Telmo Rodriquez Gaba Do Xil Godello '09
This wine is relatively new into New Zealand. It is from Larouco y Santa Cruz (Ourense), which is part of Valdeorroas in North West Spain. Godello is a native varietal from the region. 'Gaba' means 'bridg'e and 'Xil' means 'river'. The fruit for this wine is grown at around 550 metres on a combination of trellis and bush vine training.
N: A bouquet of granite, stone, rocks followed by aromas of golden kiwifruit and cirtus - simple yet enticing.
P: Dry, crisp and quite flavorful with lemon zest, grape fruit and golden kiwi flavors; medium+ pushing high acidity; firm and longish finish. A great food wine. 3.5 Stars.
Millton Clos de Ste Anne Naboth's Vineyard Pinot Noir '09
N: Wow and OMG! - the bouquet from this wine will send shivers down your spine (well it did to mine) - what an incredible bouquet! Chambolle Musigny, mushroom, truffle and other perigord; drifting and feminine and sexy.
P: The palate reflects the nose with pristine clarity; soft and generous red fruits, playful yet firm tannins - youthful; dried herb undertones and a soft minerality. This is an amazing wine! -
97 Points.
Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc '09 (7 gpl/rs)
N: Give this wine a little time to settle in the glass please - apple fruits emerge in various guises with a spike if fruit/skin/spice. Straight-forward bouquet with a soft floral note to look out for.
P: Just Off-Dry, but to many will seem dry with the Medium+ acidity that quickly envelopes the palate. Flavors if crisp apple, quince and touches of honey. Lovely balance (a hall mark of this producer) with medium+ length 4 Stars.
Millton Clos de Ste Anne Les Arbres Viognier '09
N: Condrieu thoughts - floral then soil then fruits - baked apples then apricots then flowers (yellow); complexity and panache.
P: Soft and silky textures then a tidal wave of flowers, fruits and generosity; bacon fat, spice, warmth and finish. This is a great wine and will easily last for a decade. 92 Points (5 Stars)
Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Viognier '10
N: Classic - varietal attributes of intense yellow peach and apricot; emerging yellow flowers, a whisper of bacon fat, baked terracotta soil notes.
P: A plush and central core of stone fruits flavors surrounded by florals especially buttercup and daisy; warm and generous mouth feel overall and balance right on the finish. 89Points (4.5 Stars)
