Church Road McDonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of blackcurrant and dark cherry layered with cedar, graphite and subtle herbaceous notes. The palate is full-bodied and weighty, with a powerful yet fine-grained tannin structure. Dark fruit forms the core, complemented by plush tannins that feel rich and vibrant, finishing with impressive length and lingering spice.

This wine comes from selected vineyard sites in the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. The warm, stony soils and shelter from sea breezes make this one of the warmest subregions in Hawke's Bay, ideally suited to producing bold red wines with concentrated flavour and structure.

This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled beef, where the firm tannins cut through rich meat. It also complements roasted poultry and strong aged cheeses. The wine's structure and dark fruit character stand up well to hearty, flavourful dishes.

The bold tannin structure and dark fruit profile make this wine ideal for char-grilled ribeye steak, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, or venison with juniper berries. It also works well with mature cheddar or aged Gouda, where the cheese's intensity matches the wine's power and concentration.

Serve this Cabernet Sauvignon slightly cooler than room temperature, around 16-18 degrees Celsius. This temperature allows the aromas to fully develop while keeping the tannins refined. Use a generous red wine glass to give the wine room to breathe and express its full range of aromas.