Wines made from 100% Malbec in New Zealand can be hard to find – but Mission Estate produce this one from the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay, and 2020 was a great vintage for the region. A very dark, inky purple colour in the glass. The fragrance shows damson, cranberry, liquorice, cherry, mint, star anise, crushed herbs and a violet floral note. Dry and medium-bodied – maybe lighter in tone than the nose suggests, but it has a density and boldness. The spine of keen acidity is matched by blocky, grippy tannin, with the plush fruit flowing around, through the structure those provide. Softer and sleek at the finish. 90pts
Mission Estate Reserve Malbec 2020
