Dense ruby red rim with opaque black core. Intense concentrated aromas of blackberries, ripe black currents, liquorice, smoky bacon, tobacco leaf & new leather. Intense & concentrated with layers of ripe blackberry, Black Doris plum, fruit cake, chocolate, savoury bacon & liquorice. A full silky tannin structure & perfectly balanced acidity complement the spicy oak. Powerful & elegant with a remarkable longlasting finish. The Rapaura Reserve Merlot has won gold medals at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards over the last two years. It is medium-bodied with lush flavours & a full, supple tannin structure. Drinking beautifully from the outset, this wine can be enjoyed young or, with careful cellaring, will mature into a fuller, more complex wine that can be enjoyed for the next 8-10 years or beyond. An ideal match with seared eye fillet steak or venison.