A deep ‘guardsmen red’, Awatea Cabernets/Merlot ’22 captivates with its nose of blackberry and bay leaf, ripe red currants, and sea spray to instantly engage the senses.  On the palate this interplay of red and dark fruit continues with roses, chocolate and black olive with vanilla, cedar and a faint menthol character, layered over a core of perfectly ripe Black Doris plum. Moreish acidity brightens the wine, lifting the classical varietal elements of Awatea Cabernets/Merlot ’22 and its fine, powdery, tannin profile.  This is a wine of balance, length and appeal, with the clear ability to evolve even further in bottle.

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