Posted: May 12, 2022
Offering great value, this merlot-dominated blend (92%) was grown mostly in the Bridge Pa Triangle and oak-aged for a year. Full-coloured and fragrant, it is mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with rich, well-ripened blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of liquorice,…
Comments Off on Church Road Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This powerful, lush wine is already delicious. Dark and youthful, it is concentrated, with vibrant blackcurrant, plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing excellent ripeness and complexity, good tannin backbone and a long, very harmonious finish. Best drinking 2024+. $40
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still very youthful, this blend of merlot (92%) and cabernet sauvignon (8%) was grown mostly in the Bridge Pa Triangle and matured for a year in Hungarian and French oak (35% new). Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with generous,…
Comments Off on Church Road Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Deep purple wine – bright and youthful with blackcurrant-like fruit characters showing a subtle menthol edge, the oak in a supporting role and salivating acid.
Comments Off on Villa Maria Earth Garden (BioGro NZ) Hawkes Bay, NZ Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Sweet spicy fruit fragrances and fleshy tannic palate starting to develop nicely.
Comments Off on Reillys RCV ‘Moonvine’ Clare Valley Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
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Comments Off on Villa Maria Earth Garden (BioGro NZ) Hawkes Bay, NZ Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Priced sharply, this generous red is a blend of merlot (63%) and cabernet sauvignon (25%), with smaller amounts of malbec and cabernet franc. Matured for a year in French, American and Hungarian oak barriques, it is deeply coloured and full-bodied,…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Skilfully crafted for early enjoyment, this is a blend of merlot (70%) and cabernet sauvignon (28%), with splashes of malbec and cabernet franc. Partly matured in seasoned French oak barrels, it is full-coloured, mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with very good depth…
Comments Off on Vidal Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Surprisingly complex for its price, this blend of merlot (92%) and cabernet sauvignon (8%) was estate-grown principally in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and matured for a year in Hungarian and French oak casks (35% new). Deeply…
Comments Off on Church Road Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This powerful, yet very approachable, red is a blend of merlot (74%) and cabernet sauvignon (26%), grown in the Gimblett Gravels (mostly) and the Bridge Pa Triangle, and matured for 18 months in French oak barrels (41% new). It has…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A classy deep crimson wine – very Bordeaux-like with perfect ripeness.
Comments Off on Reillys RCV ‘Stoneflower’ Clare Valley Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2020
Generous mulberry aromas with some leafiness all of which is echoed on the long palate with good use of oak to balance the fruit. 5+
Comments Off on Cassegrain White Label Rylstone, Orange, Hilltops Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / April 24, 2020
Posted: December 10, 2019
Very youthful deep red wine with purple hues and a leafy berry bouquet with obvious oak. The plum driven palate is long and tight with great structures and balance.
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / December 10, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Attractive dusty cassis aromas with dark berry nuances. Well put together palate with lovely sweet fruit flavours, fine acidity and the tannins kept nicely in check.
Comments Off on Serengale Beechworth Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: May 1, 2019
This powerful, classy, fragrant red was blended from merlot (86%) and cabernet sauvignon (14%), grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels, and was French oak-aged for 20 months. The colour is dark and youthful; the palate robust and…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: October 4, 2018
Lifted jubey sweet nose and plump fruit palate with big firm tannins, charry oak and good acidity. Just needs some time.
Comments Off on Vidal Estate Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Dark spicy fruit aromas and rich mulberry flavours with high tannins and firm acid.
Comments Off on Vidal Reserve Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
A medium bodied dry red that has attractive red plum and cherry fruity notes. The inclusion of cabernet gives a delightful firm tannin back note. Good value. 19.00
Comments Off on Ti Point Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
Attractive red fruited savoury wine with a little touch of darker plummy fruit peeping in. Not too much by way of complexity nor concentration but a nicely constructed dry red that has a charming touch of tannin in the background….
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Reserve Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
Slight floral/red fruit fragrances with flavours of rhubarb and currants. Good support from the cabernet.
Comments Off on Vidal Estate Anthony Joseph Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: November 9, 2017
Lovely floral red fruited wine; appealing and bright with a good degree of perfume and upfront charm. The tannins are quite marked; just a tad firm at present but should resolve with time in bottle. $16.00
Comments Off on Vidal Estate Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Very polished aroma; vanilla and coconut with blueberry and doris plum too. A layer of chewy tannin lays right across the palate giving structure. There is real concentration and intensity suggesting this is a great candidate for the cellar. $30.00
Comments Off on Te Awa Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Lots of interest;, star anise, black plum. Plenty of fruit to support the charry smoky notes. Maybe doesn’t have the length of really top examples but very appealing. $16.00
Comments Off on Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Densely fruited. Lots of blueberry, damson plum on the nose. Big, opulent, fleshy characters. Lots of tannin but core of fruit seems to soak it up. Not immediately appealing and takes time to open up but grows in charm. Good…
Comments Off on Vidal Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Still primary with plenty of blueberry, dark plum and berry. Quite a bit of oak layering over the fruit. The palate is chewy with finely grained tannins acting as a counterpoint to the fruit. Good length. $18.00
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
A complex wine with good maturing dark fruit characters, savoury elements and prominent tannins.
