Cuvar Iris Merlot Cabernet Franc 2022

Cameron Douglas MS writes "A captivating bouquet of dark berries, baking spices, dried herbs and olives. Flavours of roasted plums and kalamata olives, sweet spices of barrel and gently warming alcohol lead to a palate of texture and layers of fruit flavours, spices of wood and firmness of tannins and acidity. With each subsequent sip the wine gains some concentration and builds on the foundation of ripe fruit, judicious use of wood and youthfulness of acidity."

David Walker Bell writes "A single-vineyard red from the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay. A deep garnet red in the glass. Perfumed with plum, mulberry, black cherry, redcurrant, smoked olives, vanilla and cashew nut. Each varietal adding its own touch – Merlot leads with ripe berries, medicinal and herbal notes, and the Franc adds a green and savoury backdrop. Mid-weight, oak lends a warmth and depth, whilst the lively acidity amplifies the fruit and keeps things moving. A swathe of tannin is firm, but well-aligned. A good example of a wine released ready for instant enjoyment."

Candice Chow writes "Deep ruby-red with a purple tinge, slightly lighter on the rim. This has an alluring bouquet, with gently expressed aromas of cassis, cherry, blackcurrant leaf, cedar and an amalgam of spice. Full-bodied, aromas of cassis and dark cherry are pure, unfolding black currant leaf, cedar, clove, star anise and dark minerals. The fruit has freshness and excellent acid balance; fine-grained, firm tannins frame the ripe fruit and layer with cedar and spices, carrying a fine, long finish. Match with roasted lamb and beef steak over the next 5+ years. Fruit from Cornerstone vineyard in Gimmlett Gravels, handpicked, destemmed, fermented in stainless steel to 13% alc, aged 14 months in French oak barriques."

Michael Cooper writes "Already highly enjoyable, this single vineyard red from the Gimblett Gravels is mouth-filling, with fresh plum and red berry flavours showing excellent depth, gently spicy, nutty notes adding complexity, and ripe supple tannins. It’s a top example of the drink-young style."

The winery writes "In our Iris blend, the Merlot sets up the palate with ripeness and structure while the Cabernet Franc brings its sweet dried basil notes to create our deliciously good medium-bodied red."