2020 Puriri Hills Estate

Brand	Puriri Hills
Region	Auckland
Varietal	Merlot Cab Sauv Cab Franc Malb
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	14.0%
Vintage	2020
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 2020 Bordeaux style Estate blend is grown & made with the same detail & expense of $200 - $300 Bordeaux... it’s one of the great cellar bargains of recent years. Pope & Harmonie du Soir were both made in this generational quality 2020 vintage…and Judy kept aside what can best be described as a small vat of ferments for a tiny Estate release. Such miniscule amounts are made across the 3 blends… and the intense work across the Estate vineyards costs Judy circa 3 times the normal price per tonne to harvest! These exceptional reds are a labour of love and a statement of excellence. This Estate is Merlot-dominant with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & 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 proved perfect in creating superb texture and complexity. Succulent and generous it has traditional Bordeaux like coolness on the fresh finish. 5-years aged on release… it will drink beautifully through 2035+.

Complex florals, graphite, tobacco, cedar, blackcurrant, plums, leather, soy… a veritable checklist for top Bordeaux… only it’s 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 of age, 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 2030-2035 with ease. Enjoy with herb crusted lamb rack and classic beef rib roast. Save a glass to enjoy with an aged cheddar after dinner.