When Agent Red was offered today’s Pask Winery 2013 Kate Radburnd “Rich Royal” Merlot, he did a little research - and found that the wine was made by one of his winemaking heroes, Kate Radburnd.

Kate has been making wines in Australia and New Zeland for more than 30 years. She’s won more awards and gold medals than nearly any other Aussie winemaker. Kate is now the co-owner and winemaker of Pask Winery in New Zealand, where she makes distinctive and very reasonably priced wines.

Broad and aromatic on the nose, with aromas of ripe black cherry, Santa Rosa plum, blackberry compote, sweet brown spice, raspberry, toasty oak, dusty red currant, cocoa and spiced cherry candy.

Rich and layered on the palate, with grilled plum, black cherry juice, smoky blackberry, grilled blueberry, soft leather, mixed brown spice, coffee bean, cocoa powder and a hint of cracked pepper.

Of her winemaking, Kate says, “My job is to support the fruit the best way I can - not manipulate it - so the grapes can naturally express their true flavor.” Well, Kate, Mission: Accomplished! This is one great wine.