Stonyridge Larose

Stonyridge's most famous brand which attracts the highest premium pricing for a New Zealand red wine. Gentle north-facing slopes of Waiheke Island shelter away the cool southerly winds, provide perfect climatic conditions for ripening red Bordeaux grape varietals. The third vintage of Larose 1987 won the trophy for best Bordeaux style blend in New Zealand and was hailed as the greatest red wine ever to be made in New Zealand; vindicating Stephen’s foresight and commitment to making the finest wine in the nation. Thirty-four vintages and counting, Larose is now considered to be the most collectable wine in New Zealand, a reputation that is the envy of the country’s winemaking industry. 2020 Wine Advocate 95: The 2020 Larose offers the same dense, concentrated nose that was present in the 2019, with brooding aromas of resin and char, blackberry compote, tobacco and arnica. The palate here has lovely clarity and levity; it is distinctly red-fruited and shows a poise and elegance that is succulent and attractive. A beautiful wine here, with an intriguing combination of fierce (tannins, intensity, length) and elegant (fruit, flavor, poise). It has a bright future ahead of it. 14.3% alcohol, sealed under cork. James Suckling 97: The rich center-palate offers lots of generous fruit and chewy tannins that are ripe and polished. Impressive power and length. Yet, it’s only giving a hint of what is to come. One for the cellar. Try after 2027. 2021 James Suckling 97: Very pretty Bordeaux blend with currant, flower, lead pencil and graphite aromas. The palate is full and flavorful with layers of pixelated tannins that give a creamy and pleasantly chewy texture. Savory and rich. Just a baby really. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc, and malbec. Best after 2026.