Although some of these tasting notes may be found elsewhere on this site, this page brings together most of my Cabernet dominant (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc) notes, listed alphabetically by Producer. Click here for rating systems and abbreviations.

Mills Reef Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2006 (sc) Dark deep red with a crimson glow, the complex earthy, savoury, leathery aromas are infused with sweet vanillin oak and red cherry fruit that carry through to the palate where it shows the typically leathery Bordeaux character well. There's great depth of red plummy fruits with a touch of cassis, smoky oak and firm tannins and a pleasing fruit sweetness lingering with cedar on the finish. 14% alc. $18.99. 13Feb2008.

Te Mata Awatea Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2006 The aroma on this deeply opaque, boysenberry red-coloured wine is simply amazing. It's fragrant and floral with violets, dried herbs, anise, smoke, and creamy oak and perfumed in the palate too. Smooth and creamy but with such depth and concentration, the savouriness balances the deep blackberry, blackcurrant and purple fruit sweetness with fine velvety tannins, a swathe of leather and smoky oak. An outstanding vintage of Awatea made from a blend of 38% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot. 13.5% alc. $32.99. Cork.12Mar2008.

Te Mata Hawkes Bay Coleraine 2006 A deep black-cored red with a purple tinge, this deep, intense, brooding wine has an initial smoky, cedary, savoury aroma that soon reveals violets, cassis and lush vanillin oak. Firmly structured, dry and savoury with anise-like spices, ripe red currant fruit and a long and intense finish with a hint of creamy chocolate. The plush cabernet tannins are tight yet the overall impression is one of mellowness. Best to decant for drinking right now, even better to cellar for a couple of years before broaching the super long natural cork. The 25th vintage and a blend of 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% alc. $68.99.

Church Road Reserve Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2005 (D) With seductively fragrant smoky cedar on the nose and gorgeously balanced, rich, ripe and creamy flavours this deep, rich, full-boded red sings of its Cabernet character with its jam-packed blackcurrant fruit while Merlot adds softness, hints of chocolate and a plummy mid palate. Firmly structured, robust and fragrantly spicy, it's quite outstanding. Matured in French oak for 20 months. 13.5% alc. $31.99. 21Nov2007.

Clearview Hawkes Bay Cape Kidnappers Cabernet Merlot 2005 (sc) Bright blueberry jam red. Earthy, medicinal aromas. Savoury and dry to the taste with a little spice, pronounced acidity and a dark, smoky, charcoal and bitter oak finish. However the wine tastes much better with heavy decanting after which it shows rather luscious blackberry and plum fruit and a spicy, creamy oak finish with a savoury aftertaste. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec aged in French and American oak for 14 months. 13.5% alc. $22.00. 21Jul2007.

Coopers Creek SV Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005 (sc) A deep crimson red with smoky toasted oak infusing into the red currant and black plum fruit with powerful tannins, leather, vanillin oak and underlying sweetness. A nuance of violet emerges with a touch of bitter chocolate on the long, succulent, savoury finish. A blend of 70% CS, 28% Merlot & 2% CF with 13 to 15 months in oak. 13% alc. $28. 13Oct2007.

Hatton Estate Tahi 2005 - Hawkes Bay (C) A massively coloured, shiny, purple-tinged black. On the nose at first it seems a little closed but blackberries emerge - concentrated ripe blackberries and brambles over creamy oak, mocha and chocolate biscuits. In the palate it's earthy and dense, young and infantile with rough edged velvety tannins, sweet oak, a purity of red and blackcurrant fruit and rose petals on the finish. It has some lovely complexities in its big, rich, chocolatey, grainy, grunty cloak with a voluptousness emerging with time 78% CS, 22% CF. 13.5% alc. $70.00 22Jul2007.

Hawk's Nest Orchard Block Matakana Red 2005 (D) Dark crimson red, ruby-hued, almost (but not quite) opaque, the nose is scented with the appealing fragrance we expect from these varieties, think violets and spice and hints of pencil box cedar. Finely textured with creamy cedar, spice, hints of mint, dusty blackberries and meaty tannins, the earthy depth of Malbec grapes takes the final bow and leaves a scent of cedar and violets in its wake. Absolutely delicious with Sumac rubbed backstrap of lamb. A blend of cabernet franc (60%) and malbec (40%), it had 15 months in French oak, 50% new. 13.2% alc. $35. 1Mar2007.

John Forrest Collection Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Deep black red. Fragrant cassis and vanillin oak aromas. Warm textured concentrated, full-bodied flavours with dusty tannins, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco and cigar. The blackcurrant fruit is nicely integrated and underlying acidity makes an appearance on the finish. Nice to see another pure cabernet sauvignon - it shows how good this vareity can get when the conditions and winemaking are right. 14% alc. $70. 26Jul2007.

Karikari Silver Bay Northland Cabernet Merlot 2005 (D) Deep black red in colour, when first opened it is quite tarry and tannic with blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose and a dry, grippy palate. Give this wine some air and it opens up beautifully with a big, ripe red berry and creamy oak nose and tarry, savoury, meaty flavours with creamy oak and red fruits adding brightness and sweetness to the finish and violets lingering on the aftertaste. However it's still quite leathery with hints of farmyard, soy, mint and a salty, dried-rosemary herbal savouriness - a wine that will match well to roasted lamb. A medium to full-bodied red made to the Bordeaux recipe. Karikari Estate fruit from Northland. 12.5% alc. $19. 2Jun2007.

