Te Awa, Left Field Malbec, Gimblett Gravels, 2014

The old river bed terroir that made the Gimblett Gravels is known for its plantings of red Bordeaux grapes, with Malbec usually used as a blending partner. But this varietal example is worth a try in place of your usual Argentinian favourite. It spends 18 months in French oak yet is fruit forward with fresh, stalky blackberry, blackcurrant, anise and tarry flavours.