Babich 2011 The Patriarch Premium Red (Hawke’s Bay)

Country: New Zealand

Province: Hawke’s Bay

Region:

Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Winery: Babich

Points: 87

Taster: Joe Czerwinski

In marked contrast to the plush, sexy 2010, the 2011 Patriarch is a stern taskmaster. The aromas and flavors of cherry, cedar and dried herbs are pleasant, but carry with them a worring dry astringency. Try drinking this over the near term, with rare beef to help ameliorate the tannin’s effects.