Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Rating: WE 95, JS 93, RP 92
 
Highlights / Critic Review:
Hand-harvested and destemmed. New and seasoned French oak barrels for 16 months' ageing.
 
Tasting Notes:
Inky purple with an electric crimson edge. Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant aromatics with elements of vanilla creme and sandalwood. On the palate, banquet of plum, raspberry, dried herbs and lingering dark cherry, set out across cedar and cocoa powder tannins. Classical in structure, with fine balance and length, Awatea Cabernets/Merlot ’18 is resplendent in its purity and detail.