Mission ‘The Avenue’ Cabernet Merlot 2011

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Mission ‘The Avenue’ Gimblett Gravels Cabernet/Merlot 2011
  Blended Red from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 19-Oct-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Full, very dark, deep black-hued ruby-red colour with some garnet on edge. The bouquet is full and deeply packed with aromas of ripe black-berried and dark-red berried fruits melded with complexing layers of earth, game, undergrowth iron-earth and cedar. This has some funky secondary development to the nose. Medium-full bodied, the palate is fulsome and rounded with openly accessible flavours of savoury dark red berry fruits integrated with complexing secondary waves of game, earth, dried herbs and undergrowth. The mouthfeel is smooth-flowing with fine-grained tannins providing an elegant structure. Soft, integrated acidity enhances the rich, plush nature, and the wine leads smoothly to a refined, dry, lingering finish with savoury, slightly funky, gamey nuances. This is a fine and accessible, savoury Cabernet and Merlot blend with complex secondary development. Serve with slow cooked game meat and casseroles over the next 4-5+ years. A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot from the Gimblett Gravels, fermented to 13.3% alc., the wine on skins 14-30 days post ferment and aged 18 months in new and seasoned French oak barrels. 18.0-/20 Oct 2015 RRP $24.99