Karikari Estate Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot /Cabernet Franc 2005 (D) A concentrated, opaque, purple-black colour. On the nose it's spicy and tarry with dark savoury oak, iodine and something reminiscent of mercurachrome. An interesting full-bodied, rounded palate with floral nuances, tar, spice and meaty tannins. It's dark, savoury, earthy, tarry and leathery with a dry finish that is just a little bitter on its own, but it works a treat with a roasted leg of lamb served with a redcurrant sauce. The gamey flavours of the meat and the sweetness compliment the wine. Later I find dark chocolate and berries building on the long, savoury, meaty finish. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Stainless steel fermented, matured in French and American oak for 11 months. 12.6% alc. $27. 22Jun2007.

Longridge Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (sc) Deep blllack red with crimson edges. Big, rich and juicy - full-boded with a smoky aroma and an earthy, savoury undercurrent to the dried berry and bramble flavours. The fruit has good focus, the tannins are thick and grippy and the finish is long and dry with hints of cigar on the lingering finish. A blend of 49% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4%, Malbec, matured in French & American oak, 20% new, for 10 months. 12.6% alc. $16.95. 21Jul2007.

Mills Reef Elspeth Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2005 Quite fragrant, a little floral, a touch of cabernet franc, perhaps, and creamy oak scents emerge too. Abundant creamy oak in the palate together with cassis and 'just ripe' blackberries with slightly grainy tannins, firm acidity, an earthy depth and cigar box and spice on the finish - which is long, sweet and fruity. 14% alc. $39.95. 29Jan2007.

Mills Reef Elspeth Hawkes Bay Cabernet Franc 2005 The French oak on the nose is more pronounced than in any of the others and there's a floral, berry nuance too. Very smooth in the palate, smooth and creamy with smoky oak and sweet cherry-like fruit integrating beautifully. In fact it does momentary imitations of an Aussie wine with the fruit sweetness, vanillin oak, hints of spice and a cherry chocolate finish, but then the Bordeaux-like character returns with a fleeting glimpse of preserving acidity to place it firmly in a cooler climate. Despite its initial smoothness, grainy tannins and cigar box notes linger. 14% alc. $39.95. 29Jan2007.

Mills Reef Elspeth Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Fragrant with delicately smoky oak and cassis - great varietal character on the nose. It's very tight in palate with grainy tannins, rich concentrated fruit, cedary oak and lots of tobacco. A sleeper - and it needs to stay asleep for a while longer. 14% alc. $39.95. 29Jan2007.

Mills Reef Reserve Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2005 (sc) Deep boysenberry-jam red with bright crimson purple edges, it smells ripe and appealing with red berries and chocolatey oak and tastes ripe and luscious with red and black berry and plummy fruit underpinned by firm acidity and hints of dried herbs nicely balanced with a touch of liquorice, and creamy oak building to a savoury, complex, mouthfilling finish. 14% alc. $18.99. 1Jun2007.
Deep red black with bright crimson edges, this luxuriously coloured red is appealing scented and full of tasty full-bodied flavours. Red fruits, vanilla, chocolate and sweet cedary oak fill the nose and lush red and black berry flavours are joined by liquorice and fruit cake spice with rose hips and a touch of chocolate. A wine of depth and concentration, it's absolutely delicious and puts some $40 reds to shame. 14% alc. $18.99. 6Jun2007.

Paritua Vineyards Stone Paddock Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (sc) A deep, dark red coloured, rich, spicy red with vibrant blackberry and cassis-like fruit, creamy sweet vanillin oak, velvety tannins and just a hint of mint. Well proportioned acidity adds brightness and vibrancy while a hint of earthiness adds a savoury undercurrent. An inspired match to mint marinated lamb. 16 months in French oak. 10% Merlot in the blend. 13% alc. $23. 6Dec2007.

Brick Bay Matakana Cabernet Sauvignon Franc 2004 (c) A light coloured red made in a soft, approachable, medium-bodied style, rounded and smooth with hints of chocolate amongst the creamy cedar, red berry fruits, a touch of savouriness and dried herbs coming through on the finish. A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Cabernet Franc. Ready now. 13% alc. $19.50. 29Apr2007.

Brick Bay Matakana Pharos 2004 (c) . A rich, full-bodied wine with a deep crimson red colour, sappy French oak on the nose, quite rich, grippy tannins at first in the mouth but they quickly morph into a vinous silkiness with a soft nap to the edge. Smoky with hints of tobacco and crisp, juicy red fruits reminiscent of cherry, plum, redcurrants and even a hint of strawberry, all the while the gorgeous creamy oak plays a fine supporting role with an underlying savoury, cedary, Bordeaux-like complexity. A blend of 34% Cabernet Franc, 29% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec with 12 months maturation in oak and a further 20 months in bottle before release. 13.5% alc. $29. 29Apr2007.

C J Pask Declaration Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2004 A stellar wine, robust, concentrated and hearty with beautifully ripe currant and plum fruit, fine tannins, chocolate, leather and cigar box. The tannins are big and succulent and the finish is long and spicy. A richly coloured main course wine, delicious already with lots of potential in the cellar. 14% alc. $52.95. 10May2006.

C J Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2004 (sc) Deep crimson red, concentrated, rich plummy fruit and creamy oak on the nose, it’s even bigger and more concentrated in the palate with finely structure velvety tannins, blackberry and black cherry fruit, a touch of liquorice and a spicy oak finish. Rich and powerful and deliciously drinkable with a touch of chocolate as it lingers. It's been matured in French and American oak which adds vanillin sweetness as well as complexity. 14% alc. $22.95. 7Jul2006.

