Grape Variety: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 22% Malbec

Growing Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Head Winemaker: Kate Radburnd

TASTING NOTE:
In 2007 - Hawke's Bay experienced favourable growing conditions throughout most of the growing season. They enjoyed a fine, warm Indian summer where selected bunches achieved what Kate describes as ultimate fruit maturity. Both yield and quality of the fruit was exceptional making the 2007 vintage for Pask a stand out.

The 3 different grape varieties used in this blend were harvested separately from their Gimblett Road vineyards and de-stemmed with minimal crushing and transferred into closed fermenters. Each parcel of fruit went through a slow, warm fermentation on skins extracting maximum colour, aroma and flavour profile. The wine then aged for 18 months in new French and American oak barriques for further palate development.

In the glass you have a deep red colour, thinning now with age towards the edges. The wine has a good aroma of dark berry fruits and a spiced, baked fruitcake note. On the palate new layers reveal subtle earthy notes combine with tobacco characters and the heart of rich berry flavours. The spicy notes from the nose carry through mixed with oak and cassis characters all supported nicely by fine tannins, giving the wine backbone and balance. Decant for 30-45 minutes and serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming season; and also over the next 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with roast beef, seasoned steak, bbq'd meats and hard cheeses, enjoy.

An approachable, full flavoured red wine.