Maison Noire Gabriellé's Kiss Hawke's Bay 2023

"...Highly floral, laced with bay, tobacco, green peppercorns, black olive and dried herb complexity, it’s a lighter style red that’s softly savoury and dangerously easy to drink." Yvonne Lorkin

Maison Noire say it perfectly...

"In February 2023, Gabrielle came to pay a visit in the North-East of New Zealand, and immediately rose to fame, thanks to the wet tears she left behind…

At first, we literally had to keep our vines off the water, but she also left warmth in her path, which helped to ripen our late crop to decent level of sweetness. This red blend produced a seductive structured wine; soften by 12 months ageing in French barrels, lingering with juicy and fruity aromas, just like a soft kiss… Gabrielle’s kiss!

Optimum drinking time is 2024-2026; serve at room temperature."

This wine was super popular when we featured it earlier in 2025. We think it has got better.