Grasshopper Rock

Grasshopper Rock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 Earnscleugh Vineyard
Lush ripe red fruits bouquet with a distinctive silty soil layer, floral tones and medium+ complexity. On the palate - dusty powdery tannins first then red fruit flavors cherry and raspberry; medium+ (ish) oak still finding its way in the wine; medium+ acidity and length. A wine with complexity and  potential.
4 Stars

Stoneleigh

Stoneleigh Latitude Merlot Marlborough 2014
Plums and more plums, dark cherry and blackberry aromas all laced with toasty oak spice suggestions. On the palate - dry with noticeable yet very easy tannins, fresh red and black fruit flavors, medium+ acidity and medium weight. A very drinkable wine now and through 2016.
3 Stars

Sacred Hill

Sacred Hill Halo Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough
Plenty of pinosity in the bouquet with fresh red cherry fruits, raspberry, dry stone mineral notes and red apple skin; some floral rose like moments. On the palate - very youthful and fresh with lots of red fruit flavors, vibrant and expressive acidity, plentiful firm tannins and medium+ oak presence. A wine that needs time to integrate still through 2016 then check again.
3.5 Stars+

Sacred Hill Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough
Fresh cherry and cranberry aromas with a light soil note and moderate oak presence; a bouquet suggesting a wine for early drinking. On the palate - crisp, firm, fruity and full of energy; lots of fruity moments with moderate oak, lots of acidity and firm yet easy tannins. Enjoy through 2015 and 2016 with food.
3 Stars

Big Bunch

Big Bunch Merlot Hawke's Bay 2013
Plum and blackcurrant with black cherry then the oak swings in making a bold toasty and generous appearance. On the palate - dry, firm, fruity and youthful with plenty of dark red and black fruit flavors; medium+ tannins and oak with mod+ acidity; well made and destined to be enjoyed with food.
3 Stars

The Doctor's

The Doctor's Petit Manseng 2013 Marlborough
Quite a powerful bouquet of apricot and peach with lots of ripe and sweet almost candy like aromas; honey. On the palate - sweet and crisp with lots of sugary apricot and honey flavors contrasted by high acidity. Some pineapple ideas begin to emerge after the apricot and quince flavors subside. Balanced, sweet and well made.
3 Stars

Tohu

Tohu Rewa Blanc de Blancs 2012
Very lively bouquet of fresh apple, quince and strawberry, medium autolysis and elevated florals. On the palate - fresh, lively and flavorful with plenty fruit charms as well as yeast derived depth; high acidity, crisp and fresh finish. Balanced and well made.
3.5 Stars

Tohu Rewa Blanc de Noir 2012
Complex bouquet with lots of autolysis charm and complexity with brioche and bread-like aromas, toasty notes, peach and citrus. On the palate - dry, quite rih in flavor and texture with plenty of fruit and bottle development flavors and textures; a lovely long finish, well made and memorable.
5 Stars

Domaine Thomson

Domain Thomson Explorer SV Pinot Noir Central Otago 2013 
Distinctive bouquet of light red fruits laced with suggestions of mineral and undergrowth; light;y toasted oak and an overall harmonious beginning. On the palate - light weight, dry, fruity and fresh; medium+ acidity, firm yet fine tannins, medium expression of oak and youthful overall. A wine that is still finding its feet and coming together slowly - so keep it in the cellar through 2016 then take another look.
3.5 Stars

Domain Thomson Surveyor Thomson Pinot Noir Central Otago 2011
A bouquet that is showing both bottle development and integration at the right pace with aromas of aged rose petals, strawberry and cherry scents and oak integration that is well underway; a wine with complexity. On the palate - lots of textures from fine tannins, medium+ acidity and oak intervention; light red fruit flavors adding depth and mid palate weight; dry longish finish - well made and will continue to develop over the next 1-3 years.
4.5 Stars

Marisco

Marisco The King's Favour 2014 Sauvignon Blanc
Tropical, fresh, fruity, vibrant and forward with aromas of passion fruit and mango, fuzzy peach and lemon. On the palate - very crisp and fresh, vibrant fruit flavours and lots of fresh herb drive; high acidity, fresh, lively and well made.
3.5 Stars

