Blended Red from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay
Review Date : 09-Oct-2023
Full, deep ruby-red, lighter on edge. The nose is full and enticing with blackberry, cassis, plum, menthol, violet, stony minerals aromas and an amalgam of spice. Full-bodied, red plum, cassis and blackberry aromas interweaved with violet, stony minerals, clove, nutmeg, liquorice and savoury elements. A mealy palate packed with smooth, fine-grained tannins, iron-rich minerals and savoury elements. The fruit is concentrated with a great balance of sweet and sour; spices linger to a long, sustained finish. This red blend shows a concentrated, weighty, smooth mouthfeel, packed with richness, spice and beautiful fruit balance. Match with barvette steak and short ribs over the next 10 years. Fruit from 100% Stone vineyard in Gimblett Gravels, 53% Merlot clone 181, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon clone 10 and 23% Cabernet Franc clone 326, fermented to 14.5% alc, natural spring MLF. Aged 24 months in barrels 23% new oak, further 4 months in tanks on light lees. 300 cases produced. 19/20 pts (95 pts) Oct 2023 RRP $65
