2019 Church Road Tom Cabernet Merlot
Grape
Usually about 66% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon
Its Origins
Dating from 1897, when Bartholomew Steinmetz planted his vineyard next to Church Road, it is now one of the oldest wineries in the country. Steinmetz returned to his native Luxembourg in the 1920s, leaving his winery in the hands of the 19-year-old Tom McDonald, who had been working for him since his early teens. McDonald later bought the winery and set to making the first quality red wines in New Zealand, releasing the country's first commercial Cabernet Sauvignon in 1949. Quality steadily increased and by the 1960s New Zealand's wine connoisseurs snapped up McDonald's red wines year after year. Current winemaker Chris Scott came up through the ranks first as a cellar hand and vineyard worker and eventually, after a few vintages elsewhere, to winemaker. The “Tom” wines are a tribute to McDonald, only produced in exceptional vintages.
What The Critics Say
98/100 Bob Campbell MW (2018 vintage)
"From grapes grown in the Redstone Vineyard (86%) and Gimblett Vineyard (14%). An impressive flagship red that lives up to its exalted status. Inky, concentrated, almost chewy wine with Christmas cake-like concentration of ripe fruit and spices. Dark berries, chocolate-mocha and spicy oak flavours. A long-lived red that will reward cellaring."
| Variety | Cabernet Merlot Blend |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawkes Bay |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2022 - 2035 |
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.
