TN: The Grail Merlot Cabernet Malbec 2007

[Bick]

The Grail is a small Hawkes Bay winery about which I know nothing, but I saw this on the shelf of a good wine shop and figured I'd give it a go. Pleased that I did.

The Grail Merlot Cabernet Malbec 2007 {12.5% alc; Screwcap; $25 - though I believe RRP is somewhat higher}
Plum red. Nose is quite gamey and reminiscent of the kind of leafy, pencil box and integrated fruit I would associate with Bordeaux. Palate shows good balance, with decent acid backbone without being unripe at all. Tannins are very fine. The fruit is predominantly of blackberry and cherry, with good support from the oak. I like the style and by memory it reminds me of blends like Te Motu, with a similar sort of gamey, smokey quality. However, if I was to be critical I'd say the fruit was a touch backward in both the aroma and palate. This maybe best drunk quite young, given its approachability, but its certainly better than drink-young plonk.

They also make a syrah, which seems to come recommended. If anyone else knows anything about this winery or has had any of its wines, I'd be interested to hear.

[Craig(NZ)]

never heard of them!

i cant keep up these days!

[Paradox]

The Grail: [ed] if If anyone else knows anything about this winery or has had any of its wines, I'd be interested to hear.

I've tried the syrah and wasn't particularly impressed - it was goodish but seemed to lack a bit of fruit and depth and not in the same class as other wines at this price point such as Sacred Hill Wine Thief or Cottage Block. It's in my 'wouldn't buy again' class.

Rob

[Bick]

Sounds like the same sort of mild criticism I had, Rob, with the fruit being a touch lacking or backward. Not sure I'd buy the blend again or not, but I'm glad there are small wineries out there trying to do things a bit different stylistically. I'd say on the whole the merlot/cab/mal was pleasing, but I don't imagine I'll rush out to compare the quality of their syrah based on your feedback.