The Bone Line Iridium / 750mL

The 2019 Iridium is a blend of Cabernet Franc (36.7%), Merlot (34.7%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20.2%) and Syrah (8.4%). I recently drank a bottle (shared!) while in Marlborough and was most impressed by the sappy tannin and ripe, ductile fruit. Today, those characters come across as raspberry leaf tea, black peppercorns, raw cocoa, kelp and nori, red and pink peppercorns and even a hint of black sesame. These vines are now 34 years old, and this is evident in the flow and shape of the tannins in the mouth. Assisted, of course, by empathetic winemaking. This is a ripping Bordeaux blend in anyone's estimation, and I am so glad to see it here today. It is one of the finest wines of its style on the South Island. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 95 Points Wine Advocate