Babich 'The Patriarch' Red Blend

Babich ‘The Patriarch’ Red Blend is a masterclass in Hawke’s Bay power and refinement. Crafted from the iconic Irongate vineyard on the Gimblett Gravels, this flagship blend offers remarkable depth, structure and elegance—a fitting tribute to the pioneering legacy of Josip Babich.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Darkly perfumed with layers of spice, cassis and plum threaded through touches of cedar. The palate delivers full-bodied richness, dense dark chocolate and blueberry flavours, nuanced cinnamon and cigar-box accents, and satiny fine-grained tannins, culminating in a long, polished finish of impressive clarity.

Key Details

• Winery: Babich Wines
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon 57 %, Malbec 32 %, Merlot 11 %
• Region: Gimblett Gravels, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
• Alcohol: 14.4 %
• Volume: 750 ml
• Other: Sustainable Winegrowing certified

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded in 1916 by Josip Babich, New Zealand’s oldest family-owned winery stands for tradition, innovation and terroir-driven winemaking. The Patriarch is sourced from Babich’s revered Irongate vineyard on the Gimblett Gravels—where ancient river gravels create exceptional drainage and heat-retaining soils that nurture concentrated, ultra-premium fruit. Each parcel is meticulously hand-harvested and vinified with precision to deliver a wine of rare poise, depth and longevity.

Special Features

This is Babich’s unrestricted flagship blend: no fixed varietal template, only the finest selected barrels from low-yielding, estate-grown vines. The result is a red of both power and transparency, capable of graceful aging yet commanding in its youth.

Recognition & Accolades

Highly acclaimed by leading international critics, The Patriarch regularly earns top-tier scores for its complexity and class.

• Double Gold – China Wine & Spirits Awards (2018 vintage)
• 98/100 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2018 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – James Suckling (2018 vintage)
• 5 Stars – Bob Campbell MW (2018 vintage)
• 5 Stars – Michael Cooper (2018 vintage)
• 5 Stars – Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2018 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Cameron Douglas (2016 vintage)
• 5 Stars – Michael Cooper (2016 vintage)

These accolades reinforce The Patriarch’s standing as one of New Zealand’s most prestigious red wine expressions—bold, refined and built to last.

Food Pairings

Gloriously rich yet seamlessly balanced, this red blend thrives alongside dishes of stature. Think a rare-seared beef fillet with thyme and grounding roots, where the wine’s cassis, dark chocolate and cigar-box notes dance with the umami of the meat. Alternatively, let it meet a slow-braised venison or wild-game ragù, or summon it beside aged cheddar or a bold pecorino—fine tannins and savoury depth in perfect harmony.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Whether destined for the cellar or centre-stage at a celebratory table, Babich ‘The Patriarch’ is an icon bottling of Hawke’s Bay heritage. Elegant, expressive and thoroughly collectible—ideal for discerning wine-lovers and special-occasion gifting.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.