Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet 2009/2010, Hawkes Bay

This 'Bordeaux blend' comes from various sites within Hawkes Bay, including the famed Gimblett Gravels area, which provides a warm climate and stony, free-draining soils, suiting the Bordeaux grape varieties superbly. 12 months' maturation in oak completes the package. Vibrant and fairly un-Bordeaux-like in its fruit character, this wine is richly cassis falvoured, with a soft ripeness to its ample tannins, making it bold buy instantly approachable. Drink now with rich meat dishes, or keep for up to 5 years for further softness and development.

£8.99