A Hawke’s Bay red blend – from the famous Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels sub-region. An inkily dark ruby colour in the glass. Bountiful perfumes of liquorice, plum and dark chocolate sees the Malbec leading, with a richness and spice that the Merlot fills in with fleshy elderberry and eucalypt notes. Dry, with a bright acidity. Lots of savoury elements jostle that ripe fruit – olive, tobacco, leather and black pepper. Lithe tannins and subtle notes of smoky oak show, and linger through the palate. A toothsome texture and a juicy finish show promise for this to age well. 90pts
Čuvar Iris Malbec Merlot 2022
