Review - Goldwater Esslin Waiheke Island Merlot

96/100 Points "It is the finest New Zealand Merlot that I have yet tasted. Very elegant and finely balanced wine with plums, leather, cloves and a suggestion of game together with a solid undercurrent of oak. A concentrated, fleshy wine supported by strong yet appropriate tannins which promote a good cellaring potential."
Bob Campbell, MW, Cuisine, New Zealand

"...is a rare, expensive red ($100 plus) of exquisite texture and harmony."
David Lawrason, The Globe and Mail, Toronto, Canada

"...a hugely impressive wine... the best Merlot ever made in New Zealand.... resoundingly worth the NZ$197 price tag in New York. "
Joelle Thompson, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine

"Supple and generous, a remarkably graceful wine that frames its berry, spice, peppermint and chocolate flavors with elegance, letting the flavors ring true on the lengthy finish. Tannins are fine and beautifully integrated. Drink now through 2009."
(HS) 1999 vintage, 90 point rating
The Wine Spectator, Issue: Nov 15, 2000