Inspired from a number of sources, namely: the unorthodox Shiraz-Pinot Noir blends of the Hunter Valley; the historic practice of ‘Hermitaging’ the great wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy; and, of course, the Chateuneuf-du-Pape producers Chateau Beaucastel and Domaine de Beaurenard who use all 13 permitted varieties in the their vin rouge (including some white varieties).

The current release, batch L191305, is a blend of 13 grape varieties, from 5 regions, across 6 vintages. The approximate composition is:

Vintages: 50% 2019; 30% 2020; 15% 2021; 2% 2018; 2% 2017; and, 1% 2011

Varieties: 50% Syrah; 30% Merlot; 10% Cabernet Franc; 5% Pinot Noir; 5% Chambourcin; 4% Malbec, Tannat and Pinotage; and, 2% of Arneis, Albarino, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.

Regions: 26% Hawkes Bay; 26% Waiheke Island; 26% Auckland; 21% Matakana; and, 1% Marlborough

Previous blends: L171305

Inspired by the white blends of the Southern Rhone and also the once pre-emminent white wines of Brodeaux.

The current release, batch L210503, is a blend of 5 grape varieties, from 3 regions, and across 2 vintages. The approximate composition is:

Vintages: 70% 2021 and 30% 2020.

Varieties: 65% Arneis, 30% Chardonnay, 2% Albarino, 2% Sauvignon Blanc, and 1% Syrah.

Regions: 67% Auckland, 30% Gisborne, and 3% Matakana.

Previous blends: L180604

Inspired by the textural freshness and complexity (not just the colour and dryness) of the pink wines from Provence in Southern France.

The current release, batch L210302, is a blend of 7 grape varieties, from 2 regions, and across 3 vintages. The approximate composition is:

Vintages: 85% 2021; 10% 2020; and, 5% 2019.

Varieties: 50% Syrah; 25% Pinot Noir; 10% Merlot; and, 15% of Arneis, Albarino, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.

Regions: 75% Auckland and 25% Matakana.

Previous blend: L180703; L200308