A single vineyard wine, from the Gimblett Gravels vineyard in Hawke’s Bay; made with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec – a blend of classic Bordeaux varietals.
Deepest, inky claret colour in the glass – going garnet at the edges, showing some bottle-age character. A compelling bouquet of darkest fruits – blackberry, elderberry, cassis and olive with a waft of star anise and cinnamon. Mid-bodied and lush on the palette, with a core of those ripe dark fruits, but also a little redness coming through – rosehip, red plum and redcurrant.
Herbal elements of mint, fennel and rosemary with a little crème fraiche. Acidity and fine-grained tannin is starting to wane, but a fine, textural balance is still present, and the oak influence of vanilla, tobacco and cedar lingers. Dense, opulent and with a long, sweetening finish.
92pts. A fine example of a Hawke’s Bay red blend.
