Overview:
Babich The Patriarch is the pinnacle of the winery’s portfolio, a flagship red that honours the legacy of founder Josip Babich, a pioneer in the New Zealand wine industry. Crafted from grapes grown on the renowned Gimblett Gravels 'Irongate' vineyard in Hawke’s Bay, this exceptional wine is a testament to Babich’s commitment to quality and innovation. With no fixed commitment to a single variety or blend, Babich exercises complete flexibility, selecting only the finest fruit from restricted crop levels to create a wine of unrivalled character and complexity. The Patriarch is a bold, sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, embodying the very best of New Zealand’s red wine heritage.
Tasting Notes:
This wine opens with an inviting nose of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry, underscored by hints of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and beautifully structured, with the Cabernet Sauvignon providing depth and richness, while the Malbec contributes roundness and a touch of chocolatey sweetness. The Cabernet Franc adds an elegant layer of herbaceous complexity, enhancing the wine's depth. The tannins are firm yet velvety, offering a smooth mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish of dark fruit and subtle oak. A wine of exceptional balance and power, The Patriarch is made for cellaring, promising further evolution and complexity over time.