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First made in 1982, Awatea continues to represent the best of the classic Hawke's Bay Cabernet/Merlot blend. 

Awatea takes its name from the historic ship SS Awatea (a Maori word meaning ?Eye of the Dawn?) that sailed the Auckland ? Sydney ? Wellington route in the late 1930s. The Awatea was requisitioned as a troop transport in WWII and was sunk off Algeria in 1942.

A deep ?guardsmen red?, Awatea Cabernets/Merlot ?22 captivates with its nose of blackberry and bay leaf, ripe red currants, and sea spray to instantly engage the senses. On the palate this interplay of red and dark fruit continues with roses, chocolate and black olive with vanilla, cedar and a faint menthol character, layered over a core of perfectly ripe Black Doris plum. Moreish acidity brightens the wine, lifting the classical varietal elements of Awatea Cabernets/Merlot ?22 and its fine, powdery, tannin profile. This is a wine of balance, length and appeal, with the clear ability to evolve even further in bottle.