Waiheke Island has a way of producing reds that feel genuinely complete — and this merlot-dominant blend from Tantalus Estate is a fine example of why. Deep garnet in the glass, the 2016 Merlot Cabernet Franc opens with rich aromas of wild berries, black plum and cedar, with subtle layers of pennyroyal, sweet tobacco and espresso adding intrigue. On the palate, cocoa and leather lead into a wine of real structure — fine, polished tannins and a long, elegant finish that lingers well past the last sip.

Made with genuine care in the winery: the berries were delicately split to maximise skin contact, cold soaked, then fermented slowly in small stainless steel vessels using both indigenous and selected yeasts. Manual punch-downs and air pulses built the structure, before gentle pressing in a vertical basket. Maturation in French and American oak added depth and complexity. Bottled unfiltered and unfined under screw cap — this is a wine with real aging potential and nothing to hide.

Food Pairing

Beef Wellington, roasted duck breast with plum sauce, coq au vin, bavette steak with tarragon & mushroom sauce, or chocolate truffles. The wine's fine tannins, cedar depth, and dark fruit richness make it a natural match for slow-cooked and richly sauced dishes.