2019 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 'Tom'
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Tom Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot leads with cassis and graphite, cocoa and licorice, aniseed and wet slate. There's a camphor, peat and black tea persuasion that underpins the fruit. In the mouth, the wine is gravelly and fine, with a midnight hue to the flavor spectrum. It isn't heavy on the palate, but it is subtly fierce, with intense fruit and a score of black spice. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under cork and wax.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Richly fruited and concentrated, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Tom is an intensely all-out red. It provides a polished Hawke's Bay interpretation of a Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux Left Blank blend. There appears to be no skimping here. High intensity of fruit suggests low yields, while integrated new oak-derived vanillins and cedar notes are infused with cassis fruit, pencil lead, violet and a subtle pyrazine, herbal character. There's fine freshness while an abundance of fine-grained tannins coat the palate building a firm frame, in which this mid-weight blend will mature.
This has a savory black and blue fruit character with hints of dried herbs, violets and crushed stones. Medium-bodied and very refined with fine-grained tannins and chalky texture. Elegant, polished and sleek with vivid acidity that makes it juicy and refreshing. Firm and mineral finish. Sustainable. Drink now.