21.12 2018 (Paritua)

Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to 2 hours before serving. Paritua Winery has made its home in the wind and the waves, in the scenic landscape of Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. Head wine-maker Jason Stent has been at the helm since 2008, creating a concentrated range of Bordeaux-inspired wines, while paying dues to the incredible New Zealand terroir. The winery’s name is derived from the Paritua Stream, which trickles its way through the vineyards. This flagship wine uses grapes solely from Paritua’s own vineyards, which can be found at 2112 Maraekakaho Road. Before an earthquake in the 1860s, the Ngaruroro River used to run through this site, granting the soil an abundance of nutrients and rich minerals. 21.12 is a bold Bordeaux-style wine. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc is aged in French oak barriques for 24 months. The result is a wine with a rich, layered nose of cassis, blackberry, plum and chocolate, with underlying notes of flora and pungent spice. The palate is velvety and mouth-filling, with a concentrated core of black fruits. You can also discover hints of mulled wine spices, such as cardamom, liquorice and clove, with strong mineral elements. The finish is propelled by fine, lingering tannins. This wine has incredible ageing potential and will be excellent alongside earthy meat and mushroom-based dishes.