2021 Awatea Cabernet-Merlot
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Awatea Cabernets Merlot is dusty and chalky aromatically, with lavender and crushed rocks, pouch tobacco and a sheet or two of nori. The wine feels fleshy despite that, and this brings a pleasurable see-saw of savory and succulent. This is an excellent wine and perfumed to the extreme.
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Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Awatea blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc. It is young and intense with masses of headstrong fruit: brooding cassis and dark chocolate provide some of the mille feuille-like layers in this wine, along with bright lifted green herbal notes and violets. What's most attractive about this wine is its texture and persistence from both its freshness and the shape of the tannins. It has a lengthy savory finish that's all mocha and black tea. Great value for money - this is an elegant, sophisticated wine that will best be drunk over the medium to long term.