The slighly jarring - if catchy - name of this label has fascinating origins. The name points out the K-T Boundary Line that apparently tells the geological tale of an asteroid impact on earth, leading to the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Fittingly, The Boneline's catch phrase is "wines grown on the shoulders of giants". 

Reds
90
The Bone Line 2016 Iridium Waipara 15% $40
This wine has evolved to be composed primarily of Cabernet Franc, but its mission is to be the best red blend in the cellar every year. Stay tuned, as exciting vintage variations occasionally may be in store. 

Deep and brooding in color, this is a dynamic blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is finely balanced; I never once noticed the high alcohol. Blueberries, lavender and Ras El Hanout spice dazzle the nose and palate. Full in body, the succulent black plum and Black Mission fig flavors are encased by measured, sculpted tannins and bustling acidity. The finish is delightfully accented by pencil shavings.
Drink: 2021-24 

88
The Bone Line 2017 Pinot Noir Wait-iti Waipara 13% $40
Hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, these Pinot Noir berries are destemmed but not crushed then fermented in small, open-top fermenters. There is a portion of whole cluster fermentation and all the lots are aged in Burgundian-coopered French oak. 

Very medium-bodied with an elegant presence, this inviting New World Pinot Noir shows suave tannins, a hint of viscosity and plenty of plums and blueberries. Pleasant and highly drinkable thanks to its bustling acidity, there aren't many layers and the finish is rather swift. This is likely best consumed fairly young and enjoyed while primary fruits dominate. 
Drink: 2021-24

White
85
The Bone Line 2018 Chardonnay Barebone Waipara 14.5% $26
I loved the attribution on the side of the bottle to the 30 million-year-old shark tooth found by the Waipara River, "...the charcoal poem of ancient bones...." 

This is a deep yellow that verges on gold. Its subdued nose eeks out whispers of hazelnut and dry panettone. Little more is available on the palate - perhaps dried apple or dried hay? The palate shows no obvious fruit character for such a young wine, nor does it offer anything tantalizingly young. Perhaps it's a play on reduction, but if so, why is the wine so dark in color? Moreover, this full-bodied, generous wine has an acrid finish. I can only believe this bottle is an anomaly.
Drink: Stay Tuned - This Will Be Retasted Within The Month!