2024 Landmark Merlot Cabernet Franc
Crafted in tight-knit batches from prime Hawke’s Bay parcels, this Merlot Cabernet Franc isn’t here to play it safe. It’s bold, smooth, and packed with that signature Hawke’s Bay heat and charm.
The 2024 Landmark pours out a hit of dark plum and blackberry, tangled with wild herbs, cocoa dust, and just a whisper of cedar. On the palate? A flavour jam session of ripe blackcurrant, juicy cherry, and a flick of tobacco and graphite — moody, but refined. The tannins are silky but firm, the acid’s got snap, and the oak? Just enough to flex without taking over.
Polished, generous, and built to age like a vinyl classic — this is your cellar's new MVP.
Alcohol: 14% pH: 3.57
RS: DRY TA: 6.2 g/L
- Regular price
- $34.99
- Sale price
- $34.99
- Regular price
-
Perfect pairing
The 2024 Landmark Merlot Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of dark plum, blackberry, and dried herbs, layered with subtle notes of cocoa and cedar. Rich and expressive on the palate, it shows ripe blackcurrant and juicy red cherry with hints of tobacco and graphite. Fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity provide structure and elegance, while a gentle oak influence adds depth and finesse. This is a wine with generosity, polish, and plenty of cellaring potential.
Winemaking
The 2024 vintage in Hawke’s Bay delivered optimal ripening conditions, with a long, warm summer and cool nights preserving natural acidity. The Fruit was harvested from selected blocks and fermented in small batches to capture varietal intensity and structure. Post-fermentation maceration enhanced tannin integration and complexity. The final blend — 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc — spent 12 months maturing in a mix of 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak, with only the best barrels selected for the final blend, showcasing the elegance and power of the region’s red wine pedigree.
Expert Opinions
2024 Vintage
93 Points (5 Stars)
"Beautifully composed and styled, the wine shows blackcurrant, ripe plum, thyme, game, and toasted almond notes on the nose. It's succulent and supple in the mouth, delivering excellent weight and silky flow, splendidly structured by fine, chalky tannins that make it harmonious and sturdy."