Askerne ‘Dr John’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot 2020

A new wine in the Icon series from Askerne – this one commemorates Dr John Loughlin – and the wines he crafted when owning Waimarama Estate Winery.

An opaque, dark burgundy red in the glass. A rich nose, primed with aromas of cassis, mulberry, roast almond, coffee bean, plum and eucalypt. A bright acidity leads into a power-packed, broad palate. The Cabernet steps forward and cocoons the Merlot, with the Franc providing a moss-and-bark funkiness. Ripe chewy tannins and plenty of toasty spiciness – sumac, cloves and bay leaf. Sweet, plush fruit flavours jostle with more savoury layers: fig, redcurrant jelly and liquorice, then salami, tapenade and pencil savings. Complex, but smooth and delivering a voluptuous, silky finish. 94pts.