Saturday 26 March 2016

Saint Clair

Saint Clair Family Estate Pioneer Block Syrah 2014 Hawke's Bay
Very ripe, very fruity, very Syrah with peppery red fruit aromas, sweet meat, vanilla, blackberry and ripe raspberry fruit suggestions; overall fragrant and inviting. On the palate - dry, velvet textures with fine tannins, medium+ acidity and loads of red fruit flavours; balanced, fresh, lively and ready to drink example. This wine will also benefit from some cellar time of 2 - 4 years.
89 Points

Framingham

Framingham Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough
Complex bouquet of red fruits, oak , spice and mineral; some gentle floral moments laced with red apple skin and soft oak spice aromas. On the palate - vibrant, fleshy, fruity and lush - light red fruits, gentle oak spices, fine to moderate tannins with some needlie point texture, medium+ acidity, plenty of tension, some poise and persistent finish. A wine with great balance and length.
92 Points

Blackenbrook

Blackenbrook Wines Gewurztraminer 2014 Nelson
A bouquet of spices, fragrances and luscious fruit - sweet herb, exotic spice and fresh white nectarine, apple and Asian pear; overall medium+ intensity and quite floral. On the palate - just dry with plenty of ripe, fleshy fruit flavours, roses and white apricot, sweet herb and spice; a touch of ginger and stone/mineral qualities; the alcohol adds  energy and length; great balance and finish. Drink now and through 2019.
90 Points

Blackenbrook Wines Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2014 Nelson
Quite fragrant and fruity with a broody earthy/mineral quality: a bouquet loaded with wild red berries, ripe cranberry and red cherry aromas, some darker field mushroom and new oak combinations with vanilla and brown spice highlights. On the palate - dry, tense, youthful and loaded with wild berries and black currant flavours; plenty of acidity, alcohol and tannins add texture, tension and energy; stone, mineral and some dried spice moments add complexity and length. Overall a wine with plenty of promise, for the moment better suited to cellar for more integration. Decant for service now.
89 Points

Sacred Hill

Sacred Hill Pinot Gris 2015 Marlborough
Ripe, lush, fruity and very obviously Pinot Gris with sweet juicy pear and yellow apple scents; some white fleshed stone fruit and a whisper of tropical fruit. On the palate - just dry, very fruity, loads of contrasting alcohol and acidity - giving a fuller and richer mouth feel; just enough phenolic texture to push a light white pepper and lemon skin suggestion; balanced, well made, drink now and through 2017.
88 Points

Black Peak

Black Peak Riesling 2015 Wanaka Central Otago
Fragrant, varietal and very seductive bouquet of fresh apple, lime and mandarin; a white sugar or sweet lemon scent and moderate to intense mineral. On the palate - off dry with sweet lemon, juicy green apple and lush mandarin/tangerine flavours; plenty of contrasting acidity pushing the mineral flavour with a lengthy sweet finish. Luscious aperitif style.
91 Points

Friday 25 March 2016

Brennan Wines

Brennan Wines Chardonnay 2014 Gibbston Valley Central Otago
Pristine and pure fruit bouquet with a medley of aromas including lemon and white peach then white flower, mineral and sulphide driven complexity, fine and obvious oak tones. On the palate - dry, firm, mineral and citrus flavours; crisp apple and peach moments add to the drive and ambitous textures; plenty of cool climate acidity, some newish oak moments and wood spice layers; the textures are an integral player on the palate, tannins inlcuded - bringing together many of the finer elements and finish.
93 Points

Thursday 24 March 2016

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant 'High Paddock' Shiraz 2013 Hunter Valley
Very pleasant bouquet with a mix of spice, ripe fruit, peppery black and red fruits and a baked clay, brown sugar sweet oak appeal. On the palate - dry, firm, fruity and with very ripe flavours of black cherry and plum, blackberry and brown sugar moments, medium tannins and moderate acidity with a dryish finish. Overall balanced and well made.
83 Points

Evans and Tate

Evans and Tate 'Cloud Dancer' Shiraz 2015 Western Australia (FYI 9.5% abv)
Classic and familiar bouquet of dark berry fruits, very ripe, brown sugar, caramel and chunky toasty oak, simple and bold. On the palate - very fruity and quite lush, a simple balanced palate lead by the fresh ripe fruit then some mild oak moments, very easy tannins, moderate acidity and simple finish. A wine that should have had higher alcohol and more acidity to extend the length and highlight any subtlety. 
80 Points

