• French oak
• Dark cherry
• Subtle spice
• Rich & flavoursome

A name synonymous with leadership in wine, Sir George Fistonich has a history of success but has always operated with an eye on the future. In 2021 Sir George, not content with retiring, founded Fistonich Family Vineyards to continue his love of viticulture, winemaking and developing future talent.

These wines are a selection of the first wines released under Fistonich Family Vineyards.

"Offering great drinkability, this medium-bodied red is fresh and energetic, with blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours. It shows considerable complexity, and has very good depth and harmony" Michael Cooper, Nov 2023

This wine was made with the idea of an early release without sacrificing complexity. Indulge in the rich flavours of this Cabernet Sauvignon blend, where dark cherry and chocolate notes take centre stage with layers of ripe fruit and a touch of spice. 

Cornerstone Vineyard – Gimblett Gravels  (100%). Like all vineyards on the Gimblett Gravels, the vines sit on free-draining soils – dubbed Omahu soils - left over from the 1867 flooding of the Ngaruroro River. The wines produced from this area are rich in complexity and flavours.  The Cornerstone vineyard is the jewel in the crown (well we think so) producing wines of such exquisite structure and longevity.

2022 was a complicated vintage therefore winemakers and viticulturists drew from their years of experience working closely with one another, watching the weather forecasts continuously throughout the day,  to ensure picking scheduling was exact, maximising the sun and balancing with the fruit ripening.

Fifty percent of the wines were fermented naturally which added to the complexity of the palate structure. All wines were aerated at the beginning of their ferments to ensure robust yeast populations before they went into their anaerobic stage.  Once dry the wines were pressed off and racked into barrel where they underwent natural malolactic fermentation in Spring. Just prior to the new harvest, the wines were blended and bottled.

Food Pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like grilled steak or rich pasta. To be enjoyed immediately and for several years, this wine will hold its own amongst older relatives.