A red blend from the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay. An ode to Cabernets, with the Franc giving a little ‘Franc funk’ and the blackcurrant, mint and pencil-shaving notes and structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Promising much on the nose, and delivering in spades on the palate. Plum, black olive, pepper and cassis. Super ripe, broad and powerful on the palate. Excellent structure – a dense concentration of fruit, hearty but delicious tannin profile, and a frisky acidity. More herbal and savoury notes emerge in deeper layers as the wine opens up. Youthful and intense – will need decanting if drinking young, or cellar this for a few years to get its full potential. A lengthy, polished and drying finish. 94pts