The 2007 Woodthorpe Vineyard Merlot/Cabernet had improved since tasted last year. A blend of 44% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petit Verdot it has good intensity on the nose with black fruits, tobacco, a touch of Xmas cake and decayed leaves. The palate is medium-bodied, fine supple tannins, blackberry, raspberry and a real savory quality coming through on the off-dry finish courtesy of the Cabernet Franc. Off-dry towards the finish, this is an impressive wine. 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