Back in 2020 I looked at a range of Mills Reef wines – https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=932, and a couple of years on, it was time to take another look at two of their current red releases, as we head into cooler months. It is a label that consistently offers excellent value, is available at your local supermarket, and often on the list at decent restaurants. Basically, one to look out for.
Mills Reef Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2019
A dense inky claret red in the glass, with a spicy perfume of blackcurrant, elderberry, damson, dried herb and cedar. A pop of fruit greets you on the palate, with a bright acidity; before settling into a polished, broad velvet. A little savoury layer, with mocha, olive and toasty barrel elements, but the opulent, dark fruit holds sway. Well poised, but a little too ripe and jammy towards the finish for me, after that enticing entry; but it has immense charm and balm-like quality that would be a good foil for bold flavoured winter cooking. 89pts
Mills Reef Reserve Merlot/Malbec 2020
From fruit grown in the Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay. A couple of classic Bordeaux varieties – around two-thirds Merlot and one third Malbec. Smokily aromatic, with plum, sour cherry, boysenberry, and a lovely charry note on the nose. Elegant, nimble and light-footed through the palate. Well balanced, with some savoury elements set against the ripe fruit. Chalky tannins and a moderate acidity give a good structure, with a few years potential cellaring. A nice finish, with a sweeter, vanilla-spiced edge to it. 91pts
