A pleasant surprise in a recent sampling of Hawkes Bay blends, this wine verges on being overripe, yet still boasts ample structure. Black cherry and plum fruit is marked by vanilla and cinnamon, while the mouthfeel is one of contained lushness, not gloppy or syrupy. Drink now-2012. The blend is roughly one-third of each variety. ——J.C.(7/1/2006)—— 89