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New Zealand Merlot & Blends

New Zealand Merlot has had a low profile until recently, largely due to many ‘thin Merlots’ being produced internationally right across the 1990’s. However, plantings are on the increase, and we are starting to see some excellent examples come from the warmer regions of NZ. Hawkes Bay in particular is having great success with the grape, and will most commonly be used as a base for a Bordeaux blend incorporating other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec & Cabernet Franc.

New Zealand Merlot matches well with Lamb, other grilled meats and hard cheeses. The aromas will be complex and varied – look for Plums, jammy fruits, Christmas cake, Leather and toffee, sometimes with a hint of herbaceousness.

Merlot & Blends Products

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Wild Rock Gravel Pit Hawkes Bay Merlot Blend 2009
NZWINEONLINE STAFF PICK - A Bordeaux blend from the makers of Craggy Range. 79% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc. A great red for dinner parties, more approachable in it's youth but will develop for a further 5 years in the bottle. MASSIVE SAVINGS ON STRAIGHT CASE BUYS!
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Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Merlot 2009
Made using fruit predominantly sourced from the Gimblett Gravels - this is a powerful, rich & mouthfilling Merlot. 12 months on oak to add cedar undertones and fine acidity make this a great food wine. Massive savings & free shipping when you purchase 12 bottles!
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Mission Estate Hawkes Bay Merlot 2010
The Mission Estate Merlot has a bright vibrant colour with aromas of plum, sweet spice and savoury notes. The palate is medium bodied with generous fruit in the mid palate. A lovely finish of lingering spicy fruit aromas.
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Te Awa 'Left Field' Hawkes Bay Merlot Malbec 2009
Wonderfully aromatic notes of old leather, black doris plums and sweet fertile earth. Background notes of sweet vanilla, chocolate and slightly burnt toast add to the effect. A lovely Merlot that has benefitted greatly from 18 months in French oak.
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Te Mata Estate Woodthorpe Merlot Cabernet Hawkes Bay 2009
The same quality grape growing and winemaking used in their Coleraine applies to Woodthorpe Merlot/Cabernet, Te Mata's largest selling wine. Its popularity stems from its accessible soft, ripe fruit flavours, combined with an elegant palate structure, a hallmark of all Te Mata Estate’s wines.
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Man O' War Waiheke Island Merlot Cab Franc Malbec 2008
Fresh berry fruits on the palate are held together with an excellent tannin structure courtesy of the Cabernet Sauvignon. A rich Bordeaux blend of 42% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc,19% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Alpha Domus 'The Navigator' Hawkes Bay Merlot Blend 2007
Exclusive to NZWINEONLINE in Australia! Influences of sweet vanilla and toast result from oakbarrel maturation. On the palate, plum and blackberry are supported by clove and spicy notes with a rich earthiness. Game and leathery characters add complexity.
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Craggy Range Te Kahu Hawkes Bay Merlot Blend 2009
It is hard to imagine another Bordeaux blend of this quality at this price point. 2009 was a sensational year for reds from Hawkes Bay - This one is a blend of 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec. Approachable in it's youth, but will develop beautifully over the medium term and hold in the bottle until 2015.
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Trinity Hill 'The Gimblett' Hawkes Bay Merlot Blend 2008
Elegant, powerful and concentrated, the five traditional varieties of Bordeaux, further confirms the enormous potential of the Gimblett Gravels region of Hawkes Bay to produce world class Bordeaux-style red wines. 96pts, Gourmet Traveller Wine Nov 2011
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Ata Rangi Celebre Martinborough 2005
Ever since the very first vintage in 1986, Célèbre has had character. It’s a distinctive ‘house blend’ and it enjoys an extraordinarily loyal following by those in the know. Célèbre has evolved over the years from a somewhat austere, Cabernet dominant wine to the more fragrant, supple and luscious wine it is today. THIS PARTICULAR WINE IS AVAILABLE BY THE CASE ONLY.
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Te Mata Estate Awatea Hawkes Bay 2008
The smaller (and somewhat more affordable) brother of 'Coleraine', this is another outstanding Bordeaux blend from Te Mata. 38% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc & 5% Petit Verdot. 92/100 from Gourmet Traveller and immediately approachable with great cellaring potential.
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Man O' War 'Ironclad' Waiheke Island Bordeaux Blend 2008
Merlot/CabFranc/Malbec/Petit Verdot/CabSav delivers a complex aroma profile of cassis and red summer berries, earthy undertones with a touch of floral fragrance, and leather. One of Our favourite Bordeaux blends out of New Zealand.
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