Beach House Hawkes Bay Cabernet Malbec 2021

Beach House Hawkes Bay Cabernet Malbec is a powerful, deeply flavoured red blend from the Gimblett Gravels. Cassis and blackberry lead into dark plum, tobacco, tar and warming spice, while firm tannins give the rich palate plenty of shape and persistence. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, Malbec adds dark-fruited generosity and Cabernet Franc brings an aromatic lift. Twelve months in French oak rounds out the wine without softening its brooding character. Already showing appealing development, it still has the concentration and structure to keep evolving. Pour it alongside a well-seared rib-eye, slow-cooked beef cheek or rosemary-roasted lamb.

What the winery says:

The blend comprises 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc grown in the Gimblett Gravels. The fruit was hand-picked during March and April, then destemmed into small open-topped fermenters. Hand plunging and pump-overs were used to extract flavour and colour before the wine was pressed into French oak barrels, including 20% new oak, for 12 months. The winery describes cassis, blackberry, tar and tobacco aromas leading into a powerful, brooding and intensely flavoured palate. It contains 14.5% alcohol and less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 & Excellent (2019 Vintage)
“Complex and enticing bouquet of dark red berries and new wood scents, plenty of toasty wood and baking spice suggestions with clove and vanilla.”