Duck Creek ‘The Messenger’ Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2010 $85 
Who says the Gimblett Gravels and Waiheke Island are the be all and end all of great kiwi Bordeaux-style reds? This is a stunning example from the Stillwater area just north of Auckland near the Whangaparoa Peninsula and it’s a muscular, multilayered wine with leathery, gamey notes with solid astringent tannins. I love the dark cocoa and graphite-like flavours on the finish which has great persistence. Would love to see this wine again after another couple of years in the cellar. www.messengerwines.com
