Cameron Douglas: Mission Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2024

Mission Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2024, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, RRP from $25.00   The wine:   A classic Hawkes Bay red blend with the power of Cabernet framing the softness of Merlot. Flavours of blackberry and tobacco, Doris plum, Kalamata olive, and dried herb, with some smoky wood muscle. Dry, lots of texture from tannins and acidity framing a core of dark berries and plum. It’s fresh, it’s new, and ready to drink today or lay down for another 1-2 years.   The Food:   A wine for casseroles or leaner meats, excellent for lamb lollypops or a home-made shepherd's pie. This style of wine has the power to stand up to a medium-rare steak as well as the softness for sweeter red meats such as lamb or venison.   The season:   2024 has proven to be an excellent year for red wines from Hawke’s Bay, and frankly from throughout NZ. Lots of dry warm days when it was needed and a cooling diurnal shift in the evenings. Releasing the wines now demonstrates the power and concentration of such wines that need more time in cellar, the wine producer’s cellar before release.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.