Auckland is not renowned for its red wine as much as the rest of the wine growing regions in New Zealand, nor is Awhitu Peninsula within Auckland!

Cliff Edge 2008 from Awhitu Peninsula is made up of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Matured in a blend of American and French oak barrels for 12 months, only 6-8 barrels ever made!

The aromas are of tabacco leaf, smokiness, cassis, blackfruits, and some greenness from the Cabernet Franc, and all of this translates well on the palate. The palate is full and plump from the Merlot, but tight and rewarding from the Cabernet Franc. The finish is long and very dry but the oak shows through a little too much. The acid and fruit components balance beautifully, butthe use of oak needs to be more restrained.

88 Points
4 Stars
RRP $N/A

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Written by Jayson Bryant

Jayson’s roots in wine began when his father literally dragged him round France and injected his passion into him. From the age of 8 his family took month long holidays in France travelling through all regions and sampling their wine.
UnScrewed has reinvented the concept of wine tasting in New Zealand and along the way found a new and willing audience. In addition to encouraging straightforward wine tasting, Jayson educates viewers about the effects of regional factors (soil, sun, wind) on wine flavours, and how to buy wine.

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