The outstanding 2007 Awatea Cabernet/Merlot is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 38% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. This has a similar nose to the 2006, but that increase of Cabernet(s) imbues the bouquet with a little more reserve and definition with notes of ripe blackberry, cedar and a touch of mulberry. The palate is very well balanced, good acidity, off-dry, very elegant tannins with great poise on the boysenberry/white pepper tinged finish. This is a great Awatea. John and Nick Buck were in fine form when I visited their estate in Hawkes Bay along with winemaker Peter Cowley and their portfolio offers something for the commercial end of the market, right up to one of New Zealand’s genuine icons. Importer: American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ; tel. (908) 273-5060; fax (908) 273-5068