Description

The 2002 Obsidian Reserve “The Obsidian” is a landmark bottle for this Waiheke producer. It was released during a period when the winery was beginning to establish itself as a heavyweight in New Zealand’s “Bordeaux-blend” scene.

In 2002, the Waiheke growing season was characterized by a dry autumn and warm temperatures, which allowed the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot to achieve a structural depth that previous years (like 1997 or 2001) occasionally lacked.

Tasting Profile: 2002 Reserve (Tasted in 2026)

At 24 years of age, this wine has moved firmly into its tertiary phase. If the bottle has been stored at a constant cool temperature, it should still have plenty of life, but it will be a “savory” experience rather than a “fruity” one.

The Nose

• Aromas: Dominant notes of cigar box, sandalwood, and dried tobacco.

• The Waiheke “Garrigue”: A distinct aromatic thread of dried wild herbs (rosemary and bay leaf) and a hint of rusty iron or graphite minerality.

• Fruit: Any remaining fruit will present as blackberry leather, dried figs, or prunes.

The Palate

• Texture: The hallmark of the 2002 Reserve is its resolution. The tannins, once quite “grippy” and firm, should now feel like melted velvet.

• Flavor: You may notice a “forest floor” or earthy quality, with a subtle vanilla pod sweetness from the oak that has now become part of the wine’s fabric.

• Structure: It remains medium-to-full bodied, with enough acidity to keep the finish clean and lingering.