Bob McDonald

9.8

Still a very dense crimson with no tawny rim, at 28 years of age but the tawniness is beginning. A certain feral, Animale, earthy note. Palate is ultra smooth, medium bodied / very savoury yet with a sweetish earthy note with a hint of raspberry. Jancis Robinson was invited by Stephen Henschke to a vertical tasting at the winery in May 2013 to cover vintages back to the late 1950’s. She described the 1996 as “pure hedonism “ and gave it 19/20. Medium plus intensity on the delicious palate with those gnarled old 150 year vines showing through. An absolutely stunning wine - one of the best we’ve had this year. — 5 days ago

Christa Bender

9.3

A wonderful combo of honey, rose, amd orange blossom. Very good ice cold and the sweetness changes as it dances on your tongue. — a year ago

with Jennifer

Daryl Johnson

9.0

Not bright, but wonderfully bold and fruity. — 4 years ago

Paul Weil

9.1

This impressive Cabernet-dominant blend would be Bordeaux-style except for the splash of Petite Sirah in the mix. It is medium bodied, with blueberry and pepper spice. There’s a bit of a licorice or anise flavor to the finish, which kept me sipping! We enjoyed this with a traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage.

76% Cabernet Sauvignon
8% Merlot
8% Malbec
8% Petite Sirah — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — 7 months ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.2

Medium deep pink moving toward reddish orange. Citrus melange aroma... orange, blood orange, sour key lime and pink grapefruit. Powerful weight on the palate but round and creamy in texture. The finish is awesome—long, sweet, savory, lasting almost a minute... with just the slightest hint of funky, cheesy forest-floor. Perfect foil for fresh broiled salmon with grilled broccoli and a Dijon cream sauce. So very glad I kept this wine so long before popping... far from over the hill.. could see enjoying the wine at 25 years. What a wonderful pink wine! — 3 years ago

Kristin Yankauskas

9.4

Unfiltered watermelon pink rose. Chewy, sweet candy on the nose with a hint of floral rose. Bright acidity with a saltiness to it. Grippy with long mouthfeel. Really dimensional and delicious! — 6 months ago

Colin Cahoon

9.2

Raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark cherry, and cedar on the nose. In addition to the above, the palate adds cranberry, dark cherry, black pepper, dark plum, and cocoa. Medium alcohol, high acid, a long finish, and medium plus tannins, more of a Bordeaux style, although it is a bit fruit forward. My experience with Red Rose Hill cabs is that they need age on them to shine. At the 13 year mark, this vintage is at its prime. — 6 months ago

Joshua Hudson

9.3

Well balanced. Nice acidity. Notes of vanilla, oak, mango and peach. — 2 years ago

Diane M. Napolitano

9.1

My first piquette! Very slightly sour with notes of strawberries, blueberries, and sparkling mineral water. In the glass it reminds me of Kool-Ade lol — 4 years ago