Pask Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot Malbec, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand, 2019 

Grapes: A blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 23% Malbec, matured 14 months in French oak barrels

Producer Tasting Note:

Deep purple in colour with intense berry fruits and lifted spice on the nose. This typical cool climate Cabernet blend is full bodied and classic. With blackcurrant, blueberry and boysenberry notes, a plummy backbone and fragrant earthy spice. Cabernet Sauvignon providing lavender aromatic’s with drive and intensity on the palate, Merlot providing red fruit aroma’s and roundness and structure and the Malbec just a hint of spice. Enjoy now or will certainly reward with careful cellaring

Estate: Pask vineyards and winery are located in the province of Hawke's Bay, on the east coast of the North Island, one of the hottest and sunniest areas of New Zealand. Their 60ha of vineyards are located on the Gimblett Road, and were the first to be planted in what is now the "Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District". Gimblett Gravels is a unique area of land, comprising alluvial deposits exposed when the Ngaruroro River flooded and established a new path 100 years ago. The soil is low in nutrients and laden with stones, gravel and silt and is ideal for growing "Bordeaux" style red varietals.

Food Match: Lamb - A quintessential New Zealand pairing - Try roasted lamb shanks, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, or a slow-cooked lamb stew. Other meat dishes include beef medallions, gourmet hamburgers or beef empanadas. Also try richer cuts of pork such as Iberico (Presa or Secreto) or grilled pork chops. Vegetarian options include five-bean chilli or a lentil-based Shepherd's pie, and blue cheeses