A Hawke’s Bay wine that I first admired when I moved to live in New Zealand twenty years ago. This version is from the fabled 2020 vintage, produced from Gimblett Gravels fruit. A dense, dark ruby in the glass. Classic scents of both varietal and place. Cassis, menthol, cigar box, graphite and red earth, with bramble and dark cherry, plus a lovely lavender floral note. Densely juicy on the plate, very fine tannin and a playful acidity. Oak shows slightly but discretely – I like the presence. Some savoury parts emerge as the wine evolves – a crunch of herbs and a lick of spicy pepper. A lengthy, power-packed finish – well balanced and sweetening. 94pts
Mission Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
