Misha's Vineyard Lyric Riesling 2013 (13% abv 5.5 gpl rs)
Wine maker Olly Master's has again proven his understanding of Riesling - with a pure fruit bouquet of gently sweet red and green apple and crisp lemon encased in a blanket of white flowers; a gentle lees quality enhances an already abundant mineral layer.
On the palate - dry with a white pepper like acidity; the flavors of apple, pear and citrus emerge with a floral highlight; light bodied, generous and quite long on the finish.
4.5 Stars (89 Points)
A delightful wine to serve as an aperitif on its own or with (gluten free) crackers topped with avocado & prawn dressed with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and cracked pepper
A very telling bouquet - full of sweet citrus, mandarin and lime flower laced with crushed apple and sweet mineral water suggestions; lively, attractive and seductive.
On the palate - off dry with an immediate medium sweet quality - almost simultaneously contrasted and enhanced by pristine high acidity; the gently sweet flavors of mandarin, lime and tangerine envelop the taste buds - each with a lightly sweet highlight; beautifully balanced wine with a long, crisp and clean finish - that is ultimately dry.
5 Stars - Superb! (95 Points)
Serve with Tuna ceviche (with all the trimmings) dressed in a little coconut cream and topped with toasted sesame and a dash of honey.
Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc is fortunately a completely different beast from its more famous neighbor up north in Marlborough.....the immediate and obvious varietal signature of SB is here (some tropical fruits, lots of citrus and a sweet herbal layer), but there is also and equally and very distinctive mineral quality - stony, quartz and crisp sweet schist-like attribute; in other words - a Central Otago/Bendigo signature. A little herbaceousness adds a subtle layer.
On the palate - just dry with crisp, pure and clean flavors of SB that dance happily on the tongue enhanced by the flavors of citrus, light herb and stony mineral.
Overall an attention seeking wine that delivers on balance, length (M+) and complexity (M+).
4.5 Stars (89 Points)
The perfect wine to serve with freshly shucked oysters drizzled with a little lemon juice, grapefruit and cracked pepper infusion
A charming and classic bouquet of PG - with sweet, fresh and poached green pear, yellow apple, a hint of white pepper and a distinctive layer of white florals & hint of mineral* - something of a *signature in wine maker Olly Master's wines from Misha's Vineyard.
On the palate - an immediate fruity quality gives way to individual flavors of white fleshed tree fruits, a little Asian pear and white pepper spice; although there is a little residual sugar the wine is essentially dry on the finish. Balanced and very well made.
4 Stars (88 points)
If you like Asian fare with a (Kiwi) medium level of spice (so hardly any spice at all) then this is a smart wine choice - shredded chicken in a light green curry with sweet basil - and a glass of Misha's DC PG 13.
Gentle and charming, exotic and alluring - this is a Gewurz' that easily ticks all the boxes of its variety in the bouquet, but what I really like is the soft and gentle unfurling nature of the bouquet; lightly spiced white fleshed fruits, a cushion of white flowers and a crisp mineral water layer (Central Otago-ness).
On the palate - just off-dry bordering medium with a crisp layer of acidity; lots of white fruit flavors with a twist of citrus; lovely balance and medium+ length - I could drink this wine all day long.
5 Stars (90 points)
If you have any pate that needs finishing - spread a thin layer onto some (gluten free) Melba-toast topped with a little cream fresh and sprinkle of paprika.
Misha's Vineyard The High Note Pinot Noir 2010 (14% abv)(6 PN Clones in the blend)
Lots of ripe and sweet smelling dark red berries - cherry first then a little wild raspberry & a large helping of plum; dark baking spices add a layer of complexity as does a little clove and star anise. Overall med++ complexity.
On the palate - dry, taut and firm - still very much a wine in a development stage (based on this tasting another 2-3 years to really settle in) but the flavors of PN start emerging with some force - plums and other red berries, crushed black cherry and brown spices all jostling for position on the palate. Medium+ oak suggestions, Medium+ fine yet noticeably youthful tannins, medium++ acidity and a long finish.
5 Stars (93 points)
This is a wine for investment and cellaring - at least 2 years before you check it again and will likely age through to 2020 with ease.
If you insist of drinking this wine before a couple of years have passed - then beef is where you have to go with food - pan seared to medium rare and served with roasted beets, fresh thyme and a sticky sweet jus.
Generous, ripe and rich with red cherry and plum aromas, a little spice, rose and red flowers and mild toasty oak suggestions. Moderate complexity overall.
On the palate - dry with all of the flavors described above especially crushed cherry, strawberry and yellow plum; medium tannins with a youthful firmness, medium+ acidity and a moderate+ length.
Overall a charming wine that will age well for a few years, but perhaps best enjoyed over 2014/2015 with food.
4 Stars (88 Points)
Veal - in a light creamy sauce laced with a little nutmeg and cracked pepper - finished with button mushrooms and a sprinkle of aged gouda.
