Wine Reviews

Malty and herbal accents complement the core of dark bramble and wild berry flavors, with a juicy edge and velvety tannins. Cedar, tobacco and spice accents linger on the long finish.

The 2021 Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is structurally firm and yet populated by a flow of silky red fruit. In the mouth, the acidity and tannins are so finely intertwined that it is hard to feel where one stops and the other begins.

This may be Merlot-dominant, but the two Cab varieties make their mark via savory herbs and spice, graphite and toasted dark chocolate. There’s plenty of appealing dark cherry and blackberry fruit notes here, too.

Layers of savory, earthy and tangy fruit aromas mingle, from beets to cherries and raspberries to tobacco and ground pepper. Heady aromas flow to a full-figured palate that’s sculpted with chalky, muscular tannins, the fruit and spice peeking through. A powerful wine, this has plenty more life left in it. If drinking now, break out the protein

Aromas of blackberries, smoke, dried flowers, nuts and a touch of earth. The palate is medium-bodied with nerve, precise tannins that add precision, focused dark fruit and a savory note in the finish. This is very balanced and should evolve nicely. Drink now or hold.