Designed by maker Daniel Brennan to be served chilled, this Hawke’s Bay red has a Pinot Noir portion from Maraekakaho, and picks of Malbec and Merlot from the Bridge Pa triangle. The colour is intense – a shining, vibrantly translucent carmine-ruby red in the glass. If you do chill the wine you’re in for a journey, as the wine starts with a crunch and stab of spiky red fruits, then evolves into a richer, spicy wee beast as it reaches room temperature. Both work, both are good – like a two-for-one combo. The perfume is fresh, packed with juicy cranberry, strawberry and middle-eastern spices. Light-bodied, the palate is driven by a zesty acidity, tannins and phenolics neatly tucked in to the side. A generous finish of good, dry length. 91pts
Giunta Crunchy Red 2022