Villa Maria

Villa Maria Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Hawke's Bay 2013 Cellar Selection
Very dark ruby and purple with crimson highlights.
Plum, chocolate, blackberry and blackcurrant lead the bouquet with lots of smokey toasty oak and sweet vanilla. On the palate - concentrated, rich, dry and full of dark red fruit flavors, sweet oak and mid palate concentration - a lovely wine with a meaty element; plenty of crisp acidity and a long finish. Very nice wine!
4.5 Stars

Chard Farm

Chard Farm 2013 Pinot Noir River Run Central Otago
Plenty of light red fruits lead the bouquet with red cherry, red apple skin and raspberry; there's also blossom, gentle brown spiced oak and a hint of wild honey. On the palate - dry, medium-bodied, youthfully fresh and firm with oak spice laced red fruit flavors; moderate oak overall and a touch savory spice - perhaps some whole bunch work. Balanced and charming yet still requires some cellar time (if you can wait) of 1 year minimum just to let some of the more direct textures soften a little more. Overall a lovely example.
4 Stars

Chard Farm 2005 the Tiger Pinot Noir Central Otago
Wow! What a treat - lots of integration and harmony with scents of sweet oak laced with plum, red and dark cherry with a raspberry and mineral layer and light brown spices. On the palate - dry reflecting all of the images suggested above; time in bottle has served this wine well and demonstrates as well as reinforces the continued potential of Charm Farm as a quality wine producer; fine tannins with a dusty and fine powder texture; medium acidity and long finish. Delish!
5 Stars

Chard Farm 2013 the Tiger Low Burn Pinot Noir Central Otago
Soft, smooth and velvet bouquet of sweet French oak layered with brown spice laced red fruit aromas of strawberry and raspberry with a red cherry lift. On the palate - floral, sweet red fruits of cherry and strawberry with a plum note, fine tannins and medium++ acidity; long and charming finish, balanced and well made. Very nice wine and worth your time.
5 Stars

Chard Farm 2013 Mata-Au Lowburn Vineyards Pinot Noir Central Otago
Ripe red cherry scents laced with the brown spices of oak, red apple skin and strawberry fields, quite floral too with a light red velvet flower note. On the palate - dry, fruity, firm and masculine; with a vibrant velvet textured palate, medium+ acidity and lots of light red fruit flavors; medium complexity and length - a balanced and well made wine best suited to food or the cellar for another 1-2 years.
3.5 Stars

Chard Farm 2013 MkII Parkburn Pinot Noir Central Otago
Fresh raspberry centred fruit aromas with some dark cherry and light mineral action; moderate+ oak influences and a light floral note. On the palate - dry and firm(ish) with dusty oak tannins contrasted with ripe red berry fruit flavors - lots of texture too with medium+ acidity. A generous and flavourful wine delicious on its own or even better with carefully selected food.
4.5 Stars

Chard Farm 2013 The Viper Parkburn Pinot Noir Central Otago
Floral, mineral, fruity and feminine with rose, schist and cherry strawberry and even a little plum aroma; medium oak suggestions with some brown spice. On the palate - dry, fruity and firm with some fine to dusty tannins plenty of acidity and sweet oak charms; overall a serious wine with a core of fruit that adds length as well as concentration to the mid palate. 
4 Stars

Ara Single Estae

Ara Single Estate Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough
Ripe light red fruits bouquet with a gentle white smoke layer, dry stoner mineral note and moderate use of oak scents.On the palate - dry, fresh, crisp, firm and fruity with cherry and cranberry fruit flavors, medium+ acidity, medium fine tannins and moderate oak texture and flavor. Light+ -bodied with a balanced finish.
3 Stars

Ara Select Block Limited Release K54 Pinot Noir 2012 Marlborough
Bold and broody with lots of red fruit aromas heavily laced with the scents of new French barrel - brown spices and smoky oak tones. On the palate - dry, fruity and woody with lots of flavor action on the palate, texture too with fine to medium tannins,vanilla and brown spice flavors and a return of a light smokey oak layer. Balanced and well made in a youthful and oak centred expression.
3.5 Stars

