THE GABION CABERNET FRANC 2019

Very few people get to enjoy the top reds of Matakana, since so little is made. Mark Ching's vineyard is only 1.7ha, The Gabion wines from it are made by Tracey Haslam of Ti Point in a very classical and 'Right Bank Bordeaux' style. 

5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Delightfully ripe and fragrant with Black Doris plum, cranberry, dried herb, game and roasted nut aromas, it's succulent and supple on the palate offering excellent fruit purity combined with silky texture and fine-grained tannins. Beautifully proportioned and varietally expressive. At its best: now to 2029."

5 Stars & 18.5+/20 (94) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, October 2023 (2019 Vintage)
"Moderately deep ruby-red with purple hues, lighter on the rim. It has a captivative bouquet with aromas of cassis, blackberry, herbs, tobacco leaf and delicate spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of cassis, redberry and blackberry are fresh, unfolding herbs, tobacco leaf, nutmeg and clove. The wine is bright with an enlivening acid line, hauling along with fine-grained, dusty tannins. This Cabernet Franc is poised and shows a fine structure, bright line and length. Match with fillet mignon and venison tataki over the next 5+ years. Made only in the best vintages, 13.8% alc."