Thornbury Merlot Hawke's Bay

clear medium ruby. fairly open nose: red cherries. tastes like Marlborough Pinot Noir, high acidity with fruity sweetness, fine tannins, a little lean. dry finish. need food, easy drink. After breathing for a while, 2nd layer shows vanilla, chocolate, however the berries aroma disappeared quickly. fruits from Omahu Gravels Vineyard, wonderful terroir. 90% Merlot, 10% Malbec. 12.5% Alc. Spiegelau Gold, RC 18- Ap: 4/5; Ar: 12/15; palate: 13/20; overall: 3+2/10 TOTAL: 84/100