Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay 2017

Smoke and dark berries, tobacco and dark plums, olive, hay, violets and vanilla. Q quietly bold and full-bodied wine on the palate with plenty of sweet oak flavours and tannins to match. The fruit flavours are strong with dark berries and plums then baked goods and cigar box. Dry lengthy finish, complex and intriguing. A wine for the cellar – those tannins need taming, but the fruit and acidity with lead the way if you’re prepared to wait. Best drinking from 2022 through 2030.

95 Points