From Hawke’s Bay, this is the solo project of one of the region’s premier winemakers. Unusual to find a pure New Zealand Cabernet Sauvignon, and this bold wine from premium hand-picked grapes shows classic varietal aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum and cocoa with herbal elements like chamomile, sweet bay and mint. Smokey, dense and packed with flavour.
A tight structure – the tannins are still quite sinewy; and it’s not holding back on the toasty oak – 100% new French oak hogsheads for 18 months. The balance and vitality in such a powerful wine is a delight. Dense, voluptuous, but supple and sweet-fruited. There’s a spicy ripple towards the back of the palate, and the finish is endless – lingering and plush. 94pts.
