This 2008 Woodthorpe Vineyard Merlot/Cabernet has an attractive cedar nose with dark berry fruits, savory, gamey with good definition. The palate is a little austere on the entry with noticeable tobacco leaf notes, but then broadens out to some lush, black cherry, bilberry and allspice notes and another dash of white pepper on the finish. Drink 2012-2017. John Buck OBE and his son Nicholas continue their hone their craft at one of New Zealand’s most respected wineries and winemaker Peter Cowley has fashioned a clutch of stunning wines in both 2008 and 2009. Both tank samples of their flagship Coleraine and Awatea 2009 are bona fide classics in the making, whilst their entry Woodthorpe range of wines offer a costcutting introduction to the delights of Hawkes Bay varietals without cutting quality.