Obliix Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

Obliix Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is a concentrated Gimblett Gravels red with ripe dark fruit, savoury spice and firm, finely textured tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend, bringing blackcurrant, blackberry and structure, while Merlot and a small addition of Malbec add juiciness and roundness. Chocolate, violets and smoky oak give it extra depth, but the wine retains freshness and balance at a modest 12.6% alcohol. Enjoy it now with grilled steak, roast lamb or rich pasta, or allow it a little more time in the bottle for the tannins and oak to settle further.

What the winery says:

The blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 5% Malbec, sourced entirely from the Cornerstone Vineyard in Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay. The vines grow in free-draining Omahu soils formed by the historic flooding of the Ngaruroro River. Half of the wine underwent natural fermentation, with the ferments aerated early and managed through hand plunging and pump overs. After pressing, the wine completed natural malolactic fermentation in barrel and matured for ten months in oak, including 30% new oak. Dark cherry, chocolate, ripe fruit and spice are supported by firm tannins, smoky barrel notes and a dry finish. The wine is suitable for a plant-based diet.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100, Excellent (2022 Vintage)
"A distinctive bouquet and palate filled with flavours of blackberry fruits and boysenberry, dark plums, chocolate and smoky barrel spices."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 91/100 & 4.5 Stars (2022 Vintage)
"Brightly fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows Black Doris plum, raspberry, violet and thyme aromas with a hint of toasted nuts."