Collaboration Wines Impressions Red 2023
Think modern Hawke's Bay Bordeaux blend, but without the blazer. Built from equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Impression Red offers layers of cassis, plum and dark berry fruit, backed by floral lift, subtle savoury notes and a touch of earthy complexity. Sixteen months in seasoned French oak rounds everything out without stealing the spotlight. The result is polished and generous, yet remarkably approachable, delivering all the structure and depth you'd hope for, with none of the intimidation.
Collaboration Wines is the Hawke's Bay project of winemaker Julianne "Julz" Brogden, built around small-batch wines that celebrate the region's vineyards rather than a rigid house style. As the name suggests, collaboration sits at the heart of the project, bringing together growers, sites and varieties to create wines with a strong sense of place and an easy sense of enjoyment. Thoughtful winemaking, minimal fuss, and plenty of drinkability are the order of the day.