Ara Select Block Limited Release M62 Pinot Noir 2012 Marlborough
Bold and quite broody with plenty of red fruits in the aromas gentled laced with a light floral note adding some charm and complexity to the bouquet; while the oak is quite noticeable it is well in harmony with the rest of the bouquet components. On the palate - dry and fruity with plenty of Marlborough red cherry and plum flavors, a dry stone mineral layer and a touch of cherry blossom; fine to medium tannins, sweet oak; medium+ acidity and a longish finish; well made.
4.5 Stars

Saint Clair Family Estate

Saint Clair Family Estate 2014 Pinot Gris Marlborough Premium
Very fruity bouquet with aromas of Asian pear, sweet apple and juicy white fleshed fruits, simple yet vibrant. On the palate - crisp, fresh, very fruity and lush to the taste; a very easy wine to drink  with flavors that reflect the nose; simple and fresh style. Balanced and well made.
3 Stars

Stonecroft

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Old Vine Gewurztraminer 2014
Spicy, rich and intense with very exotic white fruits heavily scented with rose and turkish delight suggestions. On the palate - very creamy and richly flavored with the rose and Turkish delight ideas returning, plenty of sweetness and intensity too that will seduce all who try; medium+ acidity, long and rich finish. Fantastic example!
5 Stars

Stonecroft Hawke's Bay  Gewurztraminer 2014
Spicy and exotic with medium+ intensity; white fleshed fruits, ginger and a touch of baked pineapple lure me in; floral too. On the palate - lightly creamy texture with intense and spicy fruit flavors; a hint of ginger again and suggestions of orange and citrus peel; medium+ acidity, lightly floral, balanced and well made.
4 Stars

Villa Maria

Villa Maria Gewurztraminer Ihumatao Vineyard Auckland 2013
Intense bouquet of ripe exotic fruits laced with roses, lavender and nougat. On the palate - just off-dry with a very small measure of sweetness off-set by vibrant acidity and fruit intensity; floral, fresh and very flavorful  - a wine that fills the palate with texture and flavor,beautifully balanced and long and ultimately dry on the finish. Delicious!
4.5 Stars

Elk Cove Vineyard

Elk Cove Vineyard 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2014
Lots of lush fresh white fleshed fruit aromas with wet and juicy pear flesh, red apple flesh and a white peach suggestions, a gentle white spice adds some depth and mild complexity. On the palate - dry almost Grigio in style with flavors that reflect the nose, medium+ acidity and a hint of spice perhaps from some older oak. Fresh, crisp and dry, balanced and well made.
3.5 Stars

Elk Cove Vineyard 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012
Plenty of Pinosity and intensity in the bouquet with a seesaw swing between the oak and red fruits aromas; pomegranate, darker cherry and even some cranberry fruit suggestions; a mix of new and not so new oak; overall vibrant and enticing. On the palate - dry, frim, youthful speaks of its origins with a clay and dusty mineral layer; plenty of light red fruit flavors; medium+ chalky tannins and medium length. Overall well made and worthy of your time and investment.
4 Stars

Collaboration Wines

Collaboration Wines Arulent Chardonnay 2013
A bold and expressive bouquet centering on the oak and spice aromas then lemon and grape fruit suggestions followed by roasted stone fruits; youthful and intense. On the palate - dry, crisp, fresh and youthfully vibrant on the palate with flavors of oak and oak spice followed by fresh and roasted fruits. This is a wine very much in the throws of youth so requires dedicated cellar time (2 years). If you must drink it then decant and serve with rich and flavorful food. Lots of potential with medium+ complexity.
4.5 Stars

Collaboration Wines Ceresia Merlot Cabernet Franc 2013
enticing bouquet of freshly squeezed black doris plum, blackberry and hints of chocolate - all wrapped in a blanket of medium+ intensity of oak. On the palate - dry, firm, fruity and vibrant with flavors that reflect the nose, a light tobacco spice, firm youthful tannins, medium+ acidity and complexity. Juicy too with a lushness to the fruit. Plenty of development time ahead. Well made.
4 Stars

