Leading with beautifully ripe black plum and berry fruit, and the brooding, dark earthy/ cacao complexity typical of great Merlot, the wine also displays more lifted aromatic hints of violet lavender, vanilla, cedar, and spice.

The palate is full bodied and powerful with a plush richness and weight balanced by gentle acidity and an exceptionally fine grained, ripe tannin structure that lends the wine great presence across the full length of the palate.

The Gimblett Vineyard Merlot (81%), The Redstone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (19%)

97 Points – Angus Hughson – Wine Pilot 2021

97 Points – Ray Jordan – The West Australian 2021 – “The decision to go with a merlot dominant blend was made based on the quality of the fruit, which was exceptional. This is as good as it gets for red wine in Hawke's bay. A powerful harmonious blend combination displaying all those deep black fruits with an earthy chocolate coasting. Firm tannins and well managed oak hold the fruit on course to its exceptionally long and urgent finish.”

95 Points – Sylvia Yu – Decanter 2021 – “The TOM Merlot-Cabernet blend opens with a savoury layer of forest floor, revealing an undertone of blackcurrant, dark plums and roasted coffee, seasoned with tobacco leaves and graphite. A solid spine of tannins supports a plush palate of cassis, dark cherry, prunes, olive and bitter dark chocolate. Mineral notes follow, with plenty of elegance to balance the ripe fruits. The finish is warm and long. Will unleash even more beauty once it has spent some time in the cellar.”

95 Points - Cameron Douglas MS - www.camdouglasms.com 2020 – “Merlot for this wine comes off the The Gimblett site contributing 81% to the blend, the remainder of 19% from the Redstone Vineyard forming part of the Bridge Pa Triangle. On the nose and palate the merlot brings a fleshy, plush and vivid dark plum core. The Cabernet not only provides backbone and power it delivers flavours of black fruits, roasted bell-pepper and with a bold structure of French oak underpinning this wine (62% new) the dark spices and coco, sweet tobacco and woody muscle are hard to miss. Tannins are bold and ripe, acidity brings freshness and purity. A totally authentic wine with a lengthy and memorable finish. Best drinking is from today and through 2028+.”