Clearview Hawkes Bay Cabernet Franc 2004 Deep plummy red. Hints of chocolate and spicy oak on the perfumed nose with beautifully ripe, vanillin-soaked fruit that's a little reminiscent of blackcurrant and spiced cherries while a fragrant, floral, rose petal character infuses into the mix. There's an illusion of sweetness coming from the fruit and oak, the tannins are supple and the finish is long and savoury. 13.5% alc. $35. 30Mar2006.

Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels The Quarry 2004 Inky black red with purple red rims, great extraction of colour. Smoky oak and berry fruit aromas and rich, full-bodied flavours of plums and cedary oak with succulent but firm meaty tannins, this powerful, flavoursome blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is a big, big wine crying out for more time. $61.99. 16Aug2006.

Cottage Block 'Ruahine' Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2004 Rich, deep plummy red coloured with aromas and flavours of cigar box, creamy vanilla-laced cedary oak, hints of chocolate, fruit cake spices and dark berry and currant-like fruit with firm, velvety-textured tannins. There's good acidity underpinning the wine and on the long, creamy finish the fruit comes forth in waves. Made from a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Francm this is a poor man's 'Tom'. 13% alc. $33.95. 21May2005.

Five Flax Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2004 (sc) Black-red-crimson with good depth of colour but the pongy nose smells of ammonia and cats pee. Very off-putting. DNPIM. Faulty bottle or faulty wine??? 13.5% alc. $11.95. 4Jun2005.

Hatton Estate Tahi 2004 - Hawkes Bay (C) Deep and lustrous in colour. Concentrated berry fruit and sappy French oak on the nose and sweet oak in the palate makes this a big, rich, juicy style on delivery with a liquoricey berry concentration, a dark, savoury, cedary undercurrent, fine grippy tannins and a long succulent finish with a velvety voluptuousness. The dry, grippy, beefy tannins are still immense and with its underlying acidity, this wine is still really too young to broach without decanting 72% CS, 15% M, 13% CF. 13.5% alc. $70.00 22Jul2007.

Hyperion Kronos 2004 - Matakana Deeply translucent with youthful black cherry hues. Smoky, cedary, fragrant aromas and dark smoky flavours with well-structured grainy tannins, plum and currant fruits, a touch of cherry, a hint of liquorice and a vanillin sweetness adding a lusciousness to the spicy oak finish. There's a crisp undercurrent and succulent, mouthfilling, lingering berry flavours. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Malbec. $29. 19Feb2006.

Hyperion the Titan 2004 - Matakana Deep translucent dark cherry red. Fragrant berry and rose petal aromas with smoky vanillin oak, lashings of varietal blackcurrant fruit, a touch of cherry chocolate, smoky herbs, smooth velvety tannins and a smoky, slightly charry finish with a hint of tobacco. Lovely concentration and richness, without overpowering. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% alc. $39. 19Feb2006.

John Forrest Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay (sc) Deep black red with a purple red rim. Spicy French oak and concentrated cassis-like fruit on the nose, beautifully integrated succulent fine-grained tannins, concentrated black fruits, a lovely undercurrent of dried rosemary and mint, and a smoky meaty finish with lingering ripe Cabernet fruit. Deep, dark and thought-provoking. 14.3% alc. $49.95. 12Jul2006.

Karikari Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004 (sc) Startling in colour with its opaque crimson purple on a black core, and wild aromas of berries and cowpats on the nose which leads into an intense, earthy palate. A huge wine -full of sweet, ripe ,juicy blackberry fruit with opulent creamy oak and huge grippy though not overpowering tannins, and a bitey finish. the more I smell it, the more opulent fruity it gets. 13.4% alc. $23.90. 28Aug2005.

Kingsley Estate Gimblett Road Reserve 2004 (sc) Deep red, sweet cedary aromas with a hint of leather and quite lifted flavours of dark chocolate, leather, blackcurrant, plum, creamy oak, succulent tannins and a warm, rich finish. Very fragrant - musk, violet, cedar - and chocolate cedar on the aftertaste. Juicy and creamy. A blend of 45% Cab Sauv, 41% Merlot & 14% Malbec with 15 mths French oak. 13.5% alc. $32.95. 9Nov2005.

Mills Reef Elspeth Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2004 (c) Deep red black with crimson edges. It's full of fragrant creamy French oak and concentrated redcurrant and plum fruit on the nose and the full-bodied flavour is ripe, rich and creamy with blackcurrant and cherry fruit, smoky French oak and fine-grained velvety tannins. It's a ripe, lush style with a savoury, dried herb backbone and a dry, tight finish. Classy and complex with many layers. 14% alc. $39.95. 22Jun2007.

Mission Estate Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (c) Deep pink red. Fragrantly scented with varietally correct blackcurrant aromas interlaced with cedar and sweet fruited, plum and blackcurrant fruit balanced by the savoury oak with a long vanillin oak aftertaste. Warm, lifted and lingering. 13.5% $21.95. 9Nov2005.

Monkey Bay Cabernet Merlot 2004 (sc) A thinner wine, with smoky oak, cigar box, soft tannins, and a stalky, green note to the finish. New Zealand wine but no sub-regions stated. 13% alc. $14.95. 10Oct2005.

