The Smith & Sheth 'CRU' Omahu Cantera 2018 is a premium, medium-to-full-bodied red wine from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Sourced from the stony riverbed soils of the Omahu Vineyard in the famed Gimblett Gravels, this unique, Spanish-inspired boutique blend by Master of Wine Steve Smith masterfully co-ferments Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Franc to strike a sublime balance between power and aromatic lift.
- Aromas: Highly fragrant and complex with roasted black fruits, cassis, and spicy berries, layered with liquorice, dark baking spices, sweet oak, and a hint of smoky vanilla.
- Palate: Plush and multi-dimensional, offering a juicy core of ripe plum and dark cherry, beautifully counterbalanced by a savoury, smoky charcuterie note and distinctive earthy stone qualities.
- Style: Sophisticated and structured yet light on its feet, prioritizing fine mineral tension, velvety textures, and an enlivening thread of natural acidity over simple fruit heaviness.
- Winemaking: Grapes were co-fermented in open-top vessels with twice-daily punch-downs, then matured for 18–19 months in a mix of French barriques and new American oak to integrate fine, silky tannins.
- Cellaring: Showing magnificent depth right now, its robust backbone and sturdy structure mean it will evolve beautifully in the cellar through 2028 to 2030 and beyond.
- Food Pairing: Perfect with roasted lamb shoulder, five-spice braised duck, wild mushroom risotto, or slow-cooked beef cheek sugo.
This bottle breathes fresh life into traditional Hawke's Bay red blends by trading heavy-handed density for an effortlessly fluid and intricate profile. It sets up a brilliant interplay between the muscular spine of Cabernet and the vibrant, fleshy fruit of Tempranillo, all building toward a crisp, stony finish that reflects its gravelly origin. It is a highly sophisticated red that carries its impressive power with absolute grace
Smith & Sheth
Founded in 2014 by Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth, Smith & Sheth crafts world-class wines from outstanding New Zealand vineyards. Operating as contemporary négociants, they source exceptional fruit from some of the country's finest sites, working closely with growers to capture the essence of each location.
Steve Smith MW — one of New Zealand's few Masters of Wine and founder of Craggy Range — brings deep expertise to wines that are elegant, authentic, and rooted in a strong sense of place.
