John Forrest Collection Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
In 1988 I bought a piece of wasteland in Hawke’s Bay, deliberately choosing a site at the stoniest, hottest, western end of Gimblett Road on Class 1a river gravels, because I was looking for a special place where warm climate red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah would fully ripen. My business partner, Bob Newton and I learned how to grow grape vines in gravel as we went along, pioneering many of the viticultural practices that are now the norm in the region. Time has proven my instinct about Gimblett Gravels right. The Cornerstone Vineyard lies at the heart of the ‘Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District’, a trademark created in 2001 by local winegrowers based on defined soil types. This very limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of these special soils.
Tasting Notes
Gimblett Gravels lies in an abandoned riverbed, where the vines struggle to survive among the stones producing only a few bunches of deeply coloured, intensely flavoured grapes. This wine is concentrated in every way; from its deep red colour to the aromas of cassis, coffee, liquorice and pink peppercorns. The palate offers an intense experience of ripe, black fruits with spice and a touch of savouriness. Rich and weighty, this is a tremendous example of pure Gimblett Gravels Cabernet at its best. |
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