Te Awa Boundary 2002

This New Zealand red is a blend, whose components vary from year to year. In '02 it was made up of two thirds Merlot and a third each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The latter grape gives it an intense fruitiness, which is tempered by plentiful tannins and cedar elements, with detectable licorish in the aftertaste. At $9.99 it represents relatively good value, but it must be allowed to breathe and should probably be drunk soon.