Brancott Estate

Brancott Estate Special Reserve

Wine Review – December 2012

Cameron Douglas MS

Brancott Estate Special Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Gris 2012

And now for something a little different…While the name of this wine suggests a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris blend - it is in fact a kind of cousin to the Sauvignon Blanc we know today, but with more fruitiness and less herbaceousness . The Brancott example displays light, fresh and lifted aromatics with a mix of mainly tree and citrus fruit suggestions; on the palate a crisp wine with a lively texture that almost dances on the tongue with a spritz-like  movement; a hint of lees contact adds texture; moderate alcohol, balanced and finishes with the freshness it began with. Overall a great addition to a Summer portfolio. 3.5 Stars

Brancott Estate Special Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2012

Pinot Gris under the Brancott label has always been a consistent performer and this reserve level expression is no different: Ripe fruit suggestions and lifted aromatics with a specific white nectarine, sweet apple and juicy pear aromas; a little white pepper spice and light oily note creeps in on the finish. On the palate - youthful, steely and fruity with many familiar flavours of white fleshed fruit from the tree and stone, a little citrus. There is also some residual sugar (9 gpl) which balances the lively and youthful acidity and offers an off-dry beginning and finish. I would suggest a slightly cooler than usual chill for service to counter balance the warm edge. Overall a delightful wine. 4 Stars

Brancott Estate Special Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Another classic from the Brancott stable: Lively, crisp, lifted and pungent aromatics with fresh herbs, vivacious fruits – tropical scented and citrus laden – and a loud voice that says “I’m here, take notice”. On the palate this wine is dry, grassy and very fruit laden with pineapple, kiwi, apple and lemon flavours. The acidity is high and tempered with both the fruit sweetness and focus along with a splash of residual sugar both adding to the length as well. Overall a wine to be enjoyed now and throughout the long 2013 Summer. 4 Stars

Brancott Estate Special Reserve Marlborough/Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011

70% of the juice for this wine is from Marlborough with – you guessed it – 30% from Central Otago. An unusual move for a wine company to blend from two quite distinctively separate regions, but it works! The nose takes a little getting used to as the dried herb and black cherry combination (Otago) speak first followed by the Marlborough mix of cranberry and spiced strawberry. The oak for this wine is definitely stage left in a supporting role. This is not a big wine – Pinot Noir should have some grace and style and this wine ticks those boxes. The Central Otago component adds the right layer of complexity, dried herb and mid palate concentration while the Marlborough component fills in all the gaps. The tannins for this wine range from soft and easy to a little edgy – adding texture and finish. Overall balanced and well made. 3.5 Stars