Newton Forrest Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Malbec 2004 (sc) Deep plummy red with ruby edges. Alluringly aromatic with cedar, leather, concentrated berry fruit and a hint of violet while sweet biscuity oak and super ripe velvety textured tannins seduce the palate along with cherry and plum fruit, liquorice, allspice and a savoury meaty nuance. There's a touch of musk on the finish which is long, rich and creamy and lasts for ages. Super delicious stuff. 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc. 14% alc. $39.99. 6Sep2006.
Deep red and opaque, this opulent full-bodied Hawkes Bay red is full of smoke, musk, toasted nut and berry scents. The nut and berry nuances carry through to the cedary palate which still has seriously big tannins at this stage of its life together with spice, earth, leather, tobacco, red liquorice and loads of juicy cassis and black fruit with the Malbec adding intriguing floral nuances to the lasting finish. A 'big glass' wine to savour. 14% alc. $39.99. 5Dec2007.

Obsidian Weeping Sands Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2004 (sc) Medium plummy red with aromas of brambles infused into creamy oak and concentrated berry fruit flavours supported by liquorice, cedar, cigar box and a touch of cherry on the juicy finish. The tannins are smooth, acidity carries the wine along and there's a touch of leather strap too. 13.5% alc. $22.99. 6Sep2006.

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Forte 2004 (sc) A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from Waiheke island - a great expression of NZ Cab, blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Creamy oak, liquorice, ripe blackcurrant fruit and deliciously structured tannins lead to a long full finish. Waiheke has a reputation to uphold and this easily achieves that standard. 14% alc. $34. 30Aug2005.

Ransom Dark Summit 2004 (D) A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Malbec from Matakana, this is a rich, robust red that smells of vanillin oak and red berries while the palate is crammed with ripe berry fruits. There's a slightly earthy backbone and smooth succulent tannins that exude from the creamy texture. The vanilla from the oak comes through and there's underlying acidity while a little protrusive at the moment, bodes well for its cellaring potential. The lift of the Cabernet fruit is there and a hint of rose petal muskiness. Delicious with fillet steak rolled in olive oil and thyme leaves with salt, pepper and garlic and roasted until medium rare, potatoes sauteed with spring onions, mushroom, thyme and red wine, and pumpkin baked in cream which compliments the creamy American oak. 26Oct2006.

Saints Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2004 (sc) A citrus (orange) nuance and a ton of mocha on the nose, the citrussy notes continue through to the palate. Lifted and bright, fresh and juicy with rounded tannins that fill out the mid-palate and a chocolate/mocha note to the sweet earthy finish with violets on the lingering finish. There's good grip to the tannins. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 5% Malbec. An interesting wine - a wine for coffee lovers. 13.5% alc. $16.95. 17Mar2006.

Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2004 - Hawkes Bay Deep red-black garnet. With classic, cedary, Bordeaux-like aromas it smells tight and leathery at this stage with perhaps a touch of violet and hints of dried herbs. It's very tight, very structured in the palate with mellow cedar, an underlying juiciness to the cassis and blackberry fruit and a floral note to the finish with is impressively long and lingers with a vinous savouriness. Needs time to open up. 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot. 13.5% alc. $30. 15Feb2006.
A very enticing smelling wine with ripe fruit and creamy oak aromas while the palate is full of blackcurrant fruit with a firm acid spine but with huge, overpowering tannins, it needs decanting at this stage of its life. 11Jun2006.

Te Mata Coleraine Cabernet Merlot 2004 - Hawkes Bay Deep in colour, with a dark crimson red-black core. Fragrant and floral with violet and rose petal melding into the cedar and bramble berry scents - a beautiful fragrance, not opulent, just seductive. Beautifully rich and concentrated currant-like fruit with plum and cassis flushed with a touch of liquorice, hints of nutmeg-infused French oak and fine supple tannins. A powerful wine with a tight, dry, leathery finish with mellow cedary notes and rose petals lingering on the beautifully suave aftertaste. With fantastically cellaring potential, this is a very complex wine, deserving of its status as one of New Zealand's top reds. A blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc , 45% Merlot, 14% alc. $59. 15Feb2006.

Te Mata Woodthorpe Cabernet Merlot 2004 - Hawkes Bay (sc) Deep red in colour with a leather and violet nuance to the biscuity aroma and ripe, juicy blackcurrant, blueberry and black cherry fruit, a touch of dark milk chocolate, velvety tannins and a long, savoury, smoky slightly tarry finish with the fruit lingering beautifully on the aftertaste. This is a very smart wine. 14% alc. $17.95 special. 2Nov2005.

Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2004 (sc) Blackcurrant and plum fruit, savoury oak, leathery tannins and a juicy redcurrant finish. 14% alc. $16.95. 6Sep2005.

Borthwick Wairarapa Cabernet Merlot 2003 Densely coloured, pink rimmed, red black wine with lovely bright hues. Deep creamy oak aromas with a hint of choc over red berry fruit. Bright fruity flavours with fruit cake cherry and red fruit and blackcurrant on a creamy texture with smooth tannins, spicy oak and a lingering vanillin finish. A touch or chocolate emerges to linger and nicely balanced acidity adds flare to the finish. A frich, deep mouthfilling style driven by the cherry and plum fruit and the soft juicy tannins. 13% alc. $19.95. 1Feb2005.

Brookfields Ohiti Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Medium to full black cherry hues. Leathery aromas with musty overtones hinting of cork taint but there is some impressive fruit in the wine with good depth and weight. It just is marred by a salty bitterness and a leathery metallic aftertaste. 13% alc. $18.1Feb2005.

Crossroads Collectors Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003 A youthful crimson red colour and a ripe, rich aroma full of plum and classic blackcurrant cabernet fruit. Good fruit concentration in the palate with red fruit, cherry, tar and a vanillin overlay to the earthy full-bodied finish. But there's also a touch of stalkiness with acidity giving a flare to the finish. 12% alc. $38. 28Aug2005.

