2014 Te Mata Awatea Cabernets Merlot 375ml, Hawkes Bay

Bullnose ’14 is opulent, lush and perfectly balanced. A deep, vibrant purple, Te Mata Bullnose ’14 rolls out of the glass in waves of mocha, oriental spice, plum and dark, dark cherry. Lavishly textured with concentrated layers of raspberry and blackcurrant. Elegant, faultless, a wine of great finesse - is the perfect celebration of a quarter century of Bullnose Syrah. Drink it now to 2023. 95 pts – Bob Campbell A dense, classy Syrah with violet, pepper, liquorice and dark berry flavours. Elegant wine with nice acidity and plenty of energy. It has a backbone of ripe tannins that promise good ageing potential. A slightly more edgy Syrah than the usual offerings from Hawke’s Bay and all the better for it. 13.5%/$55/2023; Tasted 6/2/2016