Man O’ War Ironclad

2020, Waiheke Island New Zealand

Bordeaux style red blend from Waiheke Island
Named after 19th Century battleships fitted with plates of armour
95/100 (Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review) - "A blend of merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot and cabernet sauvignon that combines density with complexity"

Man O’ War Ironclad is named after a 19th century battleship fitted with plates of armour. And like those olden day war ships this super Waiheke Island red is a thing of real power!

Produced from the iron rich hillside vineyards of the eastern end of Waiheke Island. Man O’ War Ironclad is a Bordeaux style red blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

One for the lover of big, powerful reds. They don’t call it Ironclad for nothing you know! Master of Wine Bob Campbell has given this a score of at least 95/100 for eight of the last eleven vintages! Now that’s consistency! This latest ’20 release scored 95/100 award (again!) with Bob and the Real Review.

Bob said “A blend of merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot and cabernet sauvignon that combines density with complexity. Alcohol sweetness balances ripe tannins to give a pleasantly dry finish. Accessible now but should develop well with bottle age. “

Their 2020 release has been fired from the canon in all its glory. Drink now or lay it down in the cellar for 6-10 years from vintage.