Red Blend, Sophia, Craggy Range, Hawkes Bay, NZ, 2019

Dominating this Bordeaux blend is 60% Merlot, with 26% Cabernet Franc and 14% Cabernet Sauvginon, all from Gimblett Gravels. It is fermented in oak tanks and then spends 18 months in French barrels, 40% of which are new. Saturated dark purple, the nose is refined, elegant and powerful all at the same time with graphite and a swirl of cedar, a hint of softening vanilla and intense black fruit, It has a very tightly-wound character. On the palate there is great concentration here, liquorice and plum as well as more vibrant cassis, the silky, fine tannins and juicy bittersweet acidity giving lovely balance and, once again, potential longevity to cellar for a decade plus." - Tom Cannavan