Awatea Cabernets/Merlot, Hawke’s Bay
The Wine Advocate
95
"Slightly lighter framed and less dense/powerful than the Coleraine, and with an admirably open and lusty fruit profile, the 2020 Awatea Cabernets Merlot gives the people what they want. It leads with leafy, elegant, very fine Cabernet fruit laden with cassis, pomegranate, ferrous notes, a hint of iodine and loads of bramble and bay leaf. The palate is populated by very fine, powdery tannins that shape the flow of flavor. Gorgeous."
jamessuckling.com
93
"I like the distinct pencil lead and graphite character here, with dark plums, bramble, dried herbs and black tea. Medium-bodied with a fine tannin frame. Linear. Restrained, yet excellent varietal expression."