Ash Ridge Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 $22 
Reviewed for dish Magazine July/Aug 2020 – Paired with Lamb Shank Pie Combining two of my absolute favourite things, lamb shanks and pies, this meal is given a leg up (shank, leg, ahem) by the delicious Ash Ridge Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 ($22). With its vibrant, plummy perfume, solid smoke, spice and cocoa characters and its long, berry-centric layers of flavour – it’s the perfect partner. Crafted by winemaker Lauren Swift, it’s an elegantly structured, fresh, yet confortingly smooth, warming wine that’s drinking very nicely now, but will reward another year or six in the cellar.
