Man O’ War Gravestone

The name might sound pretty morbid but the wine is anything but. Gravestone is Man O’ War’s Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend, grown on the eastern end of Waiheke Island, and is a classy alternative to the Marlborough style.

No spooky graveyards or headstones here – this wine actually gets its name from the gravestone boulders that are littered across their volvanic hilltop vineyards.

A typically French style of white – Waiheke’s unique micro climate and soils give the Man O’ War crew a leg up at crafting this dry, fresh, vibrant white blend.

This latest 2019 vintage scored 5 Stars with NZ critic Michael Cooper. Coops said “Drinking well now, the 2019 vintage (5*) is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (78 per cent) and Sémillon (22 per cent), estate-grown on Waiheke Island and fermented and lees-aged for six months in French oak puncheons. Fragrant and full-bodied, it has ripe, tropical fruit flavours, strong and vigorous, with slightly toasty notes adding complexity and a dry, well-rounded finish.”

Usually with Sauv it’s drink ’em young and drink ’em fresh, but you’ll be able to enjoy this partially barrel aged white for the next 3-4 years. Salads and seafoods are the ideal foods to be pairing it with, especially with south-east Asian flavours like lime, chilli and coriander!