondchanwinereviews.com – Mar 2011