Comments Off on Chateau De Fontenille Grand Bordeaux Bordeaux Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Drying tannic style; give it some air and lovely elegant deep dark fruit emerges. Slight savoury edge to the fruit.
Comments Off on Sirius Bordeaux Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Some pine needle notes to the nose with plum fruit still obvious on the palate. Tannins are there but they are soft.
Comments Off on Grand Vin De Chateau Crabitey Graves Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 / 0 View / November 9, 2017
Posted: September 6, 2017
Super bold, chewy and dense with masses blackcurrant and plum. Touches of star anise and graphite too. Not the most polished of wines but plenty of dense sweet fruit and a long finish.
Comments Off on Church Road Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / September 6, 2017
Posted: June 30, 2017
Deep purple hues and a dark fruited nose showing plenty of oak. The palate is smooth, rich and balanced with drying tannins.
Comments Off on Te Awa Gimblet Gravels Single Estate Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / June 30, 2017
Posted: June 30, 2017
Dark and fleshy on the nose. Smooth and rounded in the mouth; soft on the finish.
Comments Off on Vidal Anthony Joseph of Hawkes Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / June 30, 2017
Posted: June 30, 2017
Ageing colour, subdued dusty bouquet with a lovely mellow flavour profile.
Comments Off on Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Adelaide Hills Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / June 30, 2017
Posted: June 29, 2017
Bonox-like characters to the developed nose and a complex, developed and grippy palate. “Plenty of interest here”.
Comments Off on RCV Stoneflower Clare Valley Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / June 29, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Deep, purple-flushed blend of merlot (95%) and a splash of cabernet sauvignon, grown in the Gimblett Gravels and barrel-aged. Full-bodied and fleshy, with warm red berry and spice flavours, gentle tannins and good density. Enjoyable now; best drinking 2016+.
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Halo Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fresh, lively, vibrantly fruity blend of merlot (83%), cabernet sauvignon (12%) and malbec (5%), partly barrel-matured. Medium-bodied, with plummy flavours, hints of cassis and coffee, and a smooth finish. $16 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Vidal Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dark, elegant blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, French oak-aged for 20 months. Rich blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, with savoury, earthy notes adding complexity and ripe, supple tannins. Well worth cellaring. $30
Comments Off on Te Awa Single Estate Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dark, youthful blend of merlot (60%), cabernet sauvignon (32%) and cabernet franc (8%), matured for 20 months in French oak barriques (15% new). Vibrantly fruity, with strong, very pure plum/spice flavours, silky tannins and a lasting finish. Finely balanced and…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Showing good potential, this deeply coloured blend of merlot (88%) and cabernet sauvignon (12%) was hand-picked in the Gimblett Gravels and barrel-aged. Mouthfilling, it is still very youthful, with fresh, strong plum, blackcurrant and spice flavours, a subtle seasoning of…
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Halo Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Sharply priced, this fragrant blend of merlot (60%), cabernet sauvignon (32%) and cabernet franc (8%) was matured for 20 months in French oak barriques (15% new). Deeply coloured, it is rich and supple, with strong, ripe plum, spice and slight…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Bargain-priced, this full-bodied, savoury Gimblett Gravels red was matured for 20 months in French oak barriques. Deep and youthful in colour, it is fragrant and generous, with rich, ripe plum and blackcurrant flavours, a hint of dark chocolate, a subtle…
Comments Off on Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Good weight and depth of blackcurrant fruit with oak not playing an obvious role.
Comments Off on Babich Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Plums and violets on the nose and a thick tarry/charry palate with savory dried herb characters.
Comments Off on Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Adelaide Hills Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Lovely bright crimson wine with plenty of intense ripe and juicy mulberry/blackberry fruit nicely integrated with the oak.
Comments Off on Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Adelaide Hills Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A fruit-driven style, this blend of merlot (79%) and cabernet sauvignon (21%) was ‘aged with premium French oak’. Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling, with some savoury complexity and very good depth of fresh plum, blackcurrant and spice flavours. Best drinking mid-2016+.
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 3, 2017
Fresh, lively and savoury blend of merlot (88%) and cabernet sauvignon (12%), grown in the Gimblett Gravels. Strong, ripe plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing good complexity and harmony.
Comments Off on Alluviale Gimblett Road Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 / 0 View / April 3, 2017