Askerne Merlot Malbec Cab Sav Hawke's Bay 2020

4 Stars Michael Cooper

4 1/2 Stars Wine Orbit

92 Pts Cameron Douglas MS

A blend of 43% Merlot, 29% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc

An aromatic scented nose of savoury plum spice, dark berry fruit, vanilla, mocha and warm toasted oak notes. The palate is rich and full, layered with concentrated berry and plum fruit, fine tannin structure and a long juicy finish.

It is rare we see a 4 (nearly 5) years old wine on the market, from a great Hawkes Bay year vintage. Most wines at this price are onto their 2022 vintage releases.

92 Points Premium Cam Douglas
“An enticing bouquet of ripe red berry fruits, plums and chocolate. Plenty of weight and intensity on the palate, a dry wine with firm tannins and medium+ acid line. Flavours of boysenberry and Doris plum, some black berry and summer berry pudding flavours. Firmish, new and ripe tannins add mouthfeel and texture to a ripe fruited core. The chocolate suggestion continues adding to a taut yet vibrant finish. Well made, youthful and needing some development time. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029+.” Cam Douglas July 2023

Elsewhere up to $28.99