• French oak
• Crushed berry fruit
• Chocolate & mocha
• Layered tannins

Offering up an intricate perfume of crushed berry fruits, iodine, grilled herbs and light incense, the Island Blend 2023 is a beautifully aromatic wine. The palate is showing a similar progression with core flavours of berries, chocolate and mocha, finishing with beautifully layered tannins. There is a freshness in the wine from the inclusion of Syrah and while it alters its depth, it contributes the fresh saline finish showcasing the vineyards unique maritime influence. A complex yet highly drinkable wine, the Island Blend from 2023 is a triumph of viticulture and winemaking in a challenging year.

Our Island Blend is a blend of fruit from both Waiheke Island and its neighbouring Ponui Island. The vintage of 2023 was a challenging year climatically with no shortage of rain and severe weather patterns. However, things improved for the harvest months and our hillside vineyards remained disease free and we were able to get some long hang time for flavour development. Made in the traditional way, every parcel was hand harvested and destemmed to open top vats for fermentation. Wild ferments, extended time in vat and 15 months in oak has built a wine with some serious bones.