Mudbrick Vineyard

Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Syrah Waiheke Island 2013 14.5%
Great color; Power and richness on the nose with a masculine, big shouldered bouquet; roasted raspberry, blackcurrant and Doris plum fruits emerge first; noticeable well placed oak with toasty features and medium+ complexity. On the palate - dry, rich and flavorful with lots of red and black fruit flavors, hints of dried meats and bacon; medium+ tannins and acidity, a youthful wine that is still coming together and requires decanting or cellar time for 2-3 years. Well made with a longish finish.
4.5 Stars

Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Tempranillo Waiheke Island 2013 13.5%
A generous display of fruits with old strawberry and ripe red fruits bouquet, sweet spiced oak and a harmonious moderate complexity that I find inviting; medium oak and a savory earthy complexity. On the palate - dry and fruity with flavors that reflect the nose, medium+ youthful acidity, medium tannins with a mix of fine and not so fine textures; dry finish with medium+ (ish) length. Well made. Fabulous to see a variety like Tempranillo making its mark in the NZ wine scene.
4 Stars

Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Merlot Cabernet Waiheke Island 2013 14.5%
Red and black fruits aligned with a rich stony earthy bouquet; Doris plums, blackberry and blueberry pie aromas; medium+ oak with vanilla toasty suggestions; On the palate - dry with the tannins leading - showing ripeness and textures of fine sand and cinnamon; black and red fruit flavors follow; medium+(ish) acidity, medium++ length and finish. Savory notes and a  noteworthy core of fruit; A serious wine for Merlot Cabernet devotees.
4.5 Stars

Mudbrick Vineyard 'Velvet' Waiheke Island 2013 14.5% (
A complex bouquet of smokey earthy and fruit laden smells (the cork closure leaves some residual woodiness that dissolves after a few minutes) a vast array of black and red fruit aromas begins to emerge with black berries, currants and red stone fruits; medium+ oak of a serious nature and a youthful intense burst of fruit suggesting a wine that requires plenty of integration time; On the palate - dry with highly textured powdery firm tannins, medium+ acidity and youthful dark red fruit flavors; complex and powerful, drinkable now if decanted otherwise 5 years in cellar. Fabulous wine and highly recommended.
5 Stars (90 points)