Tutu Cider

Tutu Cider - Fuji Apple Nelson 5% abv
Loads of fresh, crisp with fresh green and red apple aromas with a hint of ginger, very clean and pure bouquet. On the palate - clean, crisp, fresh, crunchy and with pure apple and pear fruit flavours, a touch of ginger, very mild yeast notes. Very refreshing finish.
87 Points

Brennan Wines

Brennan Wines Pinot Grigio 2014 Central Otago
Definitively fresh, crisp, fruity and packed with the aromas of green pear, red apple and crisp  stony mineral; a fine scent of white flower adds depth and charm. On the palate - just dry to the taste with some ripe fruit and a nudge of sweetness; flavours of white fleshed tree fruit, grapefruit and lemon emerge; ripe high toned acidity adding a juicy salivating effect, balanced, crisp, dry finish.
88 Points


Craggy Range

Craggy Range SV Chardonnay Gimblett Gravels 2015 Hawke's Bay
Typical Craggy nose - bold and expressive bouquet of fresh new oak and ripe stone fruit aromas esp nectarine and yellow peach; some ripe lemon and cashew, nutty oak appeal; quite complex and rich overall. On the palate - full-bodied, ripe and packed with toasty oak and ripe fruit flavors; vanilla, brazil and cashew, some spice and raw brown sugar caramelised oak suggestions; a wine that will find appeal with Chardonnay fans - so very easy to drink and absorb. Great balance and length.
90 Points

Ti Point

Ti Point Chardonnay 2015 Hawke's Bay
Juicy, fresh and lush bouquet of sweet peach and vanilla; mild toasty spice notes and hints of citrus peel. On the palate - just dry with a core of fruit then oak and oak spice flavors; medium+ weight with a light (ish) creamy texture, plenty of acidity and decent length; lovely balance and immediate drinkability.
87 Points

Saturday 12 March 2016

Two Paddocks

Two Paddocks 'The Fusilier' Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014
A very familiar bouquet of established vines, soil and the sense of place that is Bannockburn; soft undulating aromas of light red fruits gently spiced with smoky oak tones and a particular gun mental steely moment that can only come from established well cared for vines and instinctive wine making; deeply complex if you take the time to look. On the palate - ripe, red fruit flavors favoring dark cherry and plum pit; a light savory tone adds complexity with a softer wild herb moment; attractive mineral underscore; medium youthful tannins, ripe medium+ acidity; just enough new oak to notice and lengthy finish.
94 Points

Sweet Wine

Three very exciting Sweet Wines

Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Noble Riesling 2014 Marlborough
Honey, beeswax, peach, ginger and spice - powerful, fresh, creamy and packed with lemon and lemon oil aromas. On the palate - very creamy, very sweet and loaded with acidity bringing balance, showing great complexity and completeness; a charming wine with a slippery silken texture.
92 Points

Ngatarawa Proprietor's Reserve Noble Riesling 2014 Hawke's Bay
Vibrant and pure aromas of lemon, peach, honey and key lime pie; a touch of beeswax and spice. On the palate - juicy, very creamy and very sweet with luscious flavours of peach and sweet apple, whipped butter creaminess and medium+ acidity. Delish!
90 Points

Passage Rock Late Harvest Viognier 2014 Waiheke Island Auckland
Floral, spicy, very fruity and with a distinctive 'old world' note of volatility (big tick); apricots, peaches, red apples and quinces. On the palate - spicy, fruity, creamy textures and energised palate with great acidity and length. Fabulously long finish!
92 Points

Mt Difficulty

Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir 2014 Bannockburn Central Otago
Classic Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir bouquet with very vibrant quivering red fruit aromas laced with loads of soil messages suggesting clay, silt and minerals; a measure of new oak that highlights the youthful newness this wine shows as well as some older oak adding complexity and depth; overall -  very vibrant and expressive. On the palate - as the nose suggests - youthful energy and grip with plenty of acidity, tannin, oak and concentration; all the mineral elements there as well. Coming into balance over the next 12-18 months; lengthy expressive finish. 
92 Points

Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago
A wine with a distinctively Otago bouquet of mineral, fresh red cherry and berry fruits, integrating oak, wild thyme and undergrowth moments and energy. On the palate - dry, focused and expressive with a lot of fine tannins and powerful back bone of acidity; fresh crushed cherry and red berry fruits, integrating oak and very lengthy finish. Great balance overall and a wine that will still be fantastic in 10 years from now.
95 Points

Two Degrees

Two Degrees Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Bold and expressive bouquet with a very fruity beginning - juicy, fleshy cherry with black boy peach moments, raspberry, sweet oak and a light mineral layer; moderate complexity and quite inviting. On the palate - equally juicy, fleshy and fresh - flavors of crushed red cherry, some raspberry and wild berry moments; very judicious use of oak with a fine tannin and youthful acidity adding texture and balance. A well made and very approachable example. Drink now or hold through 2018.
86 Points

Folding Hill

Folding Hill Pinot Noir 2013 Bendigo Central Otago
Fabulous bouquet of a young, tense and nervous Pinot Noir - aromas of crushed cherry and freeze-dried raspberry; wild herbs in the background and stony mineral messages; noticeable oak adds depth - all these components speak of a wine still in very early development stages. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful, loads of energy from the core of fruit with plenty of tannin adding chalky to fine to course textures, a back bone of acidity and a lengthy finish; lots of nervous tension and poise. As expected a wine in very early development and will benefit greatly from cellar time of 3-5 years and will continue to refine over the coming 10 years (or more).
95 Points

Albarino Albarino Albarino

Fantastic to be able to take a focused look at Albarino from some of New Zealand's producers dedicated to this variety.

Albarino's first home is Spain, it's second Portugal as Alvarhino and now its third - New Zealand. The largest concentration of Albarino producers are in Gisbonre with a growing number emerging from around the rest of the country.

Sileni Estates 'Advocate Albarino Estate Selection 2015 Hawke's Bay
Very generous bouquet with yellow and white peach with a quiet line of sweet citrus, some spice and mineral stony moments. On the palate - juicy, fresh, fleshy and varietal with peach front palate and some citrus and tension at the back, plenty of acidity; overall a calm and considered example, balanced and well made in a drink now expression.
87 Points

Left Field Albarino 2015 Gisborne
Very fresh and lively bouquet with lemon scented peach and apple, a light herbaceous layer adds texture to the bouquet; as the wine begins to open up it shows more ripe lush peach suggestions and then a touch of  mineral. On the palate - vibrant, fruity and very fresh with crisp, clean flavors of peach and lemon with red apple in the background; luscious acidity adds a silken texture along with some greener spectrum fruit suggestions; lovely vibrant example with a light chalky texture on the finish; well made.
88 Points

Hihi Albarino 2015 Gisborne
Totally varietal bouquet with a slightly quieter voice - plenty of fruit expression with peach leading the charge then some citrus; the mineral signature is quite strong with clay and stone; some sweet florals begin to emerge. On the palate - very smooth and silky palate with medium+ (just) acidity and flavours of stone fruit and some citrus; the mineral moments return leading to a balanced, fresh and tasty example.
87 Points

Neudorf Moutere Albarino 2015 Nelson
Fragrant, just a little floral, fruit laden and distinctive bouquet - ripe sweet peach, very secure layer of mineral, a freshness and yellow florals layer, varietal. On the palate - very taut and fresh with plenty of acidity tempering some very ripe peach flavors, a citrus almost tangerine like flavour adds to the depth and concentration mid-palate; the back palate has a noteworthy bite of citrus peel then peach, some very fine tannins add a light phenolic touch. Lovely example of an emerging style from a variety that requires some sttention and time to get to know.
88 Points

Spade Oak Vineyard 'Heart of Gold' Albarino 2015 Gisborne
Generous and vibrant bouquet of stone fruit and citrus encased in a mineral shell; aromas of sweet Carolina peach, quince and citrus juices with a distinctive stony mineral message. On the palate - fresh, juicy, plenty of mineral and silken on the palate; the core is not quite as intense as I would like and the acidity is not quite as energised as the nose suggested it would be. The wine is however balanced and well made with a generous and lush feel overall.
85 Points

Coopers Creek 'Bell-Ringer' Select Vineyards Albarino 2015 Gisborne
Very expressive bouquet with mineral, white and yellow peach and grapefruit-like citrus suggestions; plenty of mineral tones add lots of promise. On the palate - dry, juicy, fresh and very tasty; loads of energy mid-palate with quince, citrus and stone fruit flavours; some chalky stony mineral moments add depth and complexity. A balanced and very well made example.
89 Points

