2019 Stonyridge Larose
$390.00
(6 In Stock)
Stonyridge Vineyards have been producing world class Kiwi wines on Waiheke Island since 1985, longer
than just about anyone else in the region. The 1987 Larose has been hailed as the greatest wine ever made in New Zealand and is responsible for bringing forth this countries wines to the world stage.
Located amid a gently north-facing valley just south of Onetangi Bay, the site is sheltered from cooler southwest winds by a stony ridge that runs from one coast to another, hence the name, Stonyridge.
The flagship wine of the Stonyridge fleet, the highly acclaimed Larose is a classic Bordeaux blend that’s been compared with some of the greatest wines in the world.
I actually had the plaesure of tasting each component of this vintage directly from barrel with winemaker Marty Pickering
Cabernet Sauvignon was the star in 2019, 62% of the blend, with Petit Verdot playing a strong
supporting role at 16%. Given that the blend is made up of close to 80% of the most structured of
Bordeaux varietals, you would be forgiven for expecting the 2019 Larose to be a monolithic, tannic
monster, but the richness and weight of the fruit is the perfect foil to the enormity of this wine. Make
no mistake, while you can put this one down for your children’s 50 th birthdays, it’s also a hugely
pleasurable wine to drink in the medium term.
Dark and brooding black berry fruit on the nose, with massive depth and concentration, the palate has
volume and richness, with perfect balance and incredible length. A wine to collect and treasure, but
also drink!
-Martin Pickering,Winemaker.
Encepagement: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6.5%
Malbec, Carménère 0.5%
Larose – reflections: Cameron Douglas-Master Sommelier
(Barrel Tasting)
Striking concentration of colour with a deep purple and ruby core leading to a bright ruby almost pink
rim.
The bouquet is focused and deeply concentrated with aromas of dark berries, Doris plum and layered
between toasty wood spices of clove and vanilla. On the palate an equally concentrated and detailed
wine with flavours that reflect the nose as well as iron shaving and pencil lead. Firm, bold, ripe
tannins with contrasting and balancing acid line. Complex, youthful, detailed and long. A fantastic
wine. Decant for early drinking (if you must) with an ideal window from around 2025 through 2035.
96 Points