Great Value Wines: 5 cabernet blends from Hawke’s Bay under $30

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

5 great value Hawke’s Bay cabernet blends

Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Gimblett Gravels The Gimblett 2018 – JS95
International Price: $19

Craggy Range Hawkes Bay Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2018 – JS94
Available at Vivino: $16.49
Available at KLWines.com: $19.99

Te Mata Cabernet Merlot Hawkes Bay Awatea 2018 – JS93
Available at KLWines.com: $29.99

Pask Merlot Cabernet Hawkes Bay Gimblett Gravels 2016 – JS93
International Price: $16

Te Awanga Hawkes Bay Quarter Acre Section 2018 – JS92
International Price: $22

Tasting Notes

Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Gimblett Gravels The Gimblett 2018

Country New Zealand
Region Hawkes Bay
Vintage 2018
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Craggy Range Hawkes Bay Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Te Kahu 2018

Country New Zealand
Region Hawkes Bay
Vintage 2018
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Pask Merlot Cabernet Hawkes Bay Gimblett Gravels 2016

Country New Zealand
Region Hawkes Bay
Vintage 2016
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Te Mata Cabernet Merlot Hawkes Bay Awatea 2018

Country New Zealand
Region Hawkes Bay
Vintage 2018
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Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

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Te Awanga Hawkes Bay Quarter Acre Section 2018

Country New Zealand
Region Hawkes Bay
Vintage 2018
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Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

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Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

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