Babich – The Patriarch 2013 – Gimblett gravels – Hawke’s Bay – New Zealand

(Cabernet Sauvignon 49%, Malbec 27% and Merlot  24%) The nose is fruity, elegant and relatively fine. It reveals notes of blackberry, blueberry and slight notes of cassis associated with slight notes of violet, a hint of red fruit, a discreet note of saline minerality as well as a hint of sweet spice and a discreet woody touch. The palate is fruity, fluid, velvety, well-balanced, mineral, racy, relatively fat and quite elegant. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, cassis and plum associated with discreet notes of red fruit (strawberry, small berries, a hint of cherry), a small note of salinity, rocky minerality, sweet spices as well as discreet woody notes and a slight / discreet hint of vanilla. Tannins are fine and supple. Good length and aromatic persistence. A harmonious wine.