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Wines like Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend
Merlot-led Bordeaux blends from the Gimblett Gravels — New Zealand’s most serious red beyond Pinot Noir. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- The firm, grippy structure
- High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The vanilla and oak
- Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
- The herbal, green side
- Grass, blackcurrant leaf, green pepper, mint. It divides people more sharply than almost any other character.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something moving away from too drying or too tannic, too tart or sour-fruited, too oaky or woody and too heavy.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- About as tart or sour-fruited as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less drying or too tannic.
- More tart or sour-fruited, not less.
- A little less oaky or woody.
- A little less heavy.
Colorino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as drying or too tannic as the wine you started from.
- A little less tart or sour-fruited.
- Substantially less oaky or woody.
- Substantially less heavy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Argentine Malbec
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
McLaren Vale Shiraz
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Alicante Bouschet
Alicante Bouschet scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Bonarda
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
País
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Barbaresco
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Madiran
Both are made from cabernet franc, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fresher.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Valpolicella
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Molinara
Molinara scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Montepulciano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Sparkling Shiraz
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Franciacorta
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and less oaky.
Tinta Barroca
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fuller and richer.
Rondo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja Gran Reserva scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and spicier.
Rioja
Rioja scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Muscat Bailey A
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and fresher.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Tibouren
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Gamay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less tannic and softer.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Areni
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Pinot Noir
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and spicier.
Cahors
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
Zinfandel
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and spicier.
California Pinot Noir
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Barbera d’Alba
Barbera d’Alba scores closest to Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fuller and richer.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Merlot
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Loire Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico
Both are made from merlot, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fuller and richer.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Bolgheri
Both are made from cabernet sauvignon, and both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and earthier.
Chianti
Both are made from merlot, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Cru Beaujolais
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Rondinella
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
Canaiolo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and riper and less green.
País
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Négrette
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Argentine Malbec
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Ribera del Duero
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and more oaky.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Both sit in the same style family.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and fruitier.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.