"Very dark, near-impenetrable black-red colour with a little garnet on the edge. The nose is softly concentrated with deep and dense aromas of ripe black plums and dark-red berryfruit, unfolding liquorice, spice and cassis notes. Some funky, savoury game and cedary oak elements emerge to add interest. Medium-full bodied, the palate has rich and succulent flavours of ripe black plums, dark-red berry fruits and complexing layers of liquorice, spices and cedary oak, along with savoury, funky game and earth elements. The fruit sweetness is balanced by grainy tannin extraction and structure, with integrated, soft acidity. The flavours carry smoothly to a gently receding, but long, lingering finish. This is a rich Merlot-based wine with ripe black plum, liquorice and spice flavours along with complexing cedary oak, earth and funky game elements on a soft, grainy-textured palate. Match with roasted and slow-cooked game meat dishes over the next 6-8 years." Raymond Chan, May 2017

Smoky, toasty, fruity, oaky and engaging bouquet with dark berries and Doris plum, clove and roasted vanilla spice, baked goods and meaty tones with a chocolate oak layer. On the palate – fleshy, fruity, oaky, dry and very engaging with abundant flavours of dark berries and plum, dark spices and noticeable tannins with medium acidity. Lengthy finish, a lovely wine to impress with – balanced and well made" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Sep 2017

"From the Bridge Pa Triangle district, this stylish Bordeaux blend displays inviting aromas of dark plum, spiced cherry, game, black olive and toasted nuts on the nose. The palate is beautifully weighted and rounded, and offers delectable fruit flavours as well as seductive savoury nuances, wonderfully structured by fine, chalky tannins. At its best: now to 2021"Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2017

This classic blend of the famous Bordeaux varieties shows rich, ripe plum and blackberry flavours with hints of spice and fine oak. It has a complex aroma of ripe plum, sweet berry fruit, licorice and hints of cedar. Infulences of sweet vanilla and toast result from the oak bareel maturation. The palate follows on with the plum and blackberry notes found on the boquet. These are supported by spice and tosted notes. Blackcurrent flavours from Cabernet add complexity. The long finish and fine grained tannins make this an ideal accompaniment to richly flavoured foods.

A pioneer in the renowned Bridge Pa Wine District of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand family owned, Alpha Domus was established in 1990. The name 'Alpha Domus' was inspired by the first initial by the names of the Alpha Domus family from father through to the youngest brother: (Anthonius, Leonarda, Paulus, Henrikus and Anthonius) whilst 'Domus' means house in Latin.

Selected parcels of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc were destemmed, crushed and transferred to tank. After a 4-5 day maceration period the ferments were initiated, warmed and allowed to reach 32c at the peal of fermentation. This was then run off to seasoned barrels (predominantly French) and the skins pressed through a one tonne basket press. The different batches were kept separate for over 12 months prior to blending. This vintage was drinking well from its release but further cellaring will reward with more harmonious wine and softer tannins.

Food Pairing: Perfect with red meats and games and other full flavoured dishes.