Fielding Estate Cab-Merlot 2010 ($35, not released until the spring, 92 points) — This was previously called Meritage and is a blend of Cabernet Franc (42%), Merlot (33%) and the rest Cab Sauv. What I am discovering with the 2010 red blends, compared to the last great vintage of 2007, they have more finesse and balance. The nose on this beauty shows cherry, cassis, blackberry, vanilla and toasty-oak nuances. There isn’t as much earth as 2007 as the fruit dominates the nose and palate. There are some savoury-smoky herbs in the mouth but they only play a supporting role to the rich, layered cassis and dark cherry flavours to go with ripe tannins and uplifting acidity through a long finish. Decant for a couple of hours upon release or hold for a few years in the cellar.