92 POINTS: Bob Campbell MW 16/20 POINTS: Jancis Robinson
"Dense, flavoursome Malbec with dark-fleshed plum, tamarillo, sweet herb, spice and floral flavours supported by a backbone of moderately sweet, ripe tannins. An heroic, generously proportioned wine" - Bob Campbell
Think of this wine as a cross between Hawke's Bay Malbec and Beaujolais Nouveau and you're on the track. It shows plush and very juicy Malbec fruits on a palate that is proudly middleweight and approachable - but still showing some underlying hints of Malbec's famous savoury drive. It's a lighter, fresh style of Hawkes Bay red wine that really stands out from the crowd. Very smashable.
This is very good value for money. A Piedmont red under $30! It has good dark fruit, some nice tannins and acid to balance although it would benefit from some more age to smooth it a bit but I liked its feistiness now.
I was happily surprised by the quality of the labels in the "mystery" case of rose wines - great value for the money I must say. Excellent drinking experience from the unfamiliar labels and happy to enjoy again the familiar ones.