2018 Puriri Hills, Estate Red, Clevedon, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

Owner, founder and winemaker, Judy Fowler makes no apologies about modeling wines from the region after the greats of Bordeaux in St. Emilion and Pomerol.

The  North Island landscape and soil is a promoter of similar styles but a flair of flavor exclusive to the Auckland area.

A generous nose of plum, spice and dried herbs leads into a very round palate, with mellow, integrating tannins. Great drinking now with a decant, but will evolve well over five years. A fine right-bank Bordeaux equivalent for a terrific price.