Waiheke Island has achieved worldwide recognition as a superior red wine-growing region. From a tiny start by Goldwaters, Stonyridge & Peninsula, there are now over 30 vineyards planted on various parts of the island.

Peninsula Estate 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

     The 10 year old vines are now producing consistent varietal flavours and complex tannins. The 1996 Cabernet/Merlot is a rich,full-bodied wine reflecting these tributes. Deep purple-red in colour with strong fragrant berry fruit bouquet. The palate is full-bodied and complex,packed with ripe fruit.Elegant,moorish tannins and huge length present a lovely balanced finish which will reward careful cellaring for many years.

 

Hand harvested over the first 2 weeks in April, at sugar levels of 22.2-23 brix. After primary fermentation and maceration the skins were basket pressed and later blended to the free run wine. Full malolactic fermentation, 3 rackings and egg white fining were carried out over a 14 month period, while the wine lived in new and 1 year old French barriques.

Cepage:
60%
 Cabernet Sauvignon
30%
 Merlot
 
6%
 Cabernet Franc
4%
 Malbec

CABERNET MERLOT (1998)
***** Michael Cooper’s, Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines
"Lincoln’s flagship red, the 1998 vintage, is highly attractive. French oakaged,...richly coloured, with a spicy bouquet, it’s a classy wine with deep cassis, plum & spice flavors in a warm, earthy, complex style, soft & rich."

CHARDONNAY (1998)
**** STANLEY HARRIS, Federation of wine & food Societies
" Barrel fermented, remaining on stirred lees for 8 months processing which has resulted in a refined understated complexity, the palate creamy soft. Sweet ripe fruit is distinctive at first sip, the wine showing charming elegance in its delicious nectarine/citrus fruit flavours, carried to a gorgeous butterscotch finish by perfectly balanced acidity, the aftertaste lingering long on the palate. A delightful wine which should capture medals in future competitions, it is well recommended."

SAUVIGNON BLANC (1999)
 *** Michael Cooper’s, Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines
“ The debut 1998 vintage is an unwooded Hawkes Bay wine, ripe & very smooth, with fresh, clean, rounded flavors in an undemanding, off-dry style.”


Pioneer Port
These late bottled vintage wines display sweet berry fruit. Oak maturation has aided in integrating spirit while both softening & rounding a semi-sweet palate. These Port wines are matured in 1500 litre oval casks for 2 or 3 years.
A selection is made for the 'Pioneer Port' with the remaining wines going to small barrels to further mature into "Tawny Port

Old Tawny Port
 This classic fortified wine is one of New Zealand's most highly awarded ports. This wine has been aged for 30 years. Tawny in color an intense bouquet introduces a sweet nutty palate with strong oak & caramelised flavors. The finish is drying with a lingering after-taste.