Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Ecluse Merlot Cabernets 2019

Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Ecluse Merlot Cabernets is a concentrated, Cabernet-led red blend with the structure and savoury detail that suit Waiheke Island particularly well. Blueberry, black olive and dark plum are layered with violet, cedar, graphite, sandalwood and freshly brewed espresso. The palate is full-bodied and composed, with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a generous finish that continues to reveal spice, tobacco and mineral notes. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, it is already showing attractive complexity but has the concentration to keep developing. Serve it with slow-braised beef cheeks, venison or a rich mushroom risotto.

What the winery says:

The single-vineyard fruit was entirely hand-harvested on Waiheke Island. Bunches were manually sorted and destemmed, with selected berries gently split before cold soaking in stainless steel. Separate parcels underwent wild fermentation or were inoculated with selected and house yeast and bacteria strains. The fermenters were hand-plunged up to four times daily, with some batches also receiving air pulses. Following extended maceration, the wine was slowly basket pressed and matured for 18 months in selected French oak. Components were individually graded before blending, and the wine was bottled without fining. Alcohol is 14%, with less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar, and the winery suggests cellaring for more than 10 years.

What the experts say:

Candice Chow, Candice Wine Chat, 96/100 (2019)
“Concentrated aromas of black plum, raspberry, cassis, dark herbs, cedar, leather, dark cocoa and meatiness.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 94/100 and Excellent (2019)
“A lovely Bordeaux-style nose and palate with flavours of blackberry and iron sand, some pencil lead and tobacco layers.”