Trinity Hill The Trinity Hawkes Bay 2013: Merlot, tempranillo, malbec and smattering of other varietals make for flavors from all directions; merlot plum and leather; tempranillo red fruit, blackberry, spice; malbec’s twist on blackberry, plum; thin layer of oak, soft mouth; light, ripe tannin; medium acidity, smooth. Grape mix depends on vintage (merlot is the standard lead in the blend each year, however), so flavor profile will vary year-to-year with this solid New Zealand easy-drinking effort. Hawkes Bay (east coast of the north island) is one of NZ’s oldest, most-established wine districts. Hawkes Bay label is Trinity’s consumer-priced offering. $20