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Albarino 2015 Gisborne
Juicy, lush and very fresh fruit bouquet with citrus and stone fruit aromas - peach and lemon tones with a some citrus oil; yellow floral moments and a steely mineral core. On the palate - very juicy with salivating acidity, quince, white peach and citrus peel zestyness; lots of acidity and crunch; balanced and well made with a fairly lengthy finish.
88 Points

Rod McDonald Wines 'One Off' Albarino 2015 Gisborne
A smokyness, toasty and roasted fruits bouquet with typical aromas of peach and citrus with baked quince to follow; some lees or solids elements add texture within the aromas adding complexity and charm. On the palate - dry, fresh, crisp, juicy and fruity - loads of stone fruits and citrus flavors; loads of acidity and crispness; a lovely balanced and well made wine.
88 Points

Matawhero Church House Albarino 2014 Gisborne
Mineral, leesy, lightly toasted fruit messages in the bouquet with lemon then peach then apple and a light whisper of herbs; a bouquet that also has complexity from the synergy of the elements described above. On the palate - fruity, creamy, dry and slightly toasty flavors; apple and peach with a light leesy quality, dry finish and distinctive flavor. Balanced.
84 Points


Waipara Hills

Waipara Hills Riesling 2014 Waipara Valley (North Canterbury)
A very pretty bouquet of sweet lemon and apple blossom followed by green apple and a little mineral; fragrant, varietal and quite fruity overall. On the palate - delicious in an off-dry style releasing lots of crisp apple and ripe almost sweet citrus flavors; the acidity has some high tones contrasting the small amount of residual sweetness; juicy, balanced and well made - as always from this producer.
88 Points

Waipara Hills Pinot Gris 2015 Waipara Valley (North Canterbury)
Classic cool climate Gris bouquet with suggestions of pear, apple and quince - all ripe and all demanding your attention; whispers of spice and mineral. On the palate - juicy, fleshy and with a touch of residual sweetness - mouth filling and lush in texture; medium+ (ish) acidity, fruit, balanced and well made.
85 Points

Big Sky

Big Sky Te Muna Road Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Martinborough
On the first sniff this wine captures a sense of place with a quiet yet specific silty mineral voice that transitions into citrus, soft tropical fruit and a gentle sweet herb layer, enough complexity to check back that I didn't miss anything. On the palate - a mix of fresh citrus, red and green apple and mild tropical fruit flavors encased in ripe acidity pushing the mineral message; overall a silky textured wine with plenty of Sauvignon Blanc messages that don't need the sound turned up to make its point. Balanced and well made example. 
90 Points

Big Sky Te Muna Road Gruner Veltliner 2015 Martinborough
Minerals, light ripe herb moments, chalk and white pepper frame the bouquet; specific aromas of lemon, quince and a little pineapple alongside a hard stone mineral layer. On the palate - fresh, silky, textured and quite fruity with the flavors of fruits described above; plenty of tension and texture with a moderate to lengthy finish. A well made example.
87 Points

Big Sky Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2012 Martinborough
A bouquet of Pinot Noir that is complete, charming and with ready to drink aromas - some strawberry and macerated cherry, a touch of leather, baking spice and silty soil moments. On the palate - all Pinot Noir with fine needle-point tannins and medium acidity with strawberry and light red cherry flavours, easy oak - well integrated and a very fine dried hay mineral layer. Ready to drink now and through 2017.
86 Points

Big Sky Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2013 Martinborough
Distinctive bouquet packed with mineral, light dried herb and light red fruits; some red apple skin and lightly spiced oak adding complexity and intrigue. On the palate - juicy, fruity, dry and delicious; fine silken tannins, youthful firm(ish) acidity; great balance and length. A wine that has come together very nicely and will continue to improve over the next 3-5 years (if well cellared). Lovely finish.

91 Points

Big Sky Te Muna Road 'Provenance' Pinot Noir 2013 Martinborough
Immediately complex bouquet of Pinot Noir with layers of fruit, soil, oak and spices; the voices of soil and oak speak loudest with crushed silty rock and youthful newer oak then fresh, ripe and clean red fruits aromas; a steely almost gun-flint moment steals the show. On the palate - lots of texture, flavor and complexity; there's tension too from the acidity and tannins with a solid frame to house the flavors of light red fruits, baking spices and oak. Very lengthy finish with complexity and charm. Lots to like here.

