Bob Campbell is one of only 264 Masters of Wine in the world. An international wine judge, Bob judges wine professionally in ten countries and contributes regularly to publications around the world. His specialty is New Zealand wine which he reviews from an international perspective.

Matariki Reserve Hawke's Bay NZ Merlot 2005

Copyright © 2012 Bob Campbell, Master of Wine. Republishing Info.

89/100 45

Classy red with refined fruit and savoury flavours supported by expensive French oak. This is a stylish Hawke’s Bay Merlot made from fruit grown in the Gimblett Gravels district. A year of two in bottle has helped integrate the flavours and soften a firm backbone of tannins that are a feature of red wines from the area. The 2005 vintage has produced firmer and potentially more long-lived wines those from teh generally more accessible 2006 vintage.

Tasted: Jun 2008    Average price: NZD $36 (~USD $30)

The above price is the estimated retail price given by the wine maker when it was submitted for review. It may not reflect the actual current market price.
USD pricing is a simple currency conversion from NZD and may not reflect the actual US retail pricing.

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These comments come straight from Bob's unedited tasting notes database. If you notice a spelling error or other problem on this page, please contact us so we can correct it.