Misty Cove Landmark Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc 2024

Description

Blackberry, Chocolate, Oak

"Beautifully composed and styled, the wine shows blackcurrant, ripe plum, thyme, game, and toasted almond notes on the nose. It's succulent and supple in the mouth, delivering excellent weight and silky flow, splendidly structured by fine, chalky tannins that make it harmonious and sturdy. At its best: now to 2030" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2025

"Dark purple and ruby core with a pink rim leads to a bouquet of ripe plum and dark berries, boysenberry and spice. Dry, fruity, lots of weight and richness with flavours of dark berries and sweet chocolate, a mix of fruit space and earth-smoke form baked soil to stone. There’s a layer of black olive and soft green herb expressions. Well made, fresh and very youthful with persistent flavours and decent length. Best from late 2026, even early 2027 through 2031+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jul 2025

The 2024 Landmark Merlot Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of dark plum, blackberry, and dried herbs, layered with subtle notes of cocoa and cedar. Rich and expressive on the palate, it shows ripe blackcurrant and juicy red cherry with hints of tobacco and graphite. Fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity provide structure and elegance, while a gentle oak influence adds depth and finesse. This is a wine with generosity, polish, and plenty of cellaring potential.

Our Landmark Series is a nod to classic winemaking traditions, sprinkled with Misty’s distinctive edge. This single-vineyard wine is grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and reflects the power and poise of one of Hawke’s Bay’s finest terroirs. 

The 2024 vintage in Hawke’s Bay delivered optimal ripening conditions, with a long, warm summer and cool nights preserving natural acidity. The Fruit was harvested from selected blocks and fermented in small batches to capture varietal intensity and structure. Post-fermentation maceration enhanced tannin integration and complexity. The final blend — 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc — spent 12 months maturing in a mix of 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak, with only the best barrels selected for the final blend, showcasing the elegance and power of the region’s red wine pedigree.

Food Pairing: This bold and savoury blend pairs beautifully with grilled steak, rosemary
lamb chops, or slow-cooked beef brisket. For something a bit more adventurous, try it with charred eggplant, smoked mushrooms, or a classic ratatouille to bring out its herbal and earthy side.