Medium-deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 Stables Reserve Merlot is a little reduced with some rubber and tar hints over notes of warm plums, crushed blackberries, cloves and mulberries. Medium bodied with grainy tannins and lively acid, it gives a good amount of spiced blackberry flavors and a long fruity finish. Drink it now to 2015. The nearly unpronounceable Ngatawara winery has been in business for around 30 years, starting as a family enterprise stemming from Alwyn Corban’s grandfather. It remains a family business today, albeit with some clearly defined label and brand extensions: Ngatawara Alwyn, Ngatawara Stables, Glazebrook and the new Farmgate, the latter two as stand-alone brands with their own separate reviews. “Having a process of label selection ensures best grapes in the top wines,” Alwyn commented during my visit this year. Production is around 40% Red / 60% white with the real strengths here being the Chardonnay, Syrah and Merlot (blend).Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons, NY, NY; www.frederickwildman.com