Faintly herbal or green bean notes seem to fade a bit with airing, giving way to cassis fruit and oak-derived elements of vanilla and brown sugar. This is full bodied and richly textured, with a long, velvety finish. Drink now–2020.
— J.C.
(8/1/2012)
A pleasant surprise in a recent sampling of Hawkes Bay blends, this wine verges on being overripe, yet still boasts ample structure. Black cherry and plum fruit is marked by vanilla and cinnamon, while the mouthfeel is one of contained lushness, not gloppy or syrupy. Drink now-2012. The blend is roughly one-third of each variety.
— J.C.
(7/1/2006)
Bright cherries lead the way in this slightly coarse-textured wine that turns rather astringent on the finish. It’s meant to be aged, and may come into better harmony by 2014 or so, because there is admirable concentration.
— J.C.
(6/1/2010)
A solid, well-made blend, this packs in plenty of tobacco, vanilla and earth into a compact package. Some cherry fruit stands out on the palate, but but this is in a rather sturdy, earthy style. Try with herbed meats to help accentuate the fruit in the wine.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)