100% Malbec wines from New Zealand can be hard to find – this one is from the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay – winner of a Gold Medal at the NZIWS this year. An opaque dark burgundy in the glass with a dense fragrance of cassis, plum, vanilla, liqourice, chocolate and blueberry. Spice, pepper and toasty charred oak on the palate. Soft pliant tannin and a smooth unctuous texture. Robust savoury flavours of nori and old leather lie in layers, but there is a freshness here too – abundant blue fruits carried on some lively acidity. A long, sleek finish. 93pts
St Clair ‘James Sinclair’ Gimblett Gravels Malbec 2021
