Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot Franc 2015 $80 (5 stars)

21 March 2018By Yvonne

My first taste of this wine was a few years before the millennium and back then I was told the name represented something that led the way that stood ahead of the pack and steered you in the right direction. This new vintage lives up to its reputation for focus and drive. A Helmsman is … Read More

Matawhero Gisborne Merlot 2016 $22 ★★★★

5 April 2017By Yvonne

For a red that’s only just been bottled and released, this is drinking darn gorgeously. Ripe, round, plush plum and milk chocolate notes on the nose and palate, it’s dangerously smooth and velvety in the mouth and boasts a long, warming finish. Subtle fruitcake spices, pepper and hints of red berry add to the fruit … Read More

Karikari Esate Calypso Northland Merlot 2014 $27 (3.5stars)

4 April 2017By Yvonne

If you were looking for New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard then you’ve come to the right place.  The heat bakes those vines and the breezes which gust in from the coast directly below the peninsula keep the bunches dry and clean.  Winemaker Alan Collinson uses wild, natural yeasts to ferment the juice, which adds to the … Read More

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Merlot 2014

1 February 2016By Yvonne

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Merlot 2014 $33 ★★★★½ Cleverly crafted by winemakers Matt Thomson and Hamish Clark (who has a background in microbiology, zoology and forensic science interestingly enough) from fruit grown in the Gimblett Gravels, this is a wine with deeply earthy aromas of chocolate, liquorice and cured meats.  Those same characters … Read More

The Family Gisborne Merlot 2013

5 January 2016By Yvonne

The Family Gisborne Merlot 2013 $25 ★★★★ Pioneer winemaker John Thorpe and his family are really making a name for themselves with this family brand and lovers of soft, plummy and plush merlot will fall all over themselves when they taste this wine. Bright berries, cherries chocolatey spices and a long, silky finish make this … Read More

Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Merlot 2010

24 September 2012By Yvonne

Saint Clair Marlborough Premium Merlot 2010 $21 ★★★½ This has such a gorgeous aroma, boysenberry, plum with a waft of espresso – while in the mouth it is ripe, juicy and very very drinkable.  Merlot from Marlborough is looking rather marvelous indeed!  www.saintclair.co.nz  

Matua Single Vineyard Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Matua ‘Single Vineyard’ Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009 $69  Ruby-hued and exhibiting saucy aromas of plum compote and chocolate while in the mouth it has succulent cherry, blackberry and enticing spices.  The oak is beautifully integrated, the acidity is elegant, the alcohol is warming and the finish is solid and muscular.  Definitely a wine for … Read More

Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010

21 September 2011By Yvonne

Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010 $21  Lifted spicy plum, raspberry and deep cherry and cocoa aromatics followed by a lovely chocolate, smoke character on the finish, this is a fantastic, fresh, beautifully balanced red that will definitely impress.  I think it’ll cellar well for another 4-5 years if you’re disciplined enough.  www.cypress.co.nz   Cypress Hawke’s Bay … Read More

Ti Point Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010

14 August 2011By Yvonne

Ti Point Two Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010 $22  Matakana winemaker Tracy Haslam has created a really tasty wine with bright berryfruit, smoke and pepper notes on the nose followed by lovely plush, fruit-forward tannins and a ripe, robust finish.  A definite crowd-pleaser and absolutely lovely with steak and kidney pie.  www.tipoint.co.nz

Yealands Full Circle Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2008

20 July 2011By Yvonne

Yealands Full Circle Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2008 $17  “What goes around comes around” states the label on this plastic bottle.  Produced by carbon-zero certified Yealands Estate this 100% recyclable is highly fruity on the nose and in the mouth it’s harmless, easy to drink but just a smidge boring if I’m being totally honest.  www.yealands.com