Coopers Creek Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot

You might know Coopers Creek as the winery based out in Auckland’s western suburb of Kumeu. They actually have vineyards dotted all around NZ and their “SV” (it stands for Select Vineyard) range showcases grape varieties from the parts of NZ they grow best.

Right here you’re looking at their SV Cabernet Merlot blend from the world famous Gimblett Gravels down there in Hawke’s Bay. This region has put itself on the world wine map for producing some seriously good Bordeaux style reds and this label has delivered the goods time and time again.

Scoring 4 1/2 Stars with Michael Cooper who said “The 2016 vintage (4.5*) was blended from almost equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A full-coloured, youthful red, with good substance, it is mouthfilling, vibrantly fruity and firmly structured, with strong, ripe blackcurrant, berry, plum and spice flavours. Open 2021+.”

A medium bodied, dry red full of sweet, dark berry fruits. It’s good to go now could be tucked away in the cellar up until around 2025. Well suited to game and red meat dishes as well as a hearty pasta.