Stonyridge, with its celebrated Cuvée Larose from the 2022 vintage, offers a striking example of premium red wine from Auckland, New Zealand. While the precise blend details for this vintage are not confirmed, Stonyridge Cuvée Larose is traditionally associated with a Bordeaux-inspired style, potentially featuring varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. This approach typically results in a structured, elegant wine characterised by dark berry fruit, subtle savoury notes, hints of cedar, and refined tannins, all underpinned by a harmonious integration of oak. The 2022 vintage, being relatively young, may also reveal vibrant freshness and a dynamic concentration of fruit.
Auckland holds a unique place among New Zealand’s wine regions. Situated in the warmer, northern part of the country, it enjoys a maritime climate, providing a long growing season with plenty of sunshine, moderated by coastal breezes. The soils around Waiheke Island, where Stonyridge is located, tend toward clay and volcanic subsoils, which can lend depth and minerality to the wines. Although Auckland’s wine history is shorter than that of Old World regions, producers like Stonyridge have established a reputation for crafting expressive and age-worthy reds that stand out among their global contemporaries.
With its Bordeaux-style profile, the Cuvée Larose is especially well suited to classic pairings such as roast lamb or beef, venison, or game birds. Its structure and complexity also pair beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, herb-crusted meats, or a selection of hard cheeses. For a regional touch, consider enjoying it alongside New Zealand grass-fed beef or lamb rack, accompanied by root vegetables and a red wine jus.
To enjoy Stonyridge Cuvée Larose at its best, serve it slightly below room temperature, ideally around 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving is advisable, particularly in its youth, to allow the wine’s aromatic complexity and texture to fully emerge.
