Hawke’s Bay’s underwhelming effort. Ruby color. Simple aromas of red cherries and plum. Light to medium-bodied with weak tannins and low acidity. Flavors of basic red fruits with little depth or character. The finish is short and forgettable. This Merlot falls short of Villa Maria’s usual standards, offering a bland, one-dimensional experience. While it might suffice for very casual drinking, it fails to showcase the potential of New Zealand Merlot.