The 2005 Gimblett Road Reserve is cut from a similar cloth. It seems excessively oaky on the nose and after vigorous swirling remains backwards and closed. The palate is dense and oaky with layers of thick, chewy black fruit, slightly tarry towards the licorice-tinged finish. A big brassy wine, not exactly subtle and again, rather overpowering. Founded in 1992 by ex-financier Michael Daymond-King, Hatton Estate own 16 hectares of vine on Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay. Michael told me that he realized that it might be possible to produce a Chablis in this sub-region. The wines are produced in small quantities and are listed in prestigious restaurants such as Charlie Trotter and Gordon Ramsay. For various American importers, check the website at www.hattonestate.com

The 2004 Gimblett Road Reserve is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc and just 175 cases were produced. A deep garnet core, the nose is dense with black plum, spice, touches of cooked meat and leather. The palate is full-bodied with robust tannins, black cherries, blueberry and tobacco with just a touch of citrus fruits enlivening the finish. It is very muscular and heavy on the new oak, rather overpowering and lacking a little finesse. Founded in 1992 by ex-financier Michael Daymond-King, Hatton Estate own 16 hectares of vine on Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay. Michael told me that he realized that it might be possible to produce a Chablis in this sub-region. The wines are produced in small quantities and are listed in prestigious restaurants such as Charlie Trotter and Gordon Ramsay. For various American importers, check the website at www.hattonestate.com