Very dark colour. Bold aromatics of black fruits - Boysenberry, blackberry and plum dominate the subtle varietal aromatics of fresh mint and thyme with some cinnamon showing from its time in oak. The palate is fresh and lively. Lovely fine tannins surround a ripe core of sweet fruit with good acidity providing balance and length.

Cellar to 2018+ - at it's best from 2013 onwards. Match with rich red meat and game dishes.

2009 Vintage

• 5 Stars “A wine showing the potential to develop real interest and complexity over the next 7-9 years, Dark purple-hued ruby-red in colour, this has a plush, flowing, very aromatic bouquet of black plums, black berry fruits, tobacco, earth and spicy-charry oak. An elegantly sized wine in mouth, this combines the richness of the currant, berry and plum fruit with supple, fine-textured tannins. Freshness from acidity and the balanced, harmonious nature will make it an excellent wine with game and flavoursome red meat dishes.” - Raymond Chan
• 91 Points, 4½ Stars “A very refined and elegant version of Te Kahu, yet the fruit concentration is excellent, and so are the overall balance and structure. The nose is ripe and fragrant displaying dark plum, spice, floral and subtle nutty oak characters. It's juicy and smooth on the palate with a rounded mouthfeel and plenty of polished tannins. A youthful wine showing much promise and potential.” wineorbit.co.nz

2008 Vintage

• May 2009 Winestate Magazine 4 ½ Stars “Great value, rich Hawke’s Bay red, merlot-based, with smaller portions of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and malbec. Matured for 18 months in French oak barriques, it is mouthfilling, generous and supple, with a finely textured, lasting finish.” - Michael Cooper

• April 2010 www.wineorbit.co.nz 90 Points, 4½ Stars “This has to be one of the most consistent, great value New Zealand Bordeaux blends. The nose is ripe and fragrant displaying red/dark plum, spice and subtle cedary oak characters. The medium-bodied palate is smooth and refreshing with plenty of fine-grained tannins. A satisfying and perfectly balanced red. At its best: now to 2015.” - Sam Kim