Gladstone Auld Alliance 2003 Deep black cherry red, earthy, smoky, herbal, slightly floral aromas with hints of tar and berry, quite savoury flavours with firm tannins, leather, tar, cigar and a hint of marmite on toast. Good vinosity throughout. Sweet fruit takes over the finish with berry infused spicy vanillin oak lingering. A dry Bordeaux style made from a blend of 42% Cab Sauv, 33% Merlot and 25% Cab Franc. 13% alc. 20Jan2005.
Medium to full with red black hues quite fine on the rims. Rich full appealing aromas or blackcurrant, blackberry and spicy oak. A big meaty wine, quite intense and deep with savoury fruit, grainy tannins and leathery herbal notes to the finish, which detract a little, and just the merest suggestion of mint. 13% alc. 1Feb2005.

Hatton Estate Carson's Cabernet Merlot 2003 Unbelievably purple black in colour with bright crimson rims. Voluptuous flavours and although the tannins are massive, the rich fruit tames them beautifully. Intense and concentrated with cigar, leather, currants and aromatic spicy cedary oak and a fulfilling lingering dry finish with a hint of chocolate on the aftertaste. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot matured in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak for 12 months. $25. 25Mar2005.

Hatton Estate Carson's Cabernets 2003 Smelling like a bucket of wild blackberries, it's a full-bodied wine but seemingly lighter with its scents of rosehips over the fruit but firm and leathery in the palate. Cabernet Franc makes up 85% of the blend. $25. 25Mar2005.

Hatton Estate Gimblett Road Reserve Cabernet Merlot Franc 2003 Inky black in colour with youthful purple rims. Concentrated fruit, leather and creamy oak aromas and powerful vanillin oak flavours. Rich and succulent with fine rich tannins, ripe plum and berry fruit, leather, tar, a touch of mint and fruitcake on the lingering, full-boded, spicy finish. A big oaky wine with a long life ahead of it. 13.5% alc. $28.95. 19Oct2005.

Matua Valley Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003 (sc) A light to medium weight, cherry hued summery style with mocha and berries on the nose. At first in the mouth it seemed a little spritzy, raspberry like moving then to more savoury fruit with tomato leaf herbal influences, soft tannins and lingering, slightly tart, tobacco like oak. 12% alc. $15.95. 1Feb2005.

Murdoch James Blue Rock Cabernet Franc 2003 Deep, vibrant boysenberry red with purple/violet edged rims and a rich, voluptuous aroma, reminiscent of a South Australian Shiraz with its slight pepperiness, liquorice and vanillin oak, but the flavours steer you in another direction. It's youthful, spicy and tarry with tobacco, leather, nutmeg, cedar, grunty tannins and a Bordeaux-like character to the finish where well-integrated cassis-like fruit is a highlight of the lingering aftertaste. Continuing on the impeccable form that the 2001 vintage set, this wine can only be described as excellent. 13.5% alc. $34.95.

Obsidian Weeping Sands Cabernet Merlot 2003 (sc) Deep red, quite bright and youthful. Smells smoky and robust and full of berries. A seemingly easy drinking full-bodied red with a creamy smooth palate, a touch of mocha and firm tannins, but it really needs food after the first glass. Great for BBQ or a more formal meal. 53% CS, 40% merlot, 7% Malbec. 12 mths in French oak, 50% new. 13.4% alc. $24. 10Nov2004.

Ransom Dark Summit 2003 - Matakana Deep, red black with a rich red garnet core. Beautifully fragrant and quite rich smelling with creamy oak and hints of violets then in the palate there is smoky, savoury oak, tobacco, concentrated blackcurrant fruit and an earthy richness with the Malbec component adding a lifted fragrance to the creamy, smoky finish. A big wine with well structured tannins still coming together, but drinking well, nevertheless. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, 20% Malbec. 12.5% alc. $35. 19Feb2006.

Ransom Mahurangi Cabernets 2003 - Matakana Dark garnet red, almost opaque in the core. A medium bodied style with soft tannins and a lightly viscous palate, there's an easy drinking appeal to the summer berry fruit and an oiliness to the finish. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc. 12% alc. $23. 19Feb2006.

Schubert Wairarapa Cabernet Merlot 2003 (c) Deep black red with a crimson hue. Smoky vanillin oak, fresh ripe blackberries and beef stock on the nose. Full-bodied and fine textured with flavours of blackberries, cassis, cherry jam, dried herbs, a suggestion of menthol and underlying tobacco - the fruit is lifted and the underlying acidity is in no way pointy - just smooth, rounded and totally delicious. Cedary oak lingers on the finish with chocolate and mocha making an appearance as well. 14.5% alc. $40.00. 21Jul2007.

Soljans Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2003 (sc) Ripe blackberries and cherry jam on the nose lead into a dry, earthy, grainy palate with a cardboard texture, but it fills out to be dark and savoury with black pepper, liquorice and an earthy, smokiness to the milky finish. Made from 'North Island' grapes, this is savoury rather than fruity and just a little one dimensional.. 12.5% alc. $18.95. 17Mar2006.

Squawking Magpie Gimblett Gravels The Cabernets 2003 Dark, dense and earthy with an oily texture and cow pats in the herb garden. Grainy tannins, currant-like fruit and a juicy succulence emerging as the wine opens up. Smoky, cigar box characters linger on the finish. 13% alc. $37.95. 19Oct2005.

