First made in 1982, Awatea continues to represent the best of the classic Hawke’s Bay merlot / cabernet blend. Floral aromas with intense blackberry, currant and dark plum flavours lead to a rich, supple palate with a sustained finish.

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit 96/100 
This is comparable to a high-ranked Cru Classé Bordeaux, at a fraction of the price. The bouquet is classic and inviting with blackcurrant, dark cherry, tobacco, fennel, and fine oak with a floral overtone. It’s mouth-filling, succulent, and supple with a silky flow and persistence. Splendidly composed and styled, and finishes impressively long and robust. Feb 2026 

Dave Brookes, Halliday’s Wine Companion 98/100 
A blend of 62/27/11% merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc. French oak, 30% new for 18 months. Deep magenta/crimson with lifted blackberry, red and dark plum, black cherry, underlying hints of fine spice, cedar, plum conserve, gentle crushed mountain herbs, roast meats, some gentle black pepper, cocoa nibs, olive tapenade, crushed rock and a suggestion of tobacco. A graceful, detailed flow of fruit over the palate, layered with spice, herbs and gravelly nuance, superfine, powdery tannins and a long finish. 

James Suckling 95/100 
This wine shows such focus, with blackberry, black currant, walnut, graphite and some dark chocolate aromas. Medium- to full-bodied with layers of ripe, beautiful tannins and a long and caressing finish. It’s all here and shows such an enticing texture. 62% Merlot, 27% cabernet sauvignon and 11% cabernet franc. Hard not to drink now. Drink or hold.