As it cascades into the glass, the 2018 vintage, with its deep-ruby hue, gradually unfurls an enticing bouquet of cassis, violets, and intricate wood spices. Delicate notes of graphite, thyme, and clove dance alongside. Within its medium to full-bodied structure, layers of concentrated flavors emerge, showcasing ripe fruit intertwined with subtle hints of black olive and cigar. The fine-grained tannins and judicious oak embrace the palate, enriching the texture and imbuing richness from the first sip to the last. This exceptional vintage promises to evolve beautifully with careful aging over the next 15+ years, gaining further depth and complexity.

Ngakirikiri’ in Maori refers to the unique soils that define the Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, uniquely situated on the former Ngaruroro riverbed which was left exposed following a historically significant flood event which permanently changed the rivers course in 1867. The first vines were planted in these arid soils in the 1980’s and this small area of 800 hectares has since become New Zealand’s epicentre for premium full bodied red wine production with a reputation for beautifully balanced, thought-provoking wines. Ngakirikiri is only made when great vintages produce truly outstanding wines for consideration.