“Blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are one of the most challenging and
exciting wine styles to produce. There is a synergy between these two varieties that
produces some of the most complete, complex, fragrant and satisfying styles of red
wine in the world. Hawkes Bay, along with parts of the California’s Napa Valley was
identified by Decanter magazine, as one of the few New World wine regions that could
challenge Bordeaux in the production of such wines.” - Chris Scott, Chief Winemaker

The 2019 is heavily merlot dominant, with the typical dark berry and plum fruit of the variety.

This is lifted by top notes of fragrant violet and subtle spice. A savoury dark
earthy complexity brings a more serious, brooding undertone to the wine.

On the palate the wine is full bodied with good mid palate flesh, finishing with a long, fine tannin structure that will soften with time and ensure good cellaring potential (2026 – 2038).

Well matched to a wide range of full flavoured game and red meat dishes. 

GOLD MEDAL - China Wine & Spirits Awards 2024

GOLD MEDAL - China Wine & Spirits Awards 2023

95 Points - "Ripe, fruity, complex and packed with aromas and flavours of baked plums and blackberry pie, violets and oak spices, toasty wood and dry-stone earthy qualities. Delicious on the palate with a juicy core of blackberry and plum fruit flavours, firm tannins and a backbone of acidity, satin texture and toasty wood flavours. A lovely wine with immediate appeal, great food pairing qualities and a lengthy finish. Best drinking from 2022 through 2032" - Cameron Douglas MS 2022