Stonecroft Crofters VII 53% Young old vine Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% young vine Syrah. Medium weight in colour with aromas of dried roses and spice aroma. Light, dry and savoury, it seems quite tart at first but the finish is more weighty, rich and vinous with cherry and plum fruit, savoury oak and a peppery spiciness lingering. Best with food. Diam closure. $19. 24Feb2005.

Stony Batter Waiheke Island Roadworks Cabernets 2003 Fading colour but a good, intense nose. There's some development to the wine, apparent in its colour and flavour. The fruit is still primary, however, with spicy cedary oak, grainy tannins, good vinous complexity and mouthfeel, and a savoury aftertaste. Drinking well now. A blend of 88% Cab Franc, 10% CS and 2% Syrah. 12% alc. $35. 28Aug2005.

Te Mata Woodthorpe Cabernet Merlot 2003 32% Merlot, 28% Cab Sauv, 24% Cab Franc and 16% Petit Verdot. There's a slightly greenish tinge to the aroma and savoury, slightly earthy flavours with dry leathery tannins first up. Get past that to let the vinosity seduce the palate while sweet fruit and a musky, rose petal fragrance emerge. Liquorice and cigar linger on the finish. $13.5% alc. $22. 12Apr2005.

Te Mata Coleraine 2003 50% Cab Sauv and 50% Merlot. Good depth of colour with an inky red black core and nice gradation of colour to the rims. There's an attractive intensity to the aroma and flavour with huge tannins, hallmark cedary oak, a wonderful threshold of cassis, cherry and plum fruit and a bright finish with winemaking flavours - oak, earth, sweet leather and herbs taking over the finish. It has the concentration, the intensity, the depth of pure fruit, the savouriness, the silkiness of the tannins and the overall balance. Hold and start drinking in 2007. 13.5% alc. $59.95. 12Apr2005.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003 (sc) Deep pinky-red. Youthful, spicy oak aromas and sweet fruit flavours with firm, dry, grainy tannins and savoury cedary oak, a touch of mint on the finish and an earthy aftertaste with sweet oak and ripe fruit lingering. Promises much on the nose but needs rare meat to cut through the tannins at this stage. 13.5% alc. $23.95. 4Jun2005.
At first it smells leathery and tight with dry tannins but swirl it to release the fragrant wild berry fruit and vanillin oak scents. In the palate there's plummy fruit, a touch of herb and sweet vanillin oak with a creaminess coming through as it lingers, but with the tight, grippy tannins it really needs the right food to cut through them. 13% alc. $23.95. 30Oct2005.

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Twyford Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (sc) A big wine, aromatic scented with red and blackcurrant fruit, a hint of leather, vanilla, spice, savoury oak and form tannins- quite intense and concentrated with lots of potential. $55.00. 6Sep2005.

Alpha Domus The Aviator 2002 - Hawkes Bay Almost inky. Savoury aromas and savoury flavours with juicy currants providing succulence. Well-structured with velvety tannins, and a deep richness. There's almost a saltiness too, perhaps just a hint of rosemary and a spicy aftertaste with a leathery component. I will enjoy this with roast lamb. 14% alc. $49.95. 4Jun2005.
Deep red-black in colour. Intense, concentrated aromas of ribena, leather and cigar box lead into a richly concentrated, powerful palate with a ton of sweet fruit, spicy red fruits, cedary oak, good acidity and a smoky leathery finish. A powerful, opulent wine with lot's going on and it could evolve well although there is an undertone of Brettanomyces that could mar its development. A blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 18% Malbec. 14% alc. $49.95. 11Jun2006.

Brick Bay Pharos 2002 Deep garnet red with flashes of black. Ripe fruit and creamy oak aromas with the sweetness of mint and the allure of cacao. A very appealing mouthfilling wine sweet vanillin oak and liquid black forest chocolate merging into juicy berry fruit with a deep earthy intrigue and cigar box on the long full finish. A robust, mouthfilling style with a core of succulently ripe crushed boysenberries and other berry fruit that is beautifully balanced to the cedary French oak. Lots of appeal. 42.5% Cab Sauv, 21% Malbec, 19.5% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% alc. $29. 1Feb2005.

Brookfields Gold Label Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002 Rather intriguing aromas of mocha, spice and cedary oak lead into a dense savoury wine with a fine tannin structure and good acidity. Waves of flavour bring surges of savoury fruit, spicy French oak, mocha and chocolate with leather on the finish and cigar box on the aftertaste. There's a hint of mint too. A thinking wine with lots going on. Impressive. 14% alc. $50. 1Feb2005.

Burrow Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002 Grown by Paul Mitchell on his Rabbit Ridge Vineyard at Waimauku near Kumeu and made at the Matua Valley winery nearby. A deep inky crimson colour with cedary oak and heady fruit aromas on the nose, then in the palate spicy oak and voluminous amounts of berry fruit and currants supported by sweet creamy tannins. The finish is long and smooth and liquorice and black berry flavours linger. A very smart wine and proves that in the right conditions Auckland is absolutely superb. 12.5% alc. Cork. 31Mar2004.

Canadoro Martinborough Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Youthful red, fairly dense, strawberries and vanillin oak on the nose, savoury, a little mint, a touch of pepper on the l on berry-filled finish, there's plenty of potential in this wine but just a little youthful right now. 8Dec2003.

Castle Cliffs Marlborough Cabernet Merlot 2002 (sc) Sweet vanillin oak and cherry ripe on the nose. Grainy tannins, lots of mint, a bit of charcoal, sweet fruit - lots in there but somewhat disintegrated at the moment. Bright red fruits linger on the finish and the aftertaste is creamy and succulent. 13.5% alc. $18. 4Jun2005.

