• French oak
• Dark berries
• Baking spices
• Silky tannins

"Rich, weighty red with blackcurrant, cedar, black olive, dark chocolate, mocha, cassis, and bottle development characters including forest floor and earth. Ripe wine that is drinking well now but has further development potential" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Apr 2024

"The 2020 vintage delivered many delicious wines including this Cabernet from the Mills Reef Winery - its aromas include black cherry and black berry, there’s dark roasted plum and notes of baking spices from clove to licorice and vanilla then scents of sweet toasty barrel and violets. Dry, textured and youthful on the palate with a core of dark fruit flavours that reflect the  bouquet, firm ripe tannins and plenty of acidity for power, longevity and to carry the myriad flavours. Well made, dry and ready to drink. It is also a wine that can develop some more if cellared. Ideal drinking from late 2023 through 2029" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jun 2020

This opulent Cabernet Sauvignon, with its dark brooding presence, exudes distinctive blackcurrant character, laced with aniseed and mocha. Silky smooth tannins and ageing in quality oak contribute poise, structure and length. A distinguished wine, it is eminently enjoyable now or to greatly reward cellaring.

The grapes for this generous single vineyard wine were exclusively sourced from low yielding vines in the prestigious Gimblett Gravel region of Hawkes Bay. The 2020 growing season experienced ideal weather conditions, steady hot days and moderate-cool nights allowed for perfect ripening conditions for harvesting in excellent condition and flavour profile.

The grapes were gently crushed, allowing some whole berries to remain intact, with the resulting must then transferred into open-top fermenters for a 4-day cold soak. With a specific selected yeast and partial natural yeast allowed fermentation to proceed. A daily air rummage of the cap for colour, flavour and fine tannin extraction occurred. This was followed by an extended post ferment soak before being sent to French oak barrels (35% new) for 26 months.

The fine blend has resulted in a wine with perfect balance and harmony. A gentle fining and filtration preceded bottling on the 6th of September 2022.