Brookfields 'Gold Label' Reserve Cabernet / Merlot 2018
Grape Varietals: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot & 5% Cabernet Franc
Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
5 Stars ★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Brookfields for nearly 3 decades. And over this time, Peter’s premium Bordeaux red blend has been an icon wine not only from Hawke’s Bay, but New Zealand. Well-known and respected by those in the know for all this time - wine enthusiasts the world over have been paying due attention and enjoying this ‘Gold Label’ Reserve Bordeaux blend.
This 2018 ‘Gold Label’ is the culmination of a diligent amount of attention and dedication across the different vineyards and then most importantly reverent winemaking. The Reserve ‘Gold Label’ is only made in ideal vintage years; the 2018 vintage is an excellent addition to the label’s dynasty.
On arrival into the winery, the fruit was tank fermented on skins at 25 - 30°C for about 2 weeks with regular daily pump-overs. The primary juice was drained off and then the grapes were gently pressed. Only the best pressing parcels were added back to the free run juice. Malolactic fermentation was then encouraged before being transferred into new French oak barrels for around 15 months maturation. The 2018 ‘Gold Label’ celebrates the return of Cabernet Franc to the cuvée. The last vintage to have Cabernet Franc was 1998 (a great year and still impressing).
• As you pour into a generous glass you will be greeted by a dark red colour and shining hue. The nose showcases ripe black fruits, subtle mint-chocolate, dried herbs and a note of tobacco. On the palate this wine has defined layering, and confidently presenting those ripe dark fruits, small blackberries, well-integrated vanilla oak, dried herbs and cacao. All underpinned with exacting tannins and balanced oak giving palate structure and refined texture. This wine has genuine heritage, integrity, refinement and a beguiling personality which lingers on an enduring finish. Definitely a wine worth sharing.
This 2018 Brookfields ‘Gold Label’ Reserve Vintage Cabernet / Merlot has 14% Alc./vol. Decant for 45-60 minutes and serve in a generously shaped red wine glass at 16°- 18°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 29/5/21)
With decanting, it is approachable now - but will age gracefully for another 12 - 14 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with roast beef and duck-fat potatoes, slow cooked game meats with a wine jus, rich pasta dishes, and earthy vegetarian cuisine, along with aged hard cheeses - enjoy.
