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Tasting notes
Saturated ruby-red. High-toned aromas of blueberry, blackberry and tarry oak. Fat, supple and rich, with nicely concentrated flavors of red fruits and spices. Serious and broad. A large-scaled, full, slightly drying red wine, finishing with building, oak-powered tannins that coat the teeth. Serve this with fatty meats. .
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Vegemite notes on the nose – not unpleasant. A bit malty too. Then tomato ketchup. Intense and intriguing on the nose. Very attractive sweet package with the acid a little dominant. Big mouthful! Very slight oak dominance becomes a bit too rasping on the finish. This is the lavish new producer about which I have written already which makes some great Syrah and is attempting a portfolio of top wines from all over New Zealand. I was much more impressed by this wine and The Quarry from this extremely well-funded new producer when I tasted them last May in isolation. (JR)
The 2002 Sophia Proprietary Red is a 1,600-case blend of 63% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon that could easily be mistaken for a Cheval Blanc. Elegant, restrained, and nuanced, this deep ruby/purple-tinged 2002 reveals notes of menthol, tobacco leaf, black currants, and cranberries. Medium-bodied flavors linger on the palate. With good acidity, ripe tannin, and a long, nicely-layered finish, it is hard to believe this is a New World proprietary wine. The alcohol is around 13.5%. Importer: Kobrand Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300.