Coming from the Gimblett Gravels sub-region, the 2009 Ariki is a Bordeaux blend giving a very deep purple hue and notes of ripe plums, crushed blackberries, pencil lead and black currant with hints of cloves, cedar and cumin seed. Medium bodied with a high level of fine grained tannins, it has crisp acid, just enough fruit and a long finish. Give it another year in bottle and drink to 2019+. The Robertson family, owners of Te Awa and Dry River, has recently started this Kidnapper Cliffs venture in Hawke’s Bay joining the forces of winemakers Ant MacKenzie and Neil McCallum. Production is very limited at just around 1500 cases. These early efforts look incredibly promising. Importer: RO Imports, New York, NY.