Man O' War Waiheke Island Ironclad Bordeaux Blend 2024

Man O' War Ironclad 2024 is a powerful, cellar-worthy Bordeaux-style red from Waiheke Island, led by Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Pure NZ Excellence | Waiheke Island | Cellar-Worthy

Tasting Notes

From a rare, small-yield vintage that delivered clarity, depth and longevity, Ironclad 2024 is what happens when everything locks into place. The nose is deep and confident: blackcurrant, graphite, dark plum and cassis, layered with cedar, cigar box, bay leaf and a savoury undertow. On the palate, the wine is seamless and commanding. Rich, dark fruit rolls in first; blackberry, damson plum, black cherry, framed by fine, maritime tannins and a cool, mineral spine. Oak adds structure, lending notes of spice, toasted cedar and dark chocolate, while the acidity keeps the wine lifted and precise. This is not a blockbuster, it's a battleship; powerful, composed and built to travel a long way.

A flagship Waiheke Island Bordeaux blend, generous young but built to shine a decade from now.

Why you'll love it: A serious Waiheke red for the cellar or the table, generous now but built to reward a decade's patience, and ideal for a special roast or a long dinner with friends.

The Blend

A Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, drawn from Man O' War's coastal Waiheke vineyards.

About Man O' War

Man O' War sits on the rugged eastern end of Waiheke Island, farming the largest vineyard holding on the island across warm clay and volcanic hillside sites cooled by constant sea breezes. The estate takes its name from the 19th century ironclad warships, a nod to the Kauri masts once sourced from this coast. Fruit is hand harvested from many small parcels and made site by site, giving genuine, restaurant-quality wines that carry the maritime character of their place.

Perfect with roast lamb, eye fillet, or aged hard cheese. The firm tannins and dark fruit depth stand up to rich red meat, while the savoury, cedary notes echo a good cheeseboard.

Explore more at our NZ Reds collection, or call or text Laura on 021 591 500 for a personal recommendation.