Shows some pleasant dark toasty aromas to go with its pretty blackberry flavors, but this lacks texture and weight in the mouth. Crisp on the finish.——J.C.(5/1/2006)—— 86

Smoke and toast dress up scents of black currants tinged with herbs. One taste and you know it comes from a cool-climate region (though Hawkes Bay is considered warm by NZ standards); the acids are prominent, but should allow the wine to age gracefully once it settles down. Now it’s a raw blend of 70% Cab and 30% Merlot that needs rich or acidic foods to tame it.——J.C.(10/1/2000)—— 87