Blended Red from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay
Review Date : 14-Mar-2023
Deep, full ruby-red, even colour throughout. The nose is full, complex and alluring, with blackberry, plum and cassis aromas melded with a good dose of menthol, dried herb, lavender and spice. Medium-full bodied, blackberry, red plum and cassis aromas entwined with red berry, dried herb, mint, clove, coco nibs and cedar. The vibrant acidity enlivens the fruit and appears red on the palate. Fine-grained, firm tannin coated the palate with a chewy texture. This Cabernet Merlot blend with a robust structure shows vibrant fruit with spice, dried herbs and a long finish. Match with grilled ribeye and braised short ribs over the next 5+ years. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, the fruit was held cold for 4 days before inoculation, after alcohol fermentation, pressed and racked off gross lees to 31% new French oak and 69% seasoned French oak, aged for 11 months. 13.5% alc, vegan friendly. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Mar 2023 RRP $34
