Ken Debs

@HawkesBay_Wine Salut to Tom McDonald in the shape of the HB A&P Show Gold🥇winning Church Road McDonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Bright red berry fruit flavours still, slight deep mocha, sweet cedar and spices. Lovely rounded finish

It's International Cabernet Day 🍷 Cabernet blends have a long history in New Zealand, dating back to the mid-1800s, but it wasn't until 1949 that legendary winemaker Tom McDonald released New Zealand's first commercial Cabernet. This varietal still finds its home across our prestige Hawke's Bay red blends wines. Let's raise a glass to Cabernet!🍷🍷 . #HawkesBayWine #InternationalCabernetDay #GreatWineCapitals 📷 Chateau Garage

Too young, sadly. @askernewinery Semillon 2017 @HawkesBay_Wine still very crisp apple lemon lime, lean and mean. Aged character not coming through yet. Matched pretty well with herbed pork fillet though.

Dark berry chocolate cherry spice and just yummy @Johner Gladstone Pinot Noir 2016 @WairarapaWine @PinotNoirNZ

Fruit forward plummy, nice red berry, with some herby action. @TeAwangaEstate Rogue Syrah 2017 @rodmcdonaldwine @HawkesBay_Wine

Lovely ripe red berry almost plum flavours, mild cooking spice @AlphaDomus Barnstormer Syrah 2016 @BPTWineDistrict Great with venison medallions and roast verges on a wintry evening @HawkesBay_Wine

Down south @DunedinAirport: board games, dessert and @PegasusBayWine Bel Canto Riesling 2014 - searing dry, full bouquet

Soft violet florals with gentle spice @TeAwangaEstate Mister Syrah 2017 @rodmcdonaldwine @HawkesBay_Wine Outrageously good label

Nice balance of spice with warm full structure @TeAwangaEstate Quarter Acre Merlot Malbec 2016 @rodmcdonaldwine @HawkesBay_Wine From an organic vineyard at the base of Te Mata Peak, with 20yo vines

From the Riverview winery estate out Maraekakaho @HawkesBay_Wine way. Is it a better microclimate than Te Awanga for Chardonnay? @MillsReef Leveret Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2018 rich and full and mellow

Well,😁! Cabernet Sauvignon🍇 from @GimbGravels and a superb @HawkesBay_Wine vintage🍷 @MillsReef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 just delicious. Some leather tobacco cigar box characters developing. Blackberry baking spices full bodied. Patience rewarded 😎

Can confirm @askernewinery Reserve Chardonnay 2022 is very promising and will reward patience. Topped up our collection. Selling quickly. Au revoir @HawkesBay_Wine, heading home

Finish the long weekend, and evening, off with a marmalade ginger peach kiss @TeAwangaEstate One Off Super ⭐️ Sticky Late Harvest Gewűrtztraminer 2019 @rodmcdonaldwine @HawkesBay_Wine 💋 mwah

After that “tough” morning, time for lunch at Ash Ridge Wines @BPTWineDistrict loving the ‘23 Viognier. Worthy mention to ‘20 Merlot. @HawkesBay_Wine (ps tough is doing the pruning 🥺)

Next up at the market, Doug of @HawkesRidgeWine Tempranillo very nice, Merlot full flavoured, Pinot Noir promising @HawkesBay_Wine

Tōmoana Showgrounds Sunday morning farmers market @PetaneStation survived the Cyclone and fight on! 💪 With help and fruit from @HawkesBay_Wine friends (hi Ryan from Paritua)

Just checking tonight with chorizo, courgette, green pesto and gnocchi - can confirm @LindenEstate Syrah 2021 pairs nicely.

Cyclone Gabriel @HawkesBay_Wine Devastated but not Defeated! @LindenEstate tasting was wonderful - relaxed and great chat. Thank you to Sue and Holly. Syrah nice, Destination Chardonnay 2022 is beautiful. Destination Dam Block 2021 (Bdx blend) very promising

Hurrah 🥳 After the cluster**ck by Villa Maria on local @HawkesBay_Wine cellar doors at Vidal Estate, Te Awa, and Esk Valley - wonderful to see Čuvar Winery coming soon

Took the self-cater with great wine option last night. Uncorked 🍾 @missionestate Jewelstone Chardonnay 2021 @HawkesBay_Wine Zingy citrus nectarine saline dominates. Barest hint of brioche, vanilla oak

Despite the hammering at Haumoana, @TeAwangaEstate is open today 😁 and the sun is shining 😎 @rodmcdonaldwine @HawkesBay_Wine (Beginning to End Cab Franc 2019 pretty special, btw)