Gunn estate

Gunn Estate Hawke's Bay Reserve Chardonnay  2014
Moderately rich bouquet of Chardonnay aromas oak spice laced stone fruit and citrus peel aromas - grape fruit and peach plus hints of white fleshed tree fruits. On the palate - fruit centred style with a moderate intense layer of oak and gentle oak spice; medium+ acidity a fine, balanced and well made example.
3.5 Stars

Sacred Hill

Sacred Hill Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2014
Fruity and lightly oaky bouquet with aromas of vanilla scented apple and peach; a creaming soda moment and clean fresh beginning. On the palate - dry, crisp, fruity and simple with flavors that reflect nose; medium+ acidity and a light spiciness from the oak. Balanced and well made.
3 Stars

Waipara Hills

Waipara Hills Waipara VAlley Riesling 2014
Very fruity and striking bouquet of ripe and almost sweet apple and citrus fruit aromas; a hint of tropical fruit and steely freshness. On the palate - off dry with some noticeable sweetness balanced by medium+ energised acidity; flavors of red and green apple, some tangerine like citrus and lightly creamy texture from the sugar. Balanced and well made with a medium finish.
3.5 Stars

Churton

Churton Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 'Best End'
A rich and highly scented bouquet of barrel ferment with fresh and baked citrus aromas, honey tones and a waxy richness. On the palate - dry, rich in flavor and texture with flavors of apple, citrus and fuzzy peach. The oak and barrel ferment approach works really well with the fruit concentration, acidity and highly textured mouth bring all the elements together superbly. A excellent example of a barrel enhanced style with a long finish.
5 Stars

Black Peak Wines

Black Peak Wines Riesling 2014 Wanaka Central Otago
Aromatic and delicate as well with plenty of white peach, apple and citrus aromas with a persistent line of white flowers and cold stone mineral adding complexity and mystery. On the palate - off dry with noticeable sweetness balanced by plenty of acidity and filled with flavour. This is a style of Riesling done well with - mineral sherbet, mandarin, sweet peach tea, florals and a long lightly sweet finish. Delicious!
5 Stars

Julicher

Julicher Martinborough Riesling 2014
Very aromatic with lots of fresh lime and green apple aromas, wet stone mineral and a hint lees complexity. On the palate - just dry and packed with flavour - apple and pear with lots of citrus and apricot stone flavors; a touch and mandarin and lime flower and very light lees texture and mineral. Balanced, medium+ length and a longish finish. Well made.
4.5 Stars

Julicher Martinborough Pinot Noir 2012
Quite a seductive bouquet with floral scented light red fruits of cherry and pomegranate and a light dusting of dried herb; a silty mineral layer adds complexity with medium spiced oak rounding out the bouquet. On the palate - dry, fruity and minerally - light red fruit flavors enhanced by dusty almost chalky tannins, medium spiced oak and plenty of acidity; overall a charming wine with pinosity and texture. Well made.
4 Stars

Silver Wing

Silver Wing Waipara Riesling 2011
Lots of complexity in the bouquet with aromas of lemon and apple with hints of lime and spice from a light oak interaction; a developing leesy complexity adds depth and even texture to the bouquet. On the palate - on just dry; flavors of apple and citrus lead with a light creamy texture and very gentle spice moments from the oak.The acidity isn't quite as firm as I would like yet the wine remains very approachable and will not diappoint those who try.
4 Stars
Label art needs attention

Silver Wing Waipara Pinot Gris 2011
Quite a complex bouquet of lees and ripe fruit derived aromas - pear, apple and white peach suggestions; a hint of oak spice and white pepper spice. On the palate - dry, firm and specific with a mix of apple, white fruit and citrus pith (the pheolics are just a little edgy); medium acidity and length. Overall an interesting wine best suited to food at this juncture of its life cycle.

