• French oak
• Blackberries
• Spices
• Grainy tannins

"Deep, ruby-purple with a black core, lighter purple on the rim. The nose is youthful and full, packed with aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis and red plums melded with an amalgam of spices with a hint of meatiness. Medium-full bodied, bright aromas of succulent red plums, cassis and blackberries have a taut core enriched by toasty oak and Asian spice mix. The palate has a firm structure, contributed by grainy tannin extraction. Juicy acidity provides brightness and a refreshing drive to a moderate finish. This is a Merlot Cabernet blend with succulent fruit and spices on a firm structure with a lively acid drive. Match with barbeque meat and charred steak over the next 2-3 years" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, Se 2021

"Sweetly ripe and perfumed with Black Doris plum, thyme, hazelnut and warm spice characters, it's succulent and supple on the palate displaying excellent fruit intensity and rounded mouthfeel. Plump and flavoursome with a lengthy silky finish" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Sep 2021

An exciting new addition to the Black Cottage range, from New Zealand's premium red wine region. The grapes for this Merlot Cabernet were hand harvested predominantly from the Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay. The wine was matured in 100% French oak barrels, 20% new, for 12 months.