“The Merlot is a little different from its stable mates in that it comes from Hawke’s Bay rather than Marlborough, but it is genuinely exciting wine in its own right. It is extraordinarily approachable for such a young wine, and it almost defies belief to think that the grapes which went into it were only picked in April last year. It is spicy and savoury and supple, but still full-bodied, and it could also take a bit of time in the cellar.”