Church Road is one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand. Led by legendary winemaker Tom McDonald, they were one of the first to craft exceptional Bordeaux-style red wine in Hawkes Bay. Today, they still maintain Toms vision of quality and craft in all the wines they make. Church Roads commitment to centuries-old winemaking techniques using French oak wine vats and French oak barriques remains undiminished. The winery is celebrating Tom McDonalds vision and legacy with the Church Road McDonald Series, complex, textural wines that are a fitting tribute to a legend whose influence is still felt today. This is a serious, multidimensional Merlot. The heart of this wine is its dense, brooding plum and dark berry fruit. This is complimented by lifted aromas reminiscent of roses, cedar, sandalwood and warm spice, while the oak delivers underlying dark chocolate and savoury notes. The palate is rich, weighty and long driven by a firm yet fine-grained tannin structure.

Wine is a vibrant dark plum red colour with brick brown hues.On the nose a subtle white pepper and spicy berry fruit bouquet is rich and dominant. On the palate the lifted aromas follow through and complement the balanced structure of fine tannins, ripe berry flavours and a lean elegant finish. The fruit flavours fill the full length of the palate. This medium to full bodied wine will cellar for at least 8 years under the right conditions and combines beautifully with lamb, mild curry dishes or our favourite, Osso Bucco.