Man O' War "Ironclad" Waiheke Island (NZ) 2008

Saturated purple/red.

Vinturi - expressive, interesting nose - licorice, camphor/eucalyptus, black fruit, white pepper. I'd guess this to be cool-climate Syrah.. Suave, nutty oak too.

Intensely flavored in the mouth with white pepper front and center and black fruit in the background. Menthol sneaks in late. Acid-driven tannin constricts front and side teeth. No fat. Love to see this in 4-6 years. Very interesting stuff. Especially at this price.

This held up very well in the bottle over a three day period.

$25 52% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 105.% Malbec, 9.1% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% listed alcohol. Tin-lined screwcap.