Pernod Ricard NZ's famous Hawke's Bay red honours pioneer winemaker Tom McDonald, a driving force behind New Zealand's first prestige red, McWilliam's Cabernet Sauvignon (first vintage 1965). The early releases of Tom in the mid-1990s were Cabernet Sauvignon-predominant, but from 1998 onwards, Merlot emerged as an equally crucial part of the recipe. Typically a wine of great finesse, it is savoury, complex and more akin to a quality Bordeaux than other New World reds. The 2019 vintage (5*) was estate-grown in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle (86%), and in the Gimblett Vineyard, in the Gimblett Gravels (14*). Matured for over two years in French oak barriques (40% new), it is dark, with a highly fragrant, fresh bouquet of herbs and spices. Full-bodied and very savoury, it has dense, ripe blackcurrant, herb and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, gentle tannins and a smooth finish. A forward vintage, generous and very harmonious, it should be at its best 2025+.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet-predominant blends
Vintage: 2019
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $220 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: AV
This wine is a Super Classic.
When to drink: 2025
Reviewed 2021