Maison Noire Freisa Hawke's Bay 2021

Candice Chow (Raymond Chan Reviews) 5 Stars
“Medium ruby-red, slightly lighter on edge. The nose is gently full, with rich aromas of red fruit, blueberry and prune melded with savoury, meaty note and spice. Full-bodied, redberry, strawberry, blueberry and prune aromas presented with a fine dose of dusty tannins, unfolding sundried tomato, pancetta and cinnamon. The acidity is lively and fine, lifting the high tannins
palate with freshness, carrying a savoury, appetising finish. This Piedmont variety shows a fine structure, juicy fruit, savoury mealy flavours and an appetising palate…”

Michael Cooper | 4.5 Stars
"Maison Noire Single Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Freisa 2021 is made from the Italian Freisa (Latin for ‘strawberry’) variety, which is a close relative of Nebbiolo, the great grape of Barolo and Barbaresco. Grown at Havelock North and matured for eight months in seasoned oak puncheons, it is full-coloured, fragrant and mouthfilling, with strong, youthful, red berry and spice flavours, crunchy acidity, and excellent vigour and complexity. Well worth cellaring, it offers fine value."

Canvas Magazine - Best Wine you've never heard of | 4 Stars
"Freisa is Latin for ‘strawberry’ and it’s a very rare little Italian grape that grows mainly in the Monferrato and Langhe areas in the Piemonte region. It dates back to the middle ages, but more recently it’s found a happy home in Hawke’s Bay. It’s dry, spicy highly aromatic and very savoury to sip. The tannins are hefty and gripping, while youthful acidity means it’s very perky on the palate and hungry for proteins."

Elsewhere up to $25.99                   $21.99