Trinity Hill’s Single Vineyard Prison Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 has achieved remarkable recognition at the 8th London Wine Competition, held in April 2025, securing a prestigious gold medal with an impressive score of 96 points. Additionally, the wine was awarded the title of “Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year,” cementing its place among the world’s finest.
Out of the many entries, only four other Cabernet Sauvignons received gold medals, all from renowned wine-producing countries like Australia, the United States, and South Africa. This prestigious award underscores the exceptional quality and provenance of the Prison Block Cabernet, which stands out in New Zealand’s wine landscape. With only around 200 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in New Zealand, primarily in Hawke’s Bay, this wine is a rare and unique representation of the variety. While Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with Merlot or other Bordeaux varieties in New Zealand, the Prison Block is a pure expression of this iconic grape.
The story behind the Prison Block Cabernet is as distinctive as its flavour. In the 1970s, the site was originally earmarked for a new correctional facility for Hawke’s Bay. Although the land was leveled, the project was abandoned when it was discovered that the site sat above a crucial aquifer. In 2000, the founders of Trinity Hill purchased this stony, unutilised land and transformed it into the vineyard now known as “The Gimblett Stones,” where some of their earliest plantings were established.
Chief Winemaker Warren Gibson reflects on the uniqueness of the Prison Block Cabernet: “This is the warmest of Trinity Hill’s three vineyards, as it sits in the lee of Roy’s Hill, sheltered from prevailing weather. Over time, we realised that the Cabernet Sauvignon for this single-vineyard wine comes from a very small area within the site, planted only in a single clone. After some research, we discovered that this was the exact area previously marked for the prison. The name ‘Prison Block’ felt like a perfect fit.”
This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional quality and uniqueness of the Prison Block Cabernet Sauvignon, solidifying Trinity Hill’s reputation as a leader in New Zealand’s wine industry.
The Wine: Single Vineyard ‘Prison Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A youthful, dark purple/magenta colour paves way to intense aromas of ripe blackcurrants and cassis, an enticing floral perfume, plus hints of licorice, fresh cedar, and cocoa powder.
The wine is dense and focused in the mouth, yet retains the elegance, structure, and restraint characteristic of great Cabernet
Sauvignon. Plentiful, ripe tannins, cedary oak and succulent acidity frame the concentrated fruit to produce a multi-layered, textural palate with exquisite balance and an exceptionally long finish.
A magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon of power and poise that will reward cellaring for up to 15 years. Drink 2023 to 2038.
Wine Writers Reviews
Cameron Douglas MS: 96 Points, July 2024
Dark purples and reds, almost black at the core, opaque. The bouquet is impressive and ripe with aromas of dark red berries with layers of boysenberry and blackberry, violets and anise, new leather and blond tobacco, brown spices and significant youthful energy. Near full-bodied, dry, firm, youthful and textured. A highly energised wine with a core of power. Tannins are ripe and firm, acidity delivers backbone carrying flavours and textures across the palate. Lengthy complex and delicious. A wine that can sit in your cellar for some time or decant for service. Best drinking from 2029 through 2039.
Dish Magazine: Top 12, March 2024
Top 12 The Best Red Wines in New Zealand 2024.
Inky-dark in the glass and erupting with fragrant oak, blueberry and blackberry layers
on the nose and palate. This muscle- bound cabernet sizzles with energy and plumlaced power, the tannins are deliciously drying accentuating its long, statuesque finish.
About the London Wine Competition
The London Wine Competition is judged by a panel of experts with current commercial buying experience, or wine consultants and experts directly involved in developing new wine brands or purchasing wine for resale. Judges represent a diverse range of channels and disciplines, including multiple retailers, convenience stores, distributors, on-trade groups, casual and fine dining establishments, hospitality, and the travel industry.
The London Wine Competition is unique in its evaluation of wines based on quality, value, and packaging. The event is organized by Beverage Trade Network, which hosts industry events worldwide. For more information, please visit. https://londonwinecompetition.com/
