'Ecluse' Reserve Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec '19 750ml

The berries were gently split to increase the surface of the skins in contact with the juice. Fermented in small stainless vessels and concrete eggs, with indigenous and selected yeasts and bacteria, to carefully control temperature and bouquet development. The wine was then macerated until an equilibrium was achieved and then gently pressed. The élevage was brilliant in special French oak barrels for eighteen months. The finished wine was bottled under premium cork with minimal filtration to preserve all that purity while promising ageing potential.

Deep garnet, our cabernet blend shows luscious, ripe blueberry and blackcurrant notes with a generous amount of warm tobacco, cedar, and seasoned saddle leather. Fresh and fruit driven, with a delicate yet well-structured palate offering a polished texture and refined tannins for a lingering, complex finish. Eighteen months of élevage guided the development, finesse, and complexity of the wine.

• Dry-aged venison tenderloin with blackberry sauce, slow-braised beef cheeks with Parmesan polenta, creamy Gorgonzola and portobello mushroom risotto, roasted balsamic radicchio, Swiss Gruyère and Taleggio cheeses.
• Cellaring Potential: Long term (10+ years)
• Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Malbec
• Harvest: 100% hand harvest
• Region: Waiheke Island

A Tantalus is a small wooden cabinet that contains two or three decanters of precious wine, for which there is a lock and key. The Tantalus prevents unauthorised people from opening the cabinet and drinking its contents, while allowing the bottles’ beauty to be on display. With a key to our Tantalus wines, one obtains access to the secrets of the treasures held within. All our reserve wines have names referring to the origins of Tantalus. An ‘écluse’ allows boats to pass through bodies of water at differing levels. Unlock our Écluse and let your glass take you on the most amazing journey.