Silver Wing Waipara Chardonnay 2012
Lots of creamy Chardonnay aromas with roasted peach and light tropical fruit suggestions; an easy unfurl of oak wood and medium complexity overall. On the palate - quite simple and fruity with flavors of white and yellow stone fruits, some grape fruit and gentle oak vanilla and spice. Balanced, simple, dry and very approachable. Well made with medium complexity.
3 Stars

Silver Wing Waipara Pinot Noir 2012 (not yet labelled so no picture)
Lots of varietal lift to the bouquet with sweet scented cherry and strawberry fruits; lots of mineral action with a light limestone and clay-like suggestion; moderate oak. On the palate - dry, fruity, fresh and youthful - plenty of pinosity presented in a light-weight style; light dusting of tannins and oak; balanced and well made with immediate drinkability and moderate length.
3.5 Stars 

Hunter's

Hunter's Jane Hunter 2014 Marlborough Chardonnay
Fresh, fruity and floral with aromas of white and yellow peach, red apple and hints of white flowers; a light to moderate oak layer adds a touch of complexity and charm. On the palate - dry, lightly creamy and fruity with fresh and lightly roasted stone fruit flavors all laced with a dusting French oak spice; a light leesy and yoghurt like layer adds further complexity; medium+ acidity and a decent length on the finish. Balanced and well made.
3.5 Stars

Hunter's Jane Hunter 2013 Marlborough Pinot Noir
A bouquet filled with aromas of red cherry, plum and red apple skin; a layer of stony mineral adds depth and a little complexity; noticeable oak spices and overall pinosity.
On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with lots of crunch to the light red fruit flavors that reflect the nose with a little cranberry as well; touches of red florals; overall balanced and well made though quite youthful still with medium length and complexity. Will cellar well for another 12 - 18 months or serve with food.
3.5 Stars

Osawa Wines

Osawa Wine Prestige Collection Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010
A wine showing bottle development colors of light golden and yellow tones.
The nose reflects this as well with a well developed bouquet of apple and aged apple, a touch of green bean and peach. On the palate - the same with flavors of peach and apple with a light herbaceous note; still medium+ acidity and moderate length. Overall a wine that is completely sound and drinkable, but without the vibrancy and drive of a younger version of itself.

Down to Earth

Down to Earth Turanga Creek Organic Marlborough Pinot Gris 2013
Ripe white and green pear aromas with apple and lemon skin with a hint of white floral. On the palate - dry and quite crisp with moderate fruit concentration and a lean finish.
Recommended

Left Field

Left Field Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Pungent, vibrant and lively with lots of fresh and vibrant fruit aromas - a mix of tree and tropical fruits, light white spice, mild herbaceous qualities. On the palate - dry fresh crisp and lively with high acidity and fresh tropical fruit flavors of mango and pineapple laced with crisp red apple. Balanced and well made.
4 Stars

Left Field

Left field East Coast Pinot Gris 2014
Ripe, generous and fruity and lifted aromas of sweet pear and apple, some white florals and citrus layer. On the palate - just dry with lots of juicy and ripe white fleshed fruits, lemon and citrus flavors with higher acidity adding to a crisp and vibrant finish. Well made.
3.5 Stars

Jules Taylor

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Gris 2014
White fruits of pear and sweet apple, lemon and even a touch of lemonade memory with a sweet highlight. On the palate - dry with flavors of white fruits and white spice, grated apple, hints of white pepper; medium+ acidity and a light(ish) creamy finish.
3.5 Stars

Jules Taylor

Jules Taylor Wines OTQ Series Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Quite a soft mineral centered bouquet with white florals and white fleshed fruits; a mild tropical note and soft herbal quality reminds me that this is still Marlborough fruit speaking. On the palate  - just dry, very crisp, fresh and lively palate with spice, pepper and vibrant fruit qualities. Flavors of white fleshed fruit, sweet grass and citrus especially grape fruit; high acidity and a moderate wet stone mineral quality; lovely texture and length.
4.5 Stars

