The 2010 “J” Merlot, Cabernet, Malbec is a blend of 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 85% Merlot and 10% Malbec. It displays a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of fresh black currant, blackberries and mint over hints of chocolate, dried Mediterranean herbs and cedar. Medium bodied, it is richly fruited in the mouth with a firm level of fine-grained tannins, crisp acid and finishing long and layered with a faint herbal lift. Very tight and youthful still, it should drink best 2013 to 2019+. TerraVin does not currently have a USA importer.

Blended of 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 85% Merlot and 10% Malbec, the 2009 “J” Merlot Cabernet, Malbec has a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of warm plums, ripe blackberries and blueberry preserves over fertile loam, hung meat and tobacco leaf. Full bodied and with plenty of mouth-filling blackberry and earth flavors, it has ample ripe tannins, crisp acidity and a long savory finish. It should drink best 2012 to 2018+. TerraVin does not currently have a USA importer.

The 2008 ‘J’ is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all co-fermented with wild yeast and matured 18 months in French oak barriques, 60% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it has intense blackberry and black cherry aromas with an earthy, gamey, spicy/clove undercurrent plus whiffs of balsamic and nuts. Full bodied, rich, with beguiling layers of spice and savory flavors, it has medium-firm velvety tannins and high acid supporting the concentrated fruit through the long finish. Drink it 2012 to 2017+. Mike and Jo Eaton have staked-out and planted a very impressive hillside vineyard in the Omaka Valley, focused mainly at producing high quality Marlborough Pinot Noir, though they also have the magic touch when it comes to Sauvignon and Merlot of all things. Winemaking is hands-off here, with a focus on the immaculately tended, hand nurtured vineyards. Importer: Sober Imports, New York, NY; tel. (914) 715-1243

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon “J” was blended with a little Petit Verdot (30kg to be exact) and it really reminds me of the 2006 in many ways. Chocolate tinged black fruits a la Pomerol. Full-bodied, very fine tannins on the entry, good acidity and purity with pure black berry, liquorices. Gritty, liquorice, touch of bay leaf and thyme towards the finish. Just thirty-five cases made that will probably be bottled in magnums. Very impressive. Mike Eaton continues to furrow a fertile path with his boutique Marlborough label: Terravin. Importer: Sober Imports, New York, NY; tel. (914) 715-1243; fax (914) 738-0470