Description

If you've ever stood on Omaha Beach and looked to the south to admire the massive house on the hill, you might notice a vineyard behind it. They belong to Mark Ching, a highly successful businessman and now Vigneron. With only 1.7ha of vines, The Gabion is always going to be a delicious rarity, this 2010 vintage arguably the finest season Matakana has enjoyed in the last decade. Compared by Raymond Chan to a top Right Bank Bordeaux, it remains very affordable for those in the know - you've just got to make sure you get your wine before it sells out! The final blend is 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot.

Smells

Very classically Saint Emilion in nature, with mellow, savoury and earthy notes mixing with cassis, plum, tobacco and cedar. Gorgeous and very inviting.

Tastes

Savoury, full-flavoured and very soft and round on the palate, the tannic structure really only asserts itself on the back palate, and the complex, Old World flavours linger long with a kiss of dark chocolate. Very much in the mould of wines like Puriri Hills and Saint Nesbit, The Gabion is a great discovery for those with a taste for Bordeaux. Enjoy between now and 2026, probably longer.