A blend of 85% Merlot augmented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon matured in 70% new French oak, this 2006 Brokenstone Merlot has a rather broody nose with touches of mulberry and lavender. Aromatically it is rather introverted, even after some bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, rounded tannins, dense dark cherry and mulberry fruit, just lacks freshness and a bit of joie-de-vivre towards the finish. Drink now-2013. Tony Bish continues to produce some outstanding examples of Hawkes Bay wine and their Helmsman stood shoulder to shoulder with an array of top Bordeaux 2005s at a blind tasting in 2009. Their entry-level Gunn Estate wine form a superb introduction to the delights of the region’s wines, in particular their Skeetfield Chardonnay.Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa, CA; www.diageo.com