A wine from Hawke’s Bay – being a blend of 62% Merlot, 29% Malbec and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon – the Merlot coming from Twyford Gravels and the Malbec from The Terraces vineyard. Now 30 years old, and sealed under cork – but both the cork and wine were in excellent condition.
An inky, dark carmine red colour in the glass. Remarkably youthful aromas of blackberry, doris plum, cherry and blackcurrant. Savoury notes emerge with air, showing some tertiary notes to contrast the freshness of the fruit – black pepper, cedar, mushroom and cigar box. The palate also has that dual contrast between fruit held on clean acidity, and savoury tones that include a warmth of spicy oak. Tannin is sandy but has grip – the palate definitely still has plenty of firmness and I’d say the wine isn’t even close to being past it’s best. 94pts