92 Points

Big Sky Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2007 Martinborough
Integrated, complete, totally Pinot Noir centric and with a keen sense of place - silty rocky soils, macerated cherry and old strawberry aromas; brown baking spices are distinctive and part of the core of the bouquet; bottled develop aromas an emulsion of all of the above. On the palate - dry, lots of fine and chalky textures from the tannins, still showing medium acidity, energy and drive; the light red fruit flavours reflect what the nose suggested; a balanced and lengthy finish with moderate to moderate+ complexity.

89 Points

Sileni Estates

Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Vibrant herbaceous, grassy and fruity bouquet - distinctive forward and specific; lots of lemon and grapefruit tones alongside some white peach and gooseberry. On the palate - fresh, fruity and juicy with some salivating acidity and lush flavors of apple, citrus and gooseberry; overall a juicy, fresh and lively example that will please many who try.
87 Points

Sileni Estates Sparkling Cuvee Pinot Gris Non Vintage
Tickles the nose then shows off it fruity drive and core; some simple mineral moments then the rest is just fun. On the palate - off dry with a fruity core, plenty of bubbles and a noticeable appletise and a touch of cider then pear. Balanced, well made and simple.
80 Points

Friday 11 March 2016

Nick Nobilo

Nick Nobilo Fifty Years Jubilee Reserve Pinotage 2007 Gisborne
What a treat and honor to be sent bottle #19 of only 930 produced. 
On the nose - complete, ready, a balanced bouquet and complex with aromas of plum, currants, cherry and brown oak and baking spices; clay and clay mineral; 'old car leather' and an integration that speaks of readiness. On the palate - fabulous, flavorful and distinctive with an infusion of fruit and oak spice, leather and soft tannins. A long and velvet smooth finish; again a wine that is ready to enjoy and may well last for twenty more years.
92 Points

Stonecroft

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Gewurztraminer 2015 Hawke's Bay
Pretty intense, exotic, fragrant and immensely floral with aromas of exotic spice, a whisper of pineapple, a maceration of white fleshed fruit and concentration to the point of complexity. On the palate - lush and exotic with density and richness, but only enough to drag you in and take another sip, the salad of flavours are tempered by the acidity and texture from the tannins and their phenolic influences; a little rose -like tone at the finish; lengthy, completely enjoyable and delicious!
93 Points

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Old Vine Gewurztraminer 2015 Hawke's Bay
Intense, seductive, exotic and loaded with complexity - the bouquet alone drags you into its own secret world of pleasure and substance; wild tropical fruits, white spice and a bouquet of flowers. On the palate - juicy, fleshy, ripe, spice and exotic with suggestion of ginger, white spices and white fleshed fruits; mild very fine tannins and medium acidity. Lovely balance and finish.
90 Points

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Reserve Syrah 2014 Hawke's Bay
Fabulous bouquet of Syrah with intense dark fruit aromas sandwiched with peppered meats and wild mushroom, an iron gun metal soil like layer and overall intensity of ripeness, stony mineral and oak. On the palate - intense, fruity, dry and packed with the flavours of meat, black berry fruits and spices of pepper and toasty oak - some sweet vanilla and brown nutty oak; plenty of tannin, plenty of acidity, great length and concentration. Think Northern Rhone.
95 Points

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Hawke's Bay
Very intense bouquet of fruit and oak, very toasty almost chunky oak; blackberry and baked plum, tobacco and even a little cigar alongside baked brown spices and herb notes. On the palate - muscly, masculine, oaky, toasty and intense; loads of tannins and acidity, herbaceous layer, lots of tannin and plenty of acidity; did I mention the oak?
This is a wine for fans of full-bodied red wine that demands red meat served rare to soak the tannins. Will age if allowed for 5 - 10 years.
88 Points

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Ruhanui Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Hawke's Bay
Lovely bouquet of ripe red berried fruits, oak and balance - a harmony immediately obvious on the nose becomes inviting and lush. On the palate - juicy and fresh with some firmer tannins alongside some softer more supple tannins; plenty of fruit with dark plum and blackcurrant suggestions; lots of acidity and medium+ concentration, balanced and well made. 
90 Points

