Orlando Jacaranda Ridge Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $65 Impenetrably inky and glossy blood-black in the glass, this bay leaf, blackberry and tobacco-stacked cabernet is just woof-inducingly lovely to drink. Finely tuned tannins follow a palate awash with dark cocoa, leather, plum and smoked cherries. The acidity and alcohol (14.5%) are beautifully balanced and add freshness … Read More
Cabernet Sauvignon
Church Road One Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $120 According to winemaker Chris Scott, cabernet sauvignon is an optimistic variety. “It’ll deal with stress in the vineyard calmly, just assuming things will improve, so it kind of sailed through the vagaries of the 2019 vintage easily,” he says. Clearly, the cabernet’s positive attitude paid … Read More
Casarena 505 Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Casarena 505 Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $25 Texted a mate recently to say “Come over, I have powerful ACS” and she was like “OMG I’m calling an ambulance!” I thought that was a tad OTT for harmless Argentinean Cabernet Sauvignon. Turns out she thought I had Acute Coronary Syndrome. Serves me right for having medical … Read More
I taste the 2018 Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection
It’s one heck of an exciting feeling cracking open the box containing the newest Gimblett Gravels selection wines. Twelve of the greatest red wines to come from New Zealand’s most famous red wine region, selected independently by Andrew Caillard MW. They’re also selected from a talent pool consisting of dozens of hopefuls from dozens of … Read More
Canvas Drinks June 5 2021
Canvas Drinks June 5 2021 The Great Kiwi Cheeseburger I can’t think of anything nicer to wash down mouthfuls of juicy, beefy burger than the Esk Valley Artisanal Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($24.99). It’s bursting with bright berries, omega plum, cherry and smoked blueberries on the nose and palate. Meaty, peppery, spice-saturated … Read More
TRINITY HILL Gimblett Gravels Prison Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
TRINITY HILL Gimblett Gravels Prison Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $120 Deep, dark, intensely fruity, spicy, toasty, earthy, cocoa-crammed and leather-laden, it’s a lovely, muscular example crafted from grapes grown beside the Ngaruroro River on a stony site once destined to be a correctional facility. This 100% cabernet sauvignon absolutely screams tobacco, dark plum, bouquet garni … Read More
Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($24.99) Paired with Annabel Langbein’s The Great Kiwi Cheeseburger Canvas Magazine NZ Herald June 5th 2021 I can’t think of anything nicer to wash down mouthfuls of juicy, beefy burger than the Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($24.99). … Read More
Ash Ridge Premium Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Ash Ridge Premium Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $32 There were rumblings and rumours and all manner of murmurs on the grapevine, that 2018 would be a pretty yowza year for cabernet sauvignon in Hawke’s Bay’s Bridge Pa sub-region. I’m pleased to report the gossip was true and correct. This Lauren Swift-crafted cabernet is … Read More
Tironui Above & Beyond Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet 2019
Tironui Above & Beyond Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet 2019 $35 This absolute mouthquake of a blend is comprised of 78% Malbec, 14% merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and I am absolutely in love with it! Scented with cedar, blueberry, black doris plum and smoky vanilla vavoom, the palate is saturated with boysenberry, licks of … Read More
Unison Gimblett Gravels Classic Blend Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2013
Unison Gimblett Gravels Classic Blend Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2013 $40 Eight years on from vintage and this mighty merlot-dominated blend is developing an edge of espresso, cola and soy which cloaks the blueberry and dark plum in the mid-palate. Leather licked and layered with dusty tannins on the finish, this wine is maturing nicely … Read More