A Cabernet Sauvignon from Hawke’s Bay. Ollie Powrie is the winemaker, and the bottling is named after his brother, who famously helped press the last of the initial Chateau Garage Cabernet. The Hugo 2023 is made from the first, free-run section of the juice. Dense, inkily dark purple colours in the glass. A very ‘varietal’ nose, with blackcurrant to the front, then cherry, damson, elderberry, dark chocolate, lavender and dried herbs. Concentrated and plush into the palate, with those fine dusty tannins of Hawke’s Bay adding grip. A youthful energy marches through the middle, but there’s a silky texture that slows it down and leaves you with a long, dry finish. 95pts
Chateau Garage ‘Hugo’ 2023
