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2023 Boneline Waipara Iridium Cabernets Merlot

Richard Caro

In stock

This stylish and complex Bordeaux blend is full of ripe cassis and berry fruits, with a leafy and mineral turn about it. The freshness and fine tannin of this blend of Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is French-styled, with some earthy-mineral notes like Cabernet Franc from the Loire. But it is also New Zealand in the best sense, with fruit expression and aromatics that are lush but never overbearing. Yet another serious delight from The Boneline.

$57.99 in mixed 6+ or $64.99 per bottle

Overview

Grape

Usually a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

Its Origins

Boneline are a Waipara operation with a serious focus on terroir. Waipara’s lime-rich soils and nearly identical climate to Chablis allow Boneline to explore stylistic bridge points between the more restrained French and more brightly fruited characteristics of New Zealand terroir wines. The name Boneline itself invokes a network of ideas linking their wines and terroir to the primordial history of the site, directly referring to fossilised fish bones that have been found around the Waipara River - which also appear on their labels - and indirectly referring to the lime in the soil, itself a residue of fish calcium that forms the various bone-like substrata of many Waipara vineyards and makes the region such a special place for wine. Bringing to their work a broad range of human and marketing as well as winemaking talents, Boneline look set to define new possibilities for their exceptional place and its offerings.

What The Critics Say

Winemakers Note

"Aromas of bright Chambord, black berries and red cherries underlined with leather, pencil shaving and purple flowers. Juicy plums, blackberries and redcurrents intertwined with star anise, black licorice and dark chocolate all being complimented with warm barrel spice. Fine grained tannins balance well with gentle acidity and a refreshing long mineral finish."

94/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2020 vintage)

"From a blend of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon with Merlot delivers a bouquet of complexity and power showcasing dark red berry fruits laced with five spice and smoky earth tones, sweet tobacco, bitter chocolate and velvet cake. A dry wine touches the palate with core flavours that mirror the bouquet, firm tannins and bold acid line secure the structure and foundation in place for the ripe fruit and complex flavours. A lengthy wine, delicious and fresh with best drinking from 2024 through 2030." Drink 2024 - 2030

93/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin (2020 vintage)

"The 2020 Iridium is a Cabernet Franc-dominant cuvée, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to support. On the nose, the wine leads with cranberry and crushed sea shells, sweet tobacco and cassis bramble, with licorice and clove to finish. In the mouth, the wine is silky and yet weighty, with berry fruits and finely milled tannin. It has intensity, concentration and balance and is highly recommended."

Stats & Food Matching

Variety	Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc / Merlot
Region	Waipara
Closure	Cap
Volume	750ml
Maturity	2025 - 2033

This Wine Goes Well With

Taste

Delivery & Returns

We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.

If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.