2014 Te Mata Awatea Cabernets Merlot, Hawkes Bay

Awatea takes its name from the historic ship SS Awatea (a Maori word meaning ‘Eye of the Dawn’) that sailed the Auckland – Sydney – Wellington route in the late 1930s. The Awatea was requisitioned as a troop transport in WWII and was sunk off Algeria in 1942. A deep, midnight red - Awatea ’14 is a precious jewel. Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and red fruit unfurl from a voluptuous, brambly palate. Layers of cocoa-cherry spice and flicks of cedar and rosemary reflect the texture, concentration and charm of an incredible 2014 Hawke’s Bay vintage. Stylish, expressive, coastal cabernet, Awatea ’14 is a wine to treasure. The final blend is 45% cabernet sauvignon 33% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 8% petit verdot. Drink now to 2021; 13.5%.