Crab Farm Hawkes Bay Cabernets 2002 (sc) Inky, black-red with crimson rims. Rich and succulent with creamy oak, firm tannins, berry fruit, spices and a fruit cake richness to the finish. Nicely structured with lots of appeal. 45% CS, 35% CF, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec. 14% alc. $25. 4Jun2005.

Kennedy Point Waiheke Island Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc making up the blend. A fruit driven medium-bodied style, it’s very fragrant with violets, rose petal and delicate spice, cherry and just a touch of chocolate. Lovely integration of tannins, not too leather, creamy texture with a very good finish. Tasted from barrel. $30. 26Sep2003.

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Franc 2002 Deeply coloured with purple rims, immensely fragrant with rich winey scents, creamy oak, juicy red berries, blueberries, prunes and violets. The grainy tannins and smoky, leathery characters of the wine dominate the palate at this stage of its life but the fleshy red berry fruit flavours balance them somewhat. There's bright acidity, a touch of tobacco and pepper in this very youthful wine that needs to develop or have with food at this stage. ****. 14% alc. $39.95. 30Jun2004.

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2002 Deeply coloured with purple rims, more delicately scented than the Mills Reef Cabernet Franc 2002 with less intrusive oak and more essence of cassis, the fruit is concentrated and powerful. The oak comes through in the palate with earthy grainy tannins, leather, plum, tobacco and cigar, a wine of great power yet still has the delicacy to show off its lovely red fruit and fascinating nuances of rose petal. With lovely fruit sweetness on the finish and lingering creamy oak and liquorice, this wine is showing beautifully now but clearly has the goods to evolve even further. *****. 14% alc. $39.95. 30Jun2004.

Mills Reef Elspeth One 2002 a wine of fragrance and concentrated fruit with tannins that are nicely settled and oak that is nicely balanced. A powerful blended wine with a winey richness, leather, chocolate, thick grainy tannins, a hint of pepper and excellent berry and plum fruit with a liquorice complexity. from the wonderful 2002 vintage. I would just like to see it with a little more age, it certainly has the pedigree to blossom in the cellar. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah. 14% $49.95. 30Jun2004.

Mudbrick Waiheke Island Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Syrah 2002 You can smell the Malbec in this terrifically coloured purple red wine - it smells intense and intriguing with chocolate, violets, cassis and leather and taste of berries ranging from strawberry through cherry, through plum through blackberry. It's soft and user-friendly with a terrific ripe tannin structure, underlying but subtle leather, a spicy oak backbone and a peppery finish. The 76% cabernet component comes from Shepherds Pint while the 12% Malbec and 12% Syrah comes from Church Bay. Try it with juicy field mushrooms wrapped in a phyllo pastry tart. A soft, forward, 'drink me' wine. 13Oct2003.

Mudbrick Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2002 Sweet vanillin oak on the first whiff then inhale more deeply to find cedar, leather, plum and chocolate liqueur. It's quite chocolatey in the palate too with velvety tannins and a wonderfully concentrated fruit structure and a spicy savouriness that gives lots of interest to the finish. Good colour again, perhaps with more red than purple than its stable mate that has Malbec and Syrah, this is a 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot blend from Mudbrick's Church Bay vineyard. 13Oct2002.

Newton Forrest Gimblett Road Cornerstone Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2002 (sc) Shiny black with red hues, a massive wine in the mouth, fleshy and creamy with up front succulent redcurrant flavours joined by dark smoky oak, tobacco, prunes and blackcurrants with spicy grainy tannins, a brooding wine that needs time but match to the right food and it will unfold layer by layer. 35% CS, 34% Merlot, 31% Malbec. 14.5% alc. $39.95. 19Jun2004.
Intensely coloured blackish purple, youthful, bready, wonderfully concentrated ripe fruit, liquorice, chocolate, cigar and a lifted, spicy, slightly peppery finish. Very tight in its structure, quite brooding at this stage of its life with fruit sweetness on finish. A blend of 35% Cab Sauv, 34% Merlot and 31% Malbec. 14.5% alc. $39.95. 7Jul2004.
Inky red black with creamy vanillin oak, sweet fruit, aromatic spices, a touch of liquorice, firm velvety tannins, chocolate, cherry, violets and brambly fruit. Good acidity, bright throughout and a deliciously long, sweet-fruited finish, there are some powerful tannins in this wine but the seem almost smooth and rounded after the muscular Craggy Range. 14.5% alc. $39.95. 15Sep2004.
Shining red black with rich scents of smoky bacon and red berries, this voluptuously flavoured, super ripe wine has considerable depth and flavour. Biscuity savoury creamy oak, chocolate and mocha, juicy plums, blueberries and currants, huge tannins, lots of spice, good acidity, liquorice on the finish and lingering red fruits, it is fantastically balanced throughout. 14% alc. $39.95. 27Oct2004.
This is still so youthful looking with its inky red black colour and purple-red rims. It’s a super ripe wine with alluring sweet oak aromas and voluptuous flavours of creamy oak, blackcurrants, blackberries, liquorice and leather with an earthy richness coming from the Malbec component. The tannins are stull huge but they have integrated beautifully since last tasted and the wine flows seamlessly across the mouth. 14% alc. $39.95. 23Nov2005.
Deep purple red, intense and vibrant, so youthful looking for its age. With rich, deep fruited, cedary scents, it's tarry in the palate, perhaps heading towards porty, with rich, sweet fruit full of chocolate and cherries with liquorice intensity, fruit cake spices, mocha, cedar, grunty tannins and an incredibly long, mouth-coating, succulent, flavoursome finish. 14.5% alc. $39.99. 13Sep2006.

