What the winery says about the 2009 Man O'War Ironclad . . . .

Full of sweet ripe fruit with lifted aromas of crushed red berries and darker cassis, hints of floral perfume with tobacco and cedar. The palate is vibrant, exuding ripe fruit and a rich texture finishing with supple fine grained tannins. The 2009 Ironclad shows great fruit accessibility with a powerful structure coated in luxuriant fruit, supple yet powerful it is an engaging wine in its youth that will reward patient cellaring revealing a refined structure and greater complexity with age.

Awards and Accolades . . . .

A lovely blend of cabernet franc (34.4 percent), merlot (31.4 percent), malbec (22.4 percent), petit verdot (seven percent) and cabernet sauvignon (4.8 percent). Thirteen tiny estate vineyards on Waiheke Island contributed to this small production wine. Quite complex, with subtle power, in an elegant rather than blockbuster style. Attractive berry and savoury characters, including blackberry, cedar, bramble, new leather and spicy oak. Classy wine that can be appreciated now but will age well. Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine Oct/Nov 2011