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Serine Syrah 2014 Hawke's Bay
A great bouquet of peppered red and black fruits, wild field mushroom and velvet textures, plenty of oak, but well measured and while obvious is not too much; obvious complexity. On the palate - dry and quite delicious with plenty of fruit with plenty of oak; the gravelly stony soil layer alongside a decent measure of tannin and oak takes a bit of getting used to, but leaves the palate demanding just a little bit more. Most certainly a food wine at this age, but will soften into a muscly yet quiet wine in about 5 years and then continue to age for 10.
91 Points

Invivo

Invivo Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Very striking, fruity, vibrant and distinctively Marlborough bouquet - loads of fresh citrus and white nectarine with suggestions of banana passion-fruit; classic and familiar. On the palate - dry, fruity and vibrant texture of fresh crunchy fruit flavours, very zippy acidity, high acidity and balanced, fresh finish. All good and much to enjoy.
89 Points

Mills Reef Winery

Mills Reef Winery Estate Pinot Gris 2015 Hawke's Bay
Lots of ripe white fleshed fruit fragrances with sweet apple and pear, white peach and a little spice. On the palate - juicy, fruity and plump with loads of tree fruit flavours - fresh and canned and with a hint of white spice, medium+ acidity and a fruity enjoyable finish.
85 Points

Mills Reef Winery Estate Merlot Cabernet 2014 Hawke's Bay
Ripe, fruity and fresh with aromas of plums and red berry fruits, some stony floral layers, some gentle oak moments and a simple yet poignant attack. On the palate - fresh, dry, fruity and tasty with flavours that reflect the bouquet, very fine easy tannins and bright fresh acidity.
82 Points

Richmond Plains

Richmond Plains Blanc de Noir 2015 Nelson
With a slightly peach and onion skin hue - the bouquet offers a range of fruit aromas from pear to white peach with a mineral suggestion and sweet floral moments. On the palate - crisp with some concentrated fruit flavours; a little residual sweetness adds fattiness and weight, medium+ acidity, balanced and well made with a lengthy pear and white peach finish.
84 Points

Neudorf

Neudorf Moutere Albarino 2015 Nelson
Fragrant, just a little floral, fruit laden and distinctive bouquet - ripe sweet peach, very secure layer of mineral, a freshness and yellow florals layer, varietal. On the palate - very taut and fresh with plenty of acidity tempering some very ripe peach flavors, a citrus almost tangerine like flavour adds to the depth and concentration mid-palate; the back palate has a noteworthy bite of citrus peel then peach, some very fine tannins add a light phenolic touch. Lovely example of an emerging style from a variety that requires some sttention and time to get to know.
88 Points

Saint Clair Family Estate

Saint Clair Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Classic Saint Clair Marlborough SB bouquet with very fruity aromas of apple and ripe citrus, ever so slightly sweaty layer adding a touch of complex, mango, pineapple and peachy tones. On the palate - juicy, fruity, lush and fresh, loads of fresh tropical fruit flavours, plenty of acidity and a just dry finish. Balanced, simple, well made.
84 Points


Coal Pit

Coal Pit Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard 2011 Central Otago
Fruity bouquet with plenty of bottle development characters included - peach and apple then sweet pea and mineral combination (Otago); a light herbal quality and baked pineapple note. The palate shows off the fruit a lot more though the pea and bean flavours also eventually come through; the wine has decent acidity still and enough tropical fruit flavours and concentration to stay juicy and fresh. The finish shows some mineral moments and citrus.
83 Points

Coal Pit Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard 2015 Central Otago
Very fruity and distinctive bouquet with aromas of mineral, pineapple, juicy Meyer lemon, white peach, fresh herb and sweet hay. The palate is taut, fresh, crisp and packed with lemon and crisp apple flavours, some fresh pineapple moments; high acidity and tense quite lengthy finish. A vibrant and fresh cool climate example. Floral and lemon finish.
89 Points

Coal Pit 'Tiwha' Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Lovely gentle yet striking bouquet of Pinot Noir with fresh lively red fruit aromas of sweet plum, freeze dried raspberry then luscious sweet oak fragrances softened with ripe rose and light stony mineral. On the palate - a lovely reflection of what the bouquet suggests - fresh sweet ripe red berry fruits, fine tannins and a back bone of acidity, lengthy finish with a juicy floral flick on the finish - delicious!
93 Points

