Thornbury Merlot 2016 Wine Review

Thornbury Merlot 2016

Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand

Community Score:89/100

Community Reviews: 8

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Price: $18.95

Drink: 2016-2020

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine

Winery: Thornbury

Agent: Airen Imports

Natalie's Score: 92/100

This supple New Zealand Merlot is made from vines planted in the estate Omahu Vineyards, in the famous Gimlett Gravels district of the Hawkes Bay region. This is mostly Merlot with a splash of Malbec and Merlot. Black fruit aromas with dark spice. Pair with grilled pork chops.

This Thornbury Merlot 2016 was reviewed on September 3, 2017 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2015

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Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
865238
$18.95
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Reviews and Ratings

Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

An elegant Merlot made from grapes sourced from the famed Gimlett Gravels in Hawkes Bay, where the stony soils and sunny conditions are ideal for growing Merlot. Made in a fruit-driven style, with plum, red fruit, blackberries, dried herbs and chocolate notes, balanced by smoky oak. Fine-grained tannins and blackcurrant finish. Excellent with roast wild boar and tangy mustard.
Tasted September 2017 with the winemaker, Simon Fells.

Melanie Lloyd - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

On the nose, this ruby coloured Merlot is fairly complex. It has aromas of raspberries, blueberries, chocolate, and a touch of smoke and of menthol. The berries follow through on the palate. The tannins are smooth and there’s a slight bitter finish. This wine is 90% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Tasted September 2017

Cherie Cole rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Hawkes Bay is one of only two growing regions in New Zealand for Merlot. The abundance of river deposits in this area bring forth a wine with fragrant and feminine structure. This fruit-forward Merlot has notes of black plum and blueberry, followed-up with mocha and smoke. Only 5,000 cases of this wine have been made. Tasted with winemaker Simon Fell, September 2017.

Pamela Chiles rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Quite liked this one at this price! Soft, rich and velvety, purple-hued, plummy, black cherry, blueberry and spice. 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc in this vintage's offering. Fab with flatiron steak.

Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This Merlot has a lovely medium ruby colour with a purple hue. Vibrant, juicy and fruity dark fruit aromas. Dark plum, black cherry, dark chocolate and a touch of leather.
The flavours awaken with fresh cherry, tart light skinned plum and a hint hint of mineral and graphite - a little bit of a "pencil" element.
Medium bodied with equal acidity with medium plus velvety, rich tannins.
Pair with roast beef, herb crusted potatoes and rosemary lamb.

Rachelle O'Connor rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

A lovely Merlot from the Gimblett Gravels wine district within the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. - although this is a small area, it has made a big impact on the New Zealand wine market in a short span of time. The first grapes were planted in 1981 - and by 1991 only 50 acres were planted. Today there is over 1500 acres planted. The climate and soil makes it a perfect place to grow Merlot - this particular one is very fruit forward with lovely undertones of chocolate, coffee, and oak and smoke. The tannins are silky and fine grained. Lovely lingering fruit finish.

Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 87/100 with the following review:

A deep ruby colour with bright red highlights. Aromas of ripe sweet plums, red berries, ripe bell peppers, and spices. A fruit-forward wine that repeats its aromas in the mouth and blends them with a bit smoke and warm gentle tannins to end in a medium-long finish of red berries and cassis. Score 87. (S.Segard, reviewed Sept. 25, 2017)

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Thornbury Merlot 2016 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Pricing & Stock Information