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Buy OnlineA blend of 92% Syrah, 6% Malbec and 2% Viognier, this is a wonderfully expressive Hawke's Bay red that proves great wine doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.
Released under the new Obliix label from Sir George Fistonich, one of New Zealand’s most influential wine figures, this project has been created to showcase premium Hawkes Bay vineyard sites in a fresh, modern expression.
As a new label to market, select parcels have been made available to help build early awareness and introduce the range to wine lovers, including this limited 2023 release now offered at just $12.99 per bottle.
When Sir George Fistonich stepped away from the wine giant he built into a New Zealand icon, retirement was never likely to be on the cards. Instead, he turned his attention to Obliix, a project focused on crafting premium Hawkes Bay wines that reflect decades of winemaking expertise. While originally positioned at a higher price point, we've managed to secure a limited parcel of the 2023 Syrah Malbec Viognier at a price that frankly seems hard to believe.
Drawn largely from Hawkes Bays celebrated Cornerstone Vineyard on Gimblett Road, this is a blend that delivers far more than its modest price tag suggests. Syrah leads the charge with juicy blackberry fruit, cracked pepper and dark spice, while Malbec adds richness, depth and structure. A small addition of Viognier works its magic in the background, lifting the aromatics with hints of violet and floral perfume while lending a supple, silky texture to the palate.
Awarded an impressive 94/100 by Cameron Douglas MS, who praised its "plenty of acidity and polished tannins that frame the palate nicely", this is a wine that punches well above its weight.
Generous, expressive and full of charm, this is an easy-drinking Hawkes Bay red with plenty going on. Dark berry fruit, a touch of spice and a subtle floral lift keep it lively and moreish without ever trying too hard. At $12.99 it’s seriously good value for what’s in the glass, and the kind of bottle you’ll be glad you grabbed a few of while it’s around.
Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"An immediately inviting wine with lifted aromatics and smooth tannins. The Syrah component offers ripe black berry fruit and spice notes, while the Malbec provides a structure that enhances the front palate. A splash of Viognier adds a hint of floral perfume and a softness to the finish. While this a rare varietal blend, the partners complement each other perfectly.
Cornerstone Vineyard – Gimblett Road, Hawkes Bay (74%). The vines sit on free draining soils – dubbed Omahu soils – left over from the 1867 flooding of the Ngaruroro River. The wines produced from this area are rich in complexity and flavours. The Cornerstone vineyard is the jewel in the crown (well we think so) producing wines of such exquisite structure and longevity.
The Viognier was hand picked and whole bunch pressed to barrel for fermentation and ageing. The Syrah and Malbec were harvested by hand and machine and were fermented in open top fermenters and plunged regularly to extract tannins and flavour. They were pressed separately to a mixture of new and old French barriques until blending in the winter of 2024."
Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, June 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"A purple and ruby core with a pink rim, plenty of polish with a hint of staining in the tears. Aromas of fine power and precision, scents of blackcurrant then dark raspberry and a touch of plum. Layers of natural spice suggest a peppercorn note then wood smoke and a fine layer of baking spice with a lick of chocolate. A dry wine on the palate with a core of fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet, plenty of acidity and polished tannins frame that palate nicely. A wine that could be enjoyed from today though some cellar time will bring together all the attributes ensuring a more cohesive wine from late 2026, or early 2027 through 2033."
