2011 Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay

The Gimblett Gravels is the best sub-area in the Hawkes Bay district, which lies on the east coast of North Island. The soil is extremely stony and poor, and the vines are forced to perform at their best. The common denominator of Gimblett Gravels' wines is a pronounced power and minerality, which leads the mind light years away from all common notions of sun-modern, unnuanced overseas wine. Gimblett Gravels is one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to grow top quality Merlot, and Te Kahu is a clear example. The wine is based on Merlot with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and possibly Malbec and Petit Verdot depending on the vintage. The wine offers an engaging fruity bouquet of blackberries, blueberries and plums, as well as notes of anise, soil and camphor. The flavour is juicy and powerful, leading to a long, silky finish.