Overview
Babich The Patriarch is the pinnacle of the winery’s portfolio, a flagship red that honours the legacy of founder Josip Babich, a pioneer in the New Zealand wine industry. Crafted from grapes grown on the renowned Gimblett Gravels 'Irongate' vineyard in Hawke’s Bay, this exceptional wine is a testament to Babich’s commitment to quality and innovation. With no fixed commitment to a single variety or blend, Babich exercises complete flexibility, selecting only the finest fruit from restricted crop levels to create a wine of unrivalled character and complexity. The Patriarch is a bold, sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, embodying the very best of New Zealand’s red wine heritage.
Tasting Notes
This wine opens with an inviting nose of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry, underscored by hints of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and beautifully structured, with the Cabernet Sauvignon providing depth and richness, while the Malbec contributes roundness and a touch of chocolatey sweetness. The Cabernet Franc adds an elegant layer of herbaceous complexity, enhancing the wine's depth. The tannins are firm yet velvety, offering a smooth mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish of dark fruit and subtle oak. A wine of exceptional balance and power, The Patriarch is made for cellaring, promising further evolution and complexity over time.