Named after the customs officer (who was also a winemaker) who spotted a traveller returning from France smuggling a cutting of Pinot Noir in his gumboot. Sadly for the traveller, Malcolm Abel confiscated it and paid for it to be put through quarantine. The cutting was subsequently planted and the Abel Clone or Gumboot Clone, now makes up a significant proportion of Pinot Noir planted in New Zealand. Also worth mentioning is that Master Abel spotted the significance of clone having learnt that it had been stolen from the La Tache vineyard belonging to Domaine de la Romanée-Conti! With aromas of dark cherry, plum and liquorice, followed on the palate with savoury and herbal notes, fine tannins, persistent bright red fruit and enduring freshness, the quality of the fruit oozes elegance.