Wine: Goldwater Cabernet Merlot Grape: Cabernet sauvignon (53 per cent), merlot (28 per cent), cabernet franc (19 per cent) Region: Waiheke Island, New Zealand Vintage: 1995 Picturesque, tranquil Waiheke Island is less than an hour's ferry ride from Auckland harbour. It is the home of Goldwater Estate, a small premium wine-grower which many regard as the producer of the finest red wine in New Zealand.
Kim and Jeanette Goldwater pioneered wine-growing on Waiheke Island 20 years ago. They recognised that the unique poor free-draining soils, warm dry summers and maritime influence would make ideal wine-growing conditions. The Goldwater philosophy is to 'do the winemaking in the vineyard'.
The wine is fermented in stainless-steel tanks and matured in French oak barrels for 16 months (50 per cent in new barrels).
The 1995 Goldwater Cabernet Merlot is a blend of the three classic Bordeaux red varietals - cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. The wine has a definite Bordeaux character and could deceive even the most astute wine judge as to its origins.
The nose has lovely aromas of red currants, plums and spice. The palate is filled with rich, ripe fruit flavours together with soft tannins.
This wine is a pleasure to drink now and will develop well over the next 10 years.