2016 Squawking Magpie SQM Cabernets Merlot
Grape
Usually about Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc
Its Origins
Squawking Magpie Owner and Director Gavin Yortt planted the main Woodland’s vineyard in 1995, with further holdings in 2002 extending the focus on Hawkes Bay classic grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. They are members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and maintain a strong focus on cellaring wines and a quality-driven (rather than brand-driven) market strategy, which begins with rigorous vineyard management. Though not shouting from every shelf, on quality-for-value Squawking Magpie wines are often among the best Hawkes Bay has to offer.
What The Critics Say
96/100 Cameron Douglas MS
"Blackberry and Doris plums, cloves and baked bell-pepper, hay, cocoa and violets. Full-bodied dry wine on the palate with classic Bordeaux-esq flavours, textures and messages of weight and intensity, firm tannins and commanding acidity. Flavours of tobacco and dark berries, red flowers and pencil lead, hay and wood spice repeat across the palate. It all works because of the competing elements, a core of complexity and promise each brings. The finish is long and detailed. Am looking forward to seeing this wine develop over the next 2-3 years then age gracefully through to 2030+."
93/100 Andrew Caillard MW
"Medium deep colour. Dark chocolate, carob, dark fruit aromas with some vanilla mocha notes. Well concentrated and inky with deep set dark chocolate, blackberry, black olive, cola flavours, chocolaty tannins and mocha oak complexity."
97/100 and "Outstanding" Cameron Douglas MS (2014 vintage)
"Made with the two Cabernets and Merlot aromas reveal a focused and concentrated complexity with a core of fresh and baked black fleshed fruits, violets and sweet new wood scents. On the palate there’s an equal and powerful concentration of fruit surrounded by an abundance finely polished tannins, vibrant sweet acidity and layers of smoky oak, gravelly earthy qualities and long complex finish. This is a young wine still with plenty of development time ahead. If drinking before 2024 then decant and service with food."
| Variety | Cabernet Merlot Blend |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawkes Bay |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Alcohol | 13.80% |
| Maturity | 2021 - 2035 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
