($30, Pasternak Wine Imports): Hawke’s Bay, a relatively warmer area on New Zealand’s North Island, is making a name for itself as a place for high quality red grapes.  This hodge-podge blend of Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Syrah (12%) and Malbec (10%) actually works.  Powerful without being over-the-top, it conveys a lovely mixture of gamey and black fruit elements.  Its succulence is balanced by spice and fine-grained tannins.  It’s a remarkable wine from a remarkable blend of grapes. 92 Michael Apstein Aug 12, 2008