From the excellent 2020 vintage, this is a blend of 58 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 42 percent Merlot, grown in the Gimblett Gravels sub-district of Hawke’s Bay. A bright but inkily dark red-black in the glass. Scented with plum, cherry, bramble, grenadine, bitter chocolate and mint. Full-bodied and bold, there’s a focussed spine of chewy tannin and toasty oak. Plush fruit and herbal notes are licked by a swish of velvet texture, before a hint of savoury arrives in the form of coffee bean, olive and bracken. Drinking well now, with a juicy, vibrant finish. 91pts
Saint Clair ‘Origin’ Cabernet Merlot 2020
