Description
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Aromas: At this stage (25+ years), the primary fruit has likely transitioned into complex secondary and tertiary notes. You will likely find scents of dried currants, cigar box, leather, forest floor, and a distinct salty/mineral undertone characteristic of Waiheke’s maritime clay soils.
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Palate: Described by long-term collectors as having a "unique and savory" character. Notes of jalapeño, green pepper, and clay have been noted in older bottles, alongside dried strawberry and black currant.
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Structure: The tannins, which would have been "tight and coiled" in its youth, should now be very soft and integrated, giving the wine a silky, mid-weight mouthfeel.
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Finish: Expect a long, spicy, and smooth finish with hints of cedar and tobacco.
A Quick "Expert" Tip
The 1998 vintage was a legendary one for New Zealand's North Island—often called a "drought vintage." This means the grapes were small and highly concentrated. If you are planning to open this bottle, decant it gently just before serving to remove sediment, but don't let it sit too long; old wines can lose their fragile aromatics quickly once exposed to oxygen.
ABV: 13%Alc
