2018 was a warm vintage that served well for the later ripening varietals that make up this special blend.  The 2018 Celebre is a blend of Merlot 47%, Syrah 41% and small portions of Malbec & Cabernet Franc at 6% each. The Merlot and Malbec portions are from vines planted in 1984 and 1986, they portions were the stars of this vintage with the slightly warmer nights delivering depth of flavour and fully ripe tannins that we don’t achieve every vintage.

A full and enticing nose of aromas; blueberry and boysenberry tempered by darker spice flavours of cocoa nib and black cardamom, add to that complex savoury notes of manuka bark and sundried tomatoes.  The palate sweeps in with flavours of cranberry and a mineral sensation that lingers through the length of the palate.  The tannins are ripe and balanced.  An impressive release of this wine, delicious drinking now but with a concentration and structure that will allow this wine to further evolve.