Moss Wood

Moss Wood 'Wilyabrup' Margaret River 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Fantastic bouquet of dark red berry fruits, spice, chocolate, leather and rock enriched with new oak and oak spices, complex and inviting. On the palate - dry, firm rich and fruity with a core of black fruit, oak, chocolate brown spices and personality; high tannins, medium+ acidity and a core of fruit that adds length to an already complex and lengthy finish. A pleasure to taste and review.
5 Stars

Waipara Hills

Waipara Hills Waipara Valley Pinot Gris 2014
A ripe, generous and fruity core with white peach and pear, some apple and a touch of sweet cider. On the palate - off dry and dense with fruit suggesting white pepper spiced pear and apple with a lemon note and light steely acid back bone, balanced and well made.
3 Stars

Left Field

Left Field Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2014
Fruity crisp and well fruited with white peach and cashew laced with grape fruit, lemon and a light creamy bouquet. On the palate - just dry with crisp, fresh flavors of white peach and citrus, mild oak spice and a light creamy texture. A lighter expression of Chardonnay with a crisp lightly spiced palate and medium length. Well made and an easy choice with complex menu items.
3.5 Stars

Left Field

Left Field Hawke's Bay Merlot 2013
Very ripe red fruits bouquet with freshly squeezed plum and black currant suggestions, mild oak and dark red velvet flowers. On the palate - dry, crisp, firm and fruity. A youthful bite on the palate from medium tannins and high(ish) acidity - flavors of plum and dark berries return; medium length and moderate complexity, clean fresh and well made.
3 Stars

Sacred Hill

Sacred Hill Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet 2014
Lots of brown spice laced red fruits with a mix of dark plum and some dark berry fruits.
On the palate - dry, fruity and quite flavorful with dusty toasty tannins, medium acidity and length, balanced and well made.
Highly recommended

Mills Reef

Mills Reef Estate Merlot Cabernet Hawke's Bay 2013
Generous and fruity bouquet with a mix of dark plum and dark berries, a light to moderate toasty oaky layer and hints of spice especially vanilla. On the palate - dry, fruity, textured and mild in its spice layers. Medium intensity of plum and black berry fruits laced with light oak and dark spice moments; medium length and finish. Well made.
3.5 Stars

Toi Toi

Toi Toi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Intense bouquet of fresh herbs, lemon, apple and tropical mango like aromas, steely and refreshing bouquet overall. On the palate - just dry with a very fruity attack - flavours of lemon and tropical fruits, high acidity, medium alcohol and a long lively finish. Very well made and reflects the classic mold that is Marlborough.
4 Stars

Toi Toi Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 'Clutha'
Lots of fresh, ripe and juicy light red fruit aromas - raspberry and black cherry, hints of spice and vanilla. On the palate - Dry and very fruity with lush flavours of raspberry and cherry, a light mineral layer and gentle oak. Balanced, fresh and well made.
3.5 Stars

Saint Clair

Saint Clair Family Estate 2013 Riesling Marlborough
Fresh, lively and very fruity with lots of mandarin and lime flower aromas laced with crisp green apple and white florals. On the palate - Off dry in a medium style with flavours that reflect the nose; crisp refreshing acidity, low alcohol, generous and long.
4 Stars

Jules Taylor

Jules Taylor Wines Gisborne Chardonnay 2014 
Lots of fresh and juicy California peach aromas, oak and then a lemon and apple suggestions; a cream and light cheese note adds some fun and complexity. On the palate - dry, fresh, juicy and full-bodied with flavours of stone fruit, grape fruit and oak all happy and laced with fresh acidity and vanilla oak. Balanced and well made - enjoy now and through 2015.
3.5 Stars

Sacred Hill

Sacred Hill 'Halo' Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2014
Quite a complex bouquet with a mix of fresh and baked stone fruit then a tug of nutty creamy cashew oak fragrances and just a hint of complex sulphides. On the palate - juicy fresh dry and delicious with flavours that reflect the nose, plenty of oak and oak bite with some fine tannins as well; medium+ acidity and a long finish. A lovely wine that can be cellered or enjoyed through 2016.
5 Stars