Obsidian Weeping Sands Waiheke Island Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Juicy yet robust with the typical blackcurrant (ribena) of cabernet and creamy oak in the background, it is an ideal choice for the traditional winter roast. 100% Cabernet Sauvignognon matrued in American and French oak. 12% alc. $24. 27May2004.

Passage Rock Waiheke Island 'The Sisters' 2002 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this early drinking style show firm tannins, plummy fruit, and leather at first buts opens up to a full-bodied, ultra-juicy, fruity wine with blackberry, plum, redcurrants and cherry. $25. 26Sep2003.

Ransom Dark Summit 2002 - Matakana A firmly structured, deeply coloured red with ripe plummy fruit joined by brambly berries and cherries, creamy oak, mint, spice, tobacco and just a touch of tar. The robust tannins are smooth and although the wine seems approachable, it's a good cellaring prospect too. Made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, it is the star of the Ransom range. $35. Feb2004.

Schubert Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 A little closed on the nose at first but soon opens up to emit floral aromas with juicy berry fruit and rose petals. Rich red briar fruit in the palate with sweetish vanillin oak, velvety tannins and a long delicious finish. Think of a juicy wild blackberry protected by the prickles of the vine, a wonderful core of voluptuous fruit protected by a shroud of silky tannins and sweet spicy vanillin oak. The aftertaste is just gorgeous and the mouthfilling wine lingers so beautifully. Top wine of tasting. 14.5% alc. $45. 1Feb2005.

Schubert Wairarapa Cabernet Merlot 2002 Spicy, lifted, fresh and bright with creamy vanillin oak, some chocolate, a slight herbal edge – which if it is Cabernet is OK. Quite oak dominated with a meaty finish. 14% alc. $38. 1Feb2005.

Squawking Magpie Gimblett Gravels 'The Cabernets' 2002 - Hawkes Bay Deep black-red, there's iodine and cassis on the nose together with smoky, earthy, herbal notes. It's a densely concentrated, richly tannic, oaky wine with leather and tar, the leathery, earthy, plummy Merlot characters seem quite dominant at first before the blackcurrant fruit comes forth. There's a touch of burnt tobacco on the smoky leathery finish. A good wine that needs to evolve. $41.95. 9Jul2003.

Stonecroft Crofters VI A multi-grape, multi-vintage blend with 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 14% Syrah. The backbone of the wine is 2002 but some of the Syrah is from 2003. Garnet red in colour with good depth, it's fairly closed on the nose, revealing only aromas of leather and prunes. In the palate it seems a bit lean, green and leathery to me, some acid points but also some raisin characters as well. The finish is spicy and lifted with a warm cedar and musky oak influence. 13.5% alc. $19. 29Feb2004.

Stonyridge Larose Waiheke Island Cabernets 2002 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this a vibrantly coloured inky red, concentrated with ripe and powerful tannins, sweet fruit, nutmeg, cherry, cassis, plum and smoke. It's got fantastic structure and is so gorgeous, you want to drink it now. It gets a concentrated liquorice mocha character with that fragrant purple fruited, leathery, earthy and chocolatey Malbec kicking in on the end. Great wine, lives up to its reputation.11Nov2003.

Te Awa Longlands Cabernet Merlot 2002 More of a European style with a lovely French oak influence. Cherry, plum, leather, cigar, sweet charry oak and rose petals with firm velvety tannins and a long fulfilling finish. A touch of mocha/chocolate emerges to linger with fruitcake cherries. A wine to evolve. 76% CS, 16% Merlot, 8% CF. $18.95. 1Feb2005.
Dense black-red in colour with an earthy, tarry, smoky savoury aroma, grippy biscuity tannins, jammy red fruits, lots and lots of tar, bitumen, leather and smoke and a dry finish. Very European in style. Hawke's Bay, 13% alc. $14.95. 10Aug2005.

Te Mata Awatea 2002 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot. Deep blackcurrant red in colour, not totally opaque and a little lighter than I expected from the vintage. Smoky on the nose with fragrant spices, leather, cedar, cherry, plum and blackcurrant, as it sits in the glass it becomes even more fragrant. The lifted upfront blackcurrant character of Cabernet Sauvignon flows into a soft and creamy, slightly smoky mouthful with a touch of spice, leathery and earth, plum and blueberry linger. Not as voluptuous as I was expecting but overall a beautifully structured harmonious wine that will be of great appeal to those who do not want a blockbuster. 14% alc. $33. 24Feb2004.

Trinity Hill Reserve Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (c) Deep black red with a fine textured appearance. It's showing some bottle developed characters on the nose with a biscuity, savoury, tar, dried herb and salty leather aroma. Black fruited and chocolatey to the taste thick grainy tannins, leather and tar, it is still very tightly structured although a lovely floral, cherry sweetness comes through on the lingering smoky finish. It really needs a big glass and a decanter. Look and tastes younger than it is. 18 months in French oak. 14% alc. $31.99. 11Jul2007.

Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot 2002 (sc) Deep and inky with a black-red core. Smoky oak, plum and cassis on the nose, creamy in the palate with spicy oak, grippy tannins, chocolate and juicy fully ripe berries. Beautifully structured with a concentrated meaty richness and a long creamy berry and smoky oak finish. A stunning vintage in Hawkes Bay and this is the result. 14.5% alc. $42.95. 16Mar2005.