Coopers Creek Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot

Incredible winery clearance deal on this nine year old, beautifully maturing Cabernet Merlot blend by Coopers Creek! Originally released to sell around the $25 mark – these are the final stocks of this label. Best drinking now to 2028.

You might know Coopers Creek as the winery based out in Auckland’s western suburb of Kumeu. They actually have vineyards dotted all around NZ and their “SV” (it stands for Select Vineyard) range showcases grape varieties from the parts of NZ they grow best.

Right here you’re looking at their SV Cabernet Merlot blend from the world famous Gimblett Gravels down there in Hawke’s Bay. This region has put itself on the world wine map for producing some seriously good Bordeaux style reds and this label has delivered the goods time and time again.

Scoring 4 1/2 Stars with Michael Cooper who said “The 2016 vintage (4.5*) was blended from almost equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A full-coloured, youthful red, with good substance, it is mouthfilling, vibrantly fruity and firmly structured, with strong, ripe blackcurrant, berry, plum and spice flavours. Open 2021+.”

In June 2024 Cam Douglas MS scored it 93/100 and said “A wine of maturity and readiness, synergies and textures. Aromas and flavours of textured cherries and gravelly blackberry flavours. The integration of texture that delivers the gravel and mouthfeel ideas is delivered through the tannins and acidity. Finer tannins are almost integrated and acidty delivers some crunch and length. Well made with best drinking from day of purchase through 2028+.”

And in July 2025 local critic Sam Kim awarded it 5 Stars and 93/100 and said “Beautifully maturing, the wine shows blackberry, dried herb, game, fennel, and toasted almond characters. The palate is splendidly weighted and generously textured with a silky mouthfeel and chalky tannins, making it robust and sturdy. At its best: now to 2026.”

A medium bodied, dry red full of sweet, dark berry fruits. It’s good to go now could be tucked away in the cellar up until around 2025. Well suited to game and red meat dishes as well as a hearty pasta.