A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Spirit of Marlborough has a medium garnet-brick color and nose of plum preserves, dried mulberries, kirsch and potpourri with hints of incense, cigar box and dried Provence herbs. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and seductive in the mouth, the fruit has matured into opulent spice and complex berry preserves flavors, finishing with lingering savory layers.

A blend of 60% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec, the 2002 “Spirit of Marlborough” has a deep garnet color that’s just starting to go a little brick at the edge. It offers mature aromas of leather and tobacco over dried mulberries, figs and spice cake with a hint of espresso. Medium-full bodied, it gives a generous amount of evolved / dried berry and earthy flavors in the mouth with some powdery tannins and enlivening acidity, finishing long and spicy. Mature now, it makes for a great glass at the moment but needs drinking-up.No known USA importer.

The 2001 Spirit of Marlborough Merlot/Cabernet has a more Pomerol-like nose with impressive vivacity and definition with dark chocolate and charcoal secondary aromas developing all the time in glass. The palate is blessed with supple tannins, tending towards a more savory finish. I would grant this wine another year in bottle. Herzog dabbles in more unorthodox New Zealand varieties although I found their Nebbiolo 2004 a little over-extracted. As the name suggests, Herzog roots lie in Europe, Switzerland to be precise and since planting his 13 hectares vineyard bordering the Wairau River in the mid-90’s, Hans Herzog has adopted an experimentalist stance, cultivating an eclectic array of varieties with a leaning towards Italian Nebbiolo and Barbera, with Gruner-Veltiner due this year. The vineyard benefits from a dry, warm microclimate and Hans ferments at cool temperatures using wild yeasts, the white wines barrel-fermented in puncheons, the reds aged for 12-30 months in French oak. He does not pull everything off, but when he does, the results testify to his meticulous approach. Note that these wines will simply be branded “Hans” in the USA.No known American importer.

The 1999 Spirit of Marlborough Merlot/Cabernet appeared remarkably youthful and backward at 9-years of age with a dense, cedar scented nose and chewy tannins on the blackberry and wild strawberry flavored palate that is a dead-ringer for a classy Medoc. As the name suggests, Herzog roots lie in Europe, Switzerland to be precise and since planting his 13 hectares vineyard bordering the Wairau River in the mid-90’s, Hans Herzog has adopted an experimentalist stance, cultivating an eclectic array of varieties with a leaning towards Italian Nebbiolo and Barbera, with Gruner-Veltiner due this year. The vineyard benefits from a dry, warm microclimate and Hans ferments at cool temperatures using wild yeasts, the white wines barrel-fermented in puncheons, the reds aged for 12-30 months in French oak. He does not pull everything off, but when he does, the results testify to his meticulous approach. Note that these wines will simply be branded “Hans” in the USA.No known American importer.