2023 Man O' War Waiheke Ironclad Merlot Cabernets

"Brooding yet refined, the 2023 Ironclad strikes a bold balance between power and finesse - a true expression of the long, temperate growing season and rugged coastal vineyards. Evocative aromatics unfold in layers: blackberry, cassis, and dark plum meet floral notes of violet and lavender, grounded by savoury notes of graphite, cedar, and dried tobacco. The palate is structured and poised with concentrated black fruits, baking spice, and subtle herbal undertones carried by fine tannin and bright coastal acidity. Waiheke's signature blend - the 2023 Ironclad is Cabernet Franc predominant, offering spice and lift, while Merlot and Malbec add depth and generosity with plush, supple fruit."

"An excellent bouquet of power and concentration, dark plums and blackberry fruits, lots of baking spices, smoky wood and new barrel scents. There’s an enticement from the synergy of aromas along with and earthy stony quality adding depth and intrigue. Full-bodied, dry, plenty of tannins and acidity delivery a taut and very youthful mouthfeel. Fruit flavours remain at the core with dark skinned plums and blackberry, there’s also chocolate and brown baking spices, a lick of salt, a long finish and complexity."

"Austere with subtle flavours with cocoa and violet, plum and blackberry framed with drying oak and tannin on a broad and very ripe palate with spicy alcoholic warmth. Clenched and unyielding, this needs time to come together as it is really fiercely tannic right now and very chewy. Under the drying structure and alcohol is a core of violet and even some crunchy blackcurrant leaf which bodes well for the wine once it can overcome its hard shell 24 Dec 2024."