2016 Unison Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Brand	Unison
Region	Hawkes Bay
Varietal	Cabernet Merlot
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.0%
Vintage	2016
Country	New Zealand
Vegetarian

Unison Selection is regarded as one of NZ's top Bordeaux blends from the famous Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay. Consistently lauded year after year by both local and international critics, the wine has been steadily improving upon its superstar status with each passing vintage, and this is fully down to winemaker Jenny Dobson. Jenny spent nearly 20 years refining her skills in Burgundy and Bordeaux, before making the move back to New Zealand in the late 1990s to be head winemaker at Te Awa Estate, another famous Gimblett Gravels producer. Since leaving there and taking up the winemaking position at Unison, she has firmly established the quality of the wines of Unison and her own reputation. Using traditional winemaking techniques, including basket pressing and meticulously stringent blending sessions, only the finest parcels of fruit ever make it into the Unison Selection, which is, without doubt, one of the best Bordeaux blends made in New Zealand.

Incredibly complex, with aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, cassis, wet stone, and touches of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. Each whiff reveals something new in the glass, an exciting prelude to what it tastes like!

Impressively weighted with a tannin structure that is out of this world. Layers of ripe dark fruits, with plenty of dried herbs, savouriness, and touches of minerality. It is absolutely gorgeous, with the softest mouthfeel imaginable, and a finish that just goes on and on. Pair this in its youth with a vintage cheddar or aged Manchego, however, if you have the patience, this wine will develop incredibly well for the next 10-12 years.