Grown in New Zealand's North Island region of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand's warmest grape growing region. The 2003 vintage was a small harvest of very mature and ripe fruit that exhibited good varietal flavours. The vines had extensive leaf removal in the fruit zone to expose the grapes to sunlight, assisting in developing colour and flavour. A well balanced finish with firm and chewy weight and a medium tannin finish, completes this fine accord of noble red wine grapes.