WTN: A pretty decent NZ Bx blend

Coopers Creek Cabernet-Merlot Select Vineyards 2005 - New Zealand, North Island, Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels

18,49€; 13% abv; 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Dark red. Quite a nice, loamy aroma. The oak, though it sees 12-15 months in 60% new French oak, seems to be integrating quite well (though I would like it even less in the background), but it doesn't hide the dark toned, earthy, cassis aromas of the classic Bordeaux blend. Ripe fruit, moderately full bodied, nicely upright tannins and refreshing acidity. Since it is under Stelvin, the only thing wrong I can find is that the oak is still to my tastes too obvious. I think a couple more years, and I would find this a very pretty little wine.

Alpha Domus makes two very nice Bdx Blends from the same area, Navigator, and a reserve (more Cab) called Aviator. I've only had the Navigator (seems like 2001 or 2002) and it was 90-91 points. Alcohol was 12.5%. A most impressive effort. Don't see it around here in the Carolinas anymore. It makes me think that New Zealand might compete with France one day for top notch Pinots and Bdx blends; if they would just turn a few hundred monks loose to experiment with terrior for about a hundred years, they might be on to something!

I'm a big fan of the Cab/Merlot blends of the region, even though Syrah seems to be the sexy new thing. There are many really good producers (Te Mata, Newton-Forrest, Te Awa, Stonecroft, Esk Valley, Mission, Craggy Range, CJ Pask and many others are worth a try). Add in the stunning architecture of nearby Napier and you're definitely onto a winner.

regards

Ian

I'm with Ian, the Hawkes Bay Bordeaux blends are my favorite wine from NZ, although we NEVER get any here in BC. Our NZ selection - like most other countries, I would imagine - is about 90% sauvignon blanc, with a few cheap chardonnays and fewer still Central Otago pinots as well. Bummer!

The Coopers Creek wine was their basic wine, and Ian provides a list of even better producers who can make outstanding wines, especially from Gimlett Gravel area fruit. Some of the syrah coming from Hawkes Bay are pretty good too, and the prices are still reasonable, with a few exceptions.