The 2008 Merlot Amarone Style has an exotic bouquet of black plum, molasses, a touch of Xmas cake and prune. Nicely defined and not overwhelming. Sweet plumy fruit on the entry, nicely judged sweetness, not too cloying and the texture has a slight graininess to it that is most appealing. Very pure on the finish, with touches of raisin and liquorices, against my expectations this works a treat. The cost listed includes mail order and freightN.B. Please note that these wines are sold as “Hans Family Estate” in all countries except Australia and New Zealand where it goes under the name of “Hans Herzog Estate.” If you seek enlightenment upon New Zealand’s take on international grape varieties then an afternoon with Swiss-born Hanz Herzog should quench your thirst. These are fascinating wines produced in small quantities and although they can be “hit and miss” affairs, the hits are well worth seeking out and kudos to someone who is thinking ‘outside the box’. After all, how do you know that Zweigelt will not work in Marlborough unless you actually cultivate and bottle it? Note that these wines will simply be branded “Hans” in the USA.Importer: Bond Imports, Inc., Littleton, CO; tel. (303) 948-3712; fax (866) 801-3618; www.winehouse.com