Mahurangi River Winery

Mahurangi River Winery 'Field of Grace' Chardonnay 2013 Matakana 14%
A very fruity bouquet with a wild peach and stone fruits followed by some mild sweet oak notes and a touch of lees complexity - overall fruity and straight forward. On the palate - dry and fruity with an obvious bite of oak; medium+ acidity shows off the citrus and tree fruit flavors followed by some stone fruit flavors as well. Overall and very drinkable, balanced wine.
3 Stars

Mahurangi River Winery 'Field of Grace' Reserve Chardonnay 2013 Matakana 14%
A much more complete wine on the nose - with a bouquet led by a decent balance between the fruit and oak; aroma sof roasted stone fruits and baked apple followed by generous oak and oak spices adding complexity and charm. On the palate - dry and youthful; flavors of citrus and oak lead yet there is a sweetness to the fruit that adds length and ageing potential. Medium+ body and acidity and finish. A wine for the cellar (open and try again December 2015) or decant for service.
4 Stars

Mahurangi River Winery Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2013 Matakana 13%
High impact on the nose with ripe, fresh and vibrant red fruit aromas - wild raspberry, blackcurrant and Doris plum; medium+ oak suggestions. On the palate - a dry wine with flavors of red fruits especially the wild raspberry and plum with an herbaceous layer coming from the Cabernet; medium+ tannins and acidity - a young wine that could do with some cellar time or decanting. Serve with cheese or medium rare red meat dishes.
3.5 Stars

Mahurangi River Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Matakana 13%
High impact dark red berry and oak bouquet - blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, a hint of coal and marmite and varietal herb nuances. On the palate - youthfully dry - this wine needs cellar time or specific food to calm the high tannins impact from the fruit and barrel. Medium+ acidity too and even a light violet floral note. Decant for service well ahead of time or cellar for 2+ more years. Lots of black and red berry fruit flavors with some spicy charry oak. A wine with potential,
4 Stars

Mahurangi River Winery Reserve Syrah 2013 Matakana 13%
This is the best wine that Mahurangi produce - I feel that this vineyard is well suited to Syrah with the bouquet of this wine shining with raspberry and black fruit aromas, hints of leather and brown spice, the ripeness and generosity of fruit likes the level of oak used. On the palate - generous with a mild peppery spice, abundant tannins from fruit and oak alongside medium+ acidity, a balanced and well made wine with great drinkability now and cellarability as well. A generous and longish finish with the black fruit flavors completing the wine's message on the palate. Good Job!
5 Stars