From the lower terrace at Askerne, in Hawke’s Bay comes this Bordeaux style red blend, from the excellent COVID-hit vintage of 2020. Very dark, inky claret colour in the glass. Equally dark and brooding on the nose. Succulent, generous aromatics of cassis, vanilla, sage, bramble and plum. Full, plush and with good focus into the palate. Lashings of spicy new oak (35% I believe) frame the softer core, but there’s an element of ripe, fine tannins and a lively acidity to round things out. Concentrated, with some savoury notes of chocolate, tomato leaf, and black olive. Broadens out at the back of the palate, with a sleek texture, and into a long, full finish. 91pts
Askerne Reserve Merlot-Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
