Ngakirikiri (pronounced "Nah-kirry-kirry") translates to "the gravels" in Maori. This is the fifth release. Always Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, the majority of the vintages also have Merlot and occasionally Malbec (this vintage has 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot). The Cabernet loves the boniness of the gravels, while Merlot prefers the silty gravels. This 2019 Ngakirikiri leads with a bouquet steeped in cassis and bramble, moist earth and sage, tobacco and tapenade. The wine is elegant and leafy, with layers of dark chocolate, licorice and leaf litter. This is a lovely cool-climate expression of Cabernet, one that carries elegance and ductile tannic drive in equality. — Wine Advocate, Apr 2025

“The 2019 Ngakirikiri leads with blueberries and rocks, dried flowers (lavender specifically) and forest berries on the nose. In the mouth, the fruit is more plush than the nose would suggest and has a pleasurable flow of fine, gently gritty tannins through the finish. It's an interesting, elegant wine.” — Wine Advocate, Feb 2024