Cuvar Iris Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc 2022
93 POINTS: Cam Douglas MS
4.5 STARS: Michael Cooper
"A captivating bouquet of dark berries, baking spices, dried herbs and olives. Flavours of roasted plums and kalamata olives, sweet spices of barrel and gently warming alcohol lead to a palate of texture and layers of fruit flavours, spices of wood and firmness of tannins and acidity. With each subsequent sip the wine gains some concentration and builds on the foundation of ripe fruit, judicious use of wood and youthfulness of acidity."
- Cam Douglas MS
"Already highly enjoyable, this single vineyard red from the Gimblett Gravels is mouth-filling, with fresh plum and red berry flavours showing excellent depth, gently spicy, nutty notes adding complexity, and ripe supple tannins. It’s a top example of the drink-young style."
- Michael Cooper
Cuvar's Merlot Cabernet Franc comes from their Cornerstone vineyard growing in Hawkes Bay's famed Gimblett Gravels appellation; an area renowned for producing excellent hot climate reds.
In the Iris blend, the Merlot sets up the palate with ripeness and structure while the Cabernet Franc brings its sweet dried basil notes to create this deliciously good medium-bodied red. Rich plum and pomegranate fruit with hints of tobacco leaf and spice layered over beautifully ripe tannins and well-handled oak.
ABV: 13%