2019 Puriri Hills Estate

Brand	Puriri Hills
Region	Auckland
Varietal	Merlot Cab Franc Cab Sauv
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	12.8%
Vintage	2019
Country	New Zealand

Judy Fowler’s cult Puriri Hills winery has established benchmark quality in NZ across all three levels of her Bordeaux style reds. The Pinnacle being the “Pope” … which leading international wine critic James Suckling describes as “NZ’s Chateau Latour” and Bob Campbell Master of Wine likens to “NZ’s Screaming Eagle”. Puriri Hills Estate 2019 Bordeaux style blend is grown & made with the same detail & expense of $200 - $300 Bordeaux... it’s one of the great cellar bargains of recent years. No Pope was made in 2019… this Estate is laden with Pope fruit grown and harvested the same. Such are the miniscule yields and strict declassification of grapes… it costs Judy circa 3 times the normal price per tonne to harvest her fruit. Lovers of full-bodied Merlot or Cabernet led blends... this 2019 Estate is one of the great cellar bargains in recent years. Merlot-dominant with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carménère... tiny 1kg per vine fruit yields ensured abundant concentration. A mix of modern and traditional winemaking includes 1 - 3 weeks maceration on skins (depending on the variety) with gentle hand plunging ensuring perfect extraction of colour, tannins, and flavours. 21 months in French Oak Barriques have proved perfect in creating superb texture and complexity. Succulent and generous it has traditional Bordeaux like coolness on the fresh finish. 95/100 Bob Campbell "A blend of merlot, carménère, malbec, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Rich, textural red with cassis, raspberry, blackberry, cedar, dried herb/hedgerow and nutty oak flavours. Accessible now but with the potential to develop well with bottle age. Seductive wine that gives a nod in the direction of Bordeaux.”

Complex florals, graphite, tobacco, cedar, blackcurrant, plums, leather, soy… a veritable checklist for top Bordeaux, grown & made in Clevedon.

Succulent and concentrated, with multi layers of generous blackberry, dark plum and currant fruit embraced in plush tannins and fine, lively acidity. Savoury and spice complexities are beginning to emerge at 5 years old, but the freshness of the wine is remarkable, showing why Judy doesn’t like to release her wines until they’re ready to begin enjoying. Enjoy now after decanting, or cellar through to 2027/2030 with ease. Enjoy with herb crusted rack of lamb.