Blended Red from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay
Review Date : 18-Oct-2022
Full, deep, ruby-red with a dark core, faintly lighter on the rim. This bouquet is complex, precise, and structured in layers of cassis, red berry, herbs, violet, cedar, leather and an amalgam of spice. Full-bodied, cassis, red and blackberry aromas entwined with vine leaf, violet, cedar and leather, unveiling dark minerals and new barrel spice. The mouthfeel is smooth with broody dark minerals and finely woven tannins. Lively, integrated acidity enlivens the palate with freshness and length. This robust red blend possesses grace and structure with enticing, integrated fruit and complex new oak elements, already delicious. Serve decanted and match with braised short ribs and tomahawk steak over the next 15 years. Fruit from 99% Stone vineyard in Gimblett Gravels, 1% Earth vineyard in Bridge Pa. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, inoculated and natural fermentation, 13.5% alc, natural spring MLF, aged 28 months on light less in total, 24 months in barrel, 67% new oak, and 4 months in tank. 435 cases produced. 19.5-/20 pts (97 pts) Oct 2022 RRP $125
