While New Zealand’s cool climate sets the tone for pinot noir’s success that sweeps across the two islands, there’s still room for grapes with thicker skins like cabernet sauvignon to thrive in the warmest parts of the country.

Thanks to its temperate, long growing season, Hawke’s Bay today is known for its spicy syrah, tangy chardonnay, and most prominently, its cabernet blend, which is responsible for 90% of the cabernet sauvignon and merlot plantings of the whole country. As the most planted grape variety globally, the battleground for cabernet sauvignon is fierce, and few would first consider Hawke’s Bay for such a mainstream and universal style. But if “value” is something you’re keen on, then you need to consider making room for Hawke’s Bay, whose wallet-friendly cabernet blends are well worth a purchase.

Despite being the country’s second-largest wine region, Hawke’s Bay only holds around 200 producers and is mostly dedicated to quality wine production. It is also a miniature of New Zealand’s red wine industry, which tends to put quality before quantity. Prices are not jaw-droppingly low, because these wines are good quality, and also the region’s remote and isolated location tends to increase its winemaking cost. But sky-high prices are also scarce, and the mid-priced wines around $15-$45 inhabit a sweet spot for almost any variety and style.

– Zekun Shuai, associate editor