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| 24 July 2009 |
Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot |
Hawkes Bay - best know for it Cabertnet/Merlot blends also known as Bordeaux blends or Claret
Napier and Hasting and Gimblett Gravels
Warmer climate than Marlborough or Waipara so Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot ripen easier here these varieties also prefer the stony well drained sites in the bay while Sauvignon Blanc prefers the more clay rich soils of Marlborough
When ripe Cabernet sauvignon should be blackcurrant like in colour and smell when under ripe it can get a bit green and stalky sometimes described as smoke or ash Cabernet Sauvignon will also be higher in tannin than Merlot which adds structure and backbone to the wine
Merlot is softer and more plummy in fruit character than Cabernet as well as more fleshy it tends to ripen a week or two earlier than Cabernet
To me these two grape varieties are best blended together
Two recommendations
Mission Estate Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2007 $25.00
Mills Reef Cabernet/Merlot 2007 $25.00 |
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