Tasting notes:

The Church Road winery was originally established in 1897 by Bartholomew Steinmetz, a Luxembourg-born émigré who came to make wine for the Marist monks in Napier, New Zealand. This wine is named in honour of the Church Road winery’s pioneer, Tom McDonald, and is sourced from various vineyards, mainly in the Gimblett Gravels. Deep ruby in colour, the wine displays dark plums and morello cherries, with chocolate and vanilla oak overtones and a rose petal lift. Richly fruited, the palate flavours are framed by dense tannins and lively acidity. Quite refined and nicely balanced, this is a partner for succulent rôtisserie chicken.  (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)