Beach House Hawkes Bay Montepulciano 2024

Beach House Hawkes Bay Montepulciano is a bold, deeply flavoured red from a small parcel of Montepulciano grown in the Gimblett Gravels. Black Doris plum, boysenberry, blueberry and cherry stone are layered with violet, clove, toasted nuts, tar and warming spice. The palate is full and richly fruited, with a silky flow, punchy velvet tannins and enough freshness to keep its power in balance. Extended skin contact and French oak maturation add depth and structure, while the long finish suggests plenty of potential in the cellar. A rewarding match for grilled steak, venison or a slow-cooked beef ragù.

What the winery says:

The Montepulciano was grown at Beach House's Track Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels and hand-picked on 16 April 2024. Gentle hand plunging and pump-overs were used during fermentation to extract colour and flavour, followed by one month of skin contact. The wine was then transferred to French oak, including 25% new barrels, where it matured for just over 12 months. The winery describes ripe boysenberry, cherry stone, tar and spice aromas, followed by abundant red fruit and punchy, velvety tannins. It contains 13.7% alcohol, less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar and has the structure for long-term cellaring.

What the experts say:

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 95/100 & 5 Stars (2024 Vintage)
“Pristine and inviting with elegant complexity, the wine shows Black Doris plum, blueberry, violet, clove, and toasted nut aromas. It's wonderfully weighted and finely flowing in the mouth, offering silky texture and finely pitched tannins. Splendidly structured and balanced with plenty of delectable flavours. At its best: now to 2032.”