In the space of a less than a decade, we have forsaken the Bordeaux varietals for seductive
Pinot Noir and exotic Syrah grapes. This
was highlighted in popular film culture in ‘Sideways’ where Miles, one of the
anti-heroes, “will not drink any f@*#ing Merlot” while they search for great
Californian Pinot Noir. However, those
new to wine do not appreciate how the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties
have held prime place throughout the world for centuries. Wine lovers with an overall perspective see
how wines made from the Bordeaux
varieties develop unmatched complexities while aging incomparably in the table
wine stakes, an how they are more suitable in matching with classical fine
cuisine. The Bordeaux varietal producers
in New Zealand have lifted their game in the sense that the latest wines are
not ‘show ponies’ but possess great elegance and restraint, that makes them
outstanding with the best cuts of lamb and beef. Their flavour is not overwhelming nor too
exotic, and the firm structure and tannin profile makes them texturally more compatible
with food. In some ways, they are more
Bordeaux-like than many of the modern Bordeaux
wines! We offer two Bordeaux varietal wines from Hawke’s Bay,
made under the direction of two of this country’s most experienced winemakers, which
offer fantastic drinkability and style that works wonderfully in a meal
situation. They are both from the
excellent 2006 vintage; the wines now beginning to soften and integrate, with
secondary complexities beginning to appear. We back them:
Trinity Hill ‘The Gimblett’ Hawke’s
Bay 2006
This was the Champion Merlot-dominant Red and gold medal winner at the
2008 Hawke’s Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Show. A blend of 57% Merlot, 17% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec from three sites
in the Gimblett Gravels, this was aged 18 months in 40% new oak. Trinity Hill’s winemakers John Hancock and Warren
Gibson have refined the extraction, resulting in greater
suppleness to the mouthfeel, and introduced considerable flavour complexity by
the use of five varietals. The formula
is extremely successful, as from the 2005 vintage, this wine under ‘The
Gimblett’ designation has been highly awarded nationally and
internationally. Deep, purple hued ruby
red in colour, this is still tightly bound on nose with finely expressed
Cabernet Sauvignon blackcurrant aromas and flavours lifted with spicy oak
notes. The Merlot provides the flesh and
sweetness here. The wine strikes a fine
balance with its concentration and elegance, and the firm, long finish is its
feature.
Trinity
Hill ‘The Gimblett’ 2005 Magnum Giveaway
All purchases for 6 bottles or more of Trinity Hill ‘The Gimblett’ 2006
before the end of trade, 31 January 2010 will go in to the draw for a 1.5 Litre
Magnum bottle of Trinity Hill ‘The Gimblett’ 2005, valued at over $75.00. This
was the wine that stood alongside first-growth Bordeaux in ‘The Judgement of Taupo’ tasting
late last year. The winner’s names will
be published on www.regionalwines.co.nz in the first week of February, 2010.
Redmetal ‘Basket Press’ Hawke’s Bay
Merlot/Franc 2006
One of our most popular Bordeaux-blends is the Redmetal Merlot/Franc,
amazing value at $14.95 on special. The
‘Basket Press’ wine is the premium expression of Redmetal, and takes you up a
big step in seriousness. Made from 88%
Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc from vines on the redmetal soils, south-west of Hastings, this was aged
in French and American oak for 13 months.
Deep ruby red in colour, this has a fragrant red fruited nose with plums
and classical tobacco-like Merlot expression.
A touch of tell-tale coconutty American oak lifts the aromatics. On palate, this is supple, soft and gentle,
the approachability a sign of its evolution beginning. Lovely sweet fruit and complex savoury and
tobacco notes show, but there is structure underpinning the palate. This is where winemaker Grant Edmonds is heading with his wines. His aim now is compatibility with food
through elegance, approachability and textural qualities; he keeps away from
bold, over-ripe fruit flavours, extreme extraction and over-oaking.
Redmetal
‘Basket Press’ 2004 Magnum Giveaway
All purchases for 6 bottles or more of Redmetal ‘Basket Press’ Merlot/Franc
2006 before the end of trade, 31 January 2010 will go in to the draw for one of
three 1.5 Litre Magnum bottles of Redmetal ‘Basket Press’ 2004, valued at over
$75.00 each. The winners’ names will be
published on www.regionalwines.co.nz in the first week of February, 2010.