Church Road Grand Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine opens with intense dark fruit flavours including blackcurrant, plum and dark cherry, enriched by vanilla spice and cedar from oak maturation. The palate is fleshy and layered with complex notes of berries, dark plums and savoury earthy undertones. Solid yet supple tannins provide structure, while the finish is long, dry and elegant with lingering dark berry and subtle tobacco notes.

This wine is produced by Church Road in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, specifically from grapes sourced from the prestigious Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels winegrowing districts. These renowned sub-regions are known for producing structured, age-worthy red wines with concentrated fruit character. The blend typically comprises near-equal proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon at 14.5% ABV.

This wine's savoury character and solid tannin structure make it an excellent match for rich, meaty dishes like roasted lamb, beef Wellington or char-grilled venison steaks. The dark fruit core and earthy complexity also complement mushroom-based dishes and aged hard cheeses. Avoid overtly sweet sauces, and instead focus on savoury preparations that mirror the wine's depth and complexity.

The wine's Cabernet Sauvignon component brings savoury, structured tannins that beautifully complement beefy flavours, making it ideal for grilled ribeye, braised short ribs or hearty meat pies. The Merlot softness and dark fruit character also work wonderfully with roasted game birds or duck confit. For vegetarian options, try it with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant parmigiana.

Serve this wine at 16-18 degrees Celsius to allow the aromatics and flavour complexity to fully express themselves. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass to provide adequate aeration and allow the floral and spice notes to develop. While not strictly necessary, decanting for 30-60 minutes can help soften the tannins and open up the wine's layered character, particularly for younger vintages.