Marisco

Marisco 'The Kings Bastard' Marlborough Chardonnay 2014
Fresh and roasted peach with other stone fruit aromas, a nutty sweet toasty oak and vanilla spice layer; fresh, juicy and lush overall. On the palate - creamy, fruity, fresh and very easy on the palate; not too much oak at all though still obvious to some with its vanilla and toasty flavours; a tangy cream and fresh acidity combination adds some great texture and finish.
Really well made wine with medium+ finish.
4.5 Stars

Marisco 'The Kings Thorn' Marlborough Pinot Gris 2014
Lots of ripe and fresh white fruit aromas - pear and apple with a white peach layer and touch of pepper. On the palate - just dry with some sweetness backed by gobs of fresh juicy pear and apple flavours, medium+ acidity and steely fresh finish.
3 Stars

Stoneleigh

Stoneleigh 'Latitude' Rose 2014
Lots of fresh red cherry, strawberry and peach aromas laced with a touch of rose. On the palate - just dry with a lush juicy texture, plenty of light red fruit flavours, crisp acidity and juicy lush finish. What's not to like?
3.5 Stars

Left Field

Left Field Hawke's Bay Rose 2014
Very fruity, light fresh bouquet of red fruits suggesting strawberry and red charry, watermelon and white rose. On the palate - fresh, dry, crisp and fruity reflecting all the fruit flavours suggest above; light bodied, generous and lush.
Highly recommended

Toi Toi

Toi Toi Marlborough 'Hidden Treasure' Pink Sauvignon 2014 
It may be pink in appearance but it smells and tastes of fresh, fruity , grassy and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc - just dry with some residual sweetness, high acidity, crisp lush and fruity with a tropical cold peach tea finish.
Recommended

Stonecroft

Stonecroft Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Strongly varietal bouquet with aromas of fresh lemon, apple blossom and mild tropical fruits; a soft oak spice layer adds a layer of texture as well as harmony and mild complexity. Crisp, dry, fruity and mildly savory with flavors of citrus, apple and light tropical fruit; highish acidity and a long finish.

4 Stars

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2014

Ripe, clean, fresh and inviting bouquet of Chardonnay with some pure fruit expressions of fresh peach, apple and grape fruit; mild+ oak and moderate+ complexity. Quite a youthful wine on palate with grape fruit, lemon and crisp apple bites; dry, medium+ weight and acidity, again mild+ oak with a gentle woody spice and vanilla note. Though youthful - a balanced wine with good length.

4.5 Stars

Jacob's Creek

Jacob's Creek 'Double Barrel' Shiraz '1st Vintage'
Finished in aged Whiskey Barrels
Dark red fruits, rich in aromas of blackberry and blueberry with suggestions of toasty oak, licorice, raspberry and brown spices; a tiny bit jammy. Dry, toasty, spicy and rich in berry fruit flavors; medium+ tannins, medium acidity and a fairly lengthy finish.
4 Stars

Jacob's Creek 'Double Barrel' Cabernet Sauvignon '1st Vintage'
Finished in aged Whiskey Barrels
Toasty, fruity and quite intense with blackberry and marmite, chocolate and cigar box aromas; an obvious complexity and built-in allure. Dry, spicy and textured with fine volumous tannins, blackberry fruits, dark chocolate, vanilla and tobacco flavours. Full-bodied wine with lots of appeal and a sweet note on the finish. Well made.
4.5 Stars

Yealands Estate

Yealands Estate 'Baby Doll' Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014
Fresh, ripe white fleshed fruits with lots of pear and Asian pear suggestions, touch of white spice & fleshy juicy fruit suggestions. Off-dry in a near medium some fruit style with some sugar sweetness offset by plenty of acidity; juicy, fleshy tree and stone fruit flavors. Well made.
3 Stars

Yealands Estate 'Winemakers Reserve' Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014
There's no mistaking the grassy, fruity, herbaceous and tropical fruit drive of the bouquet - it's intense, fresh and totally obvious. The palate follows through with lush and ripe tropical fruit flavors of mango, pineapple, apple and passion fruit - all laced with fresh herbs; high acidity and a steely firm finish - a very easy wine to enjoy.
4 Stars