Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013 $25 ★★★★★
Outrageously good. So good in fact it was selected a one of just twelve wines to represent the very best of the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation from the much lauded 2013 vintage. That it’s only $25 a bottle is quite staggering because it tastes better than many I’ve tried at triple the price. Violets, japonica blossom, cocoa and bay leaf loveliness on the nose, loads of concentrated black berry fruit and spice in the mouth, dusty, chewy tannins and excellent persistence of flavour make this a definite new favourite for me. www.beachhouse.co.nz
