"Lovely inviting aromas of cassis, cigar, cedar and warm spice leads to a succulent palate that is wonderfully weighted and beautifully rounded. The wine is elegant yet flavoursome, delivering fruit purity together with stylish oak nuances, backed by fine, silky tannins. At its best: now to 2022" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2019

Softly concentrated with deep and dense aromas of plush red plum, berry fruits, hints of blackcurrant, cocoa, spice and cedar. Each variety contributes to an exquisitely varied array of aroma and great depth of flavour. The palate is medium-full bodied, rich with layers of succulent fruit and chary oak flavours.

Fruit for this wine (Merlot 60%, Cabernet 20%, Franc 11%, Malbec 9%) was sourced from the winemakers estate vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District. They use a variety of clones mostly grafted on 101-14. All vines are cane pruned and bud reduction, shoot thinning and second set removal performed as required Fruit selection is based on ripeness levels and flavour.

Blended from the best blocks in the estate vineyard which have been carefully managed to ensure optimum ripeness along with extra concentration to allow for a long, gentle maturation once bottled. Each block was fermented then matured in oak barrels as stand alone parcels. After at least 12 months initial maturation, each individual barrel was tasted and scored with only the best making the cut for The Navigator. After extensive bench trialling a blend was put together that not only expresses the best of the vintage but also is a true reflection of our terroir in the Bridge Pa Triangle District.

Designed to be age worthy but also approachable in youth. Time in bottle will yield further depth of flavour and a wonderful melding of fruit, oak, texture and moreish spice.

From its origins in 1989, establishing both vineyard and winery, Alpha Domus was a pioneer in the renowned Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District of Hawke’s Bay. New Zealand family owned, they have always been inspired to create beautiful wines of worth; the importance of quality and expert craftsmanship paramount. Alpha is derived from the first initials of the founding family members names in age descending order, Anthonius, Leonarda, Paulus, Henrikus and Anthony, Domus is Latin for home.

Food Pairing: The long finish with silky, fine grained tannins make this an ideal accompaniment for your beef dishes, richly flavoured foods, and cheeses.