Hunter's

Hunter's Jane Hunter Gewurztraminer 2015 Marlborough
Classic fragrances of sweet spice, white fleshed fruit and exotic foods; some perfume moments, some lychee and sweet rose. On the palate - a facsimile of the bouquet with juicy white fleshed fruit flavours melted into a spice pool; medium acidity, a little sweetness and juicy flavours overall. Balanced and well made.
83 Points

Hunter's Jane Hunter Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough
Great Pinot Noir bouquet of light red fruits and gentle wood spices, fragrant, fruity and varietal without being forced. On the palate - lovely with hints of savoury spice, light red fruit flavours, some light oak spice moments and a dry finish. Just enough complexity and length to say yes to a second glass. Well made.
87 Points

Rod McDonald Wines

Rod McDonald Wines 'Te Awanga Estate' Chardonnay 2015 Hawke's Bay
Fragrant Chardonnay bouquet with aromas of sweet white peach, apple and quince with a light layer of citrus and honeysuckle; some vanilla and wood spice tones and a creamy, nutty light butter suggestion. On the palate - dry, pleasantly fruity and with plenty of wood spice and nutty flavours. There's quite a lot of youthful tension as well - a wine that also needs some development time in cellar. Fine oak tannins, plenty of acidity and a fairly lengthy finish. Well made. If you must open a bottle before January 2017 be sure to have some hard cheese close by.
89 Points

Rod McDonald Wines 'Te Awanga Estate' Syrah 2014 Hawke's Bay
Plenty of Syrah fragrances reminiscent of southern Rhone - with just enough pepper and spice along side a light fruit basket of plum, light red berries, white mushroom and a touch of aged meat. On the palate - firm, fruity, dry and full of gentle black and white pepper spice, medium level of oak and like the nose a meaty field mushroom layer; medium+ complexity and finish, well made.
90 Points

Rod McDonald Wines 'One off Pinot Gris Rhymes with Orange' 2015 Hawke's Bay
An orange wine made using traditional methods - so amber orange and copper hues. On the nose and palate - aromas and flavours of Pinot Gris with a light ginger spice, apricot and fruit tea flavour profile; there's tannin too with fine textures emphasized by highish acidity. There's also a savoryness to the flavours adding length to the finish. A balanced and well made example of a modern take on a very old technique.
84 Points

Amisfield

Amisfield Dry Riesling 2014 Central Otago
Ripe, sweet citrus aromas with lemon juice, fruit and peel all in play; lots of green apple and stony mineral suggestions follow with a touch of lime flower. On the palate - dry, fresh, firm and youthful with a delicious core of fruit lead by lemon and lime with a hint of grapefruit and bucket load of Granny Smith apple; ripe contrasting acidity, moderate yet noticeable mineral tones and a lengthy crisp finish with a just a little phenolic action.
90 Points

Amisfield Lowburn Terrace Riesling 2014 Central Otago
Sweet citrus aromas with mandarin and tangelo suggestions; red and green apple tones and a sherbet icing sugar layer adding a little complexity and charm. On the palate - off dry with noticeable sweetness contrasted and balanced by citrus flavored acidity and wet stone mineral tones. Juicy, fresh and lengthy finish - a delicious wine to wind down with at the end of hot day.
91 Points

Amisfield Pnot Gris 2015 Central Otago
Generous of fruit bouquet with layers of light almost sweet spice and white pepper; plenty of fleshy tree fruit aromas with green pear and red apple suggestions; forward, balanced and inviting. On the palate - lush, fruity, balanced and fresh; flavours of Asian pears and sweet red apple laced with a little cool climate white pepper; some texture from a hint of skin contact adding just enough phenolics to make the wines complexity increase enough adding length to the finish. Lovely flavor and balance.
87 Points

Sacred Hill

Sacred Hill 'Halo' Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Distinctively fruity bouquet with fleshy, juicy and forward aromas of apple, quince, peach and citrus; a light layer of spice and complexity. On the palate - just dry with lots of fresh fruit flavours, juicy and lush as the nose suggests; plenty of contrasting acidity keeping the palate salivating and wanting more wine; moderate complexity and lovely fresh finish. Plenty to like with this example.
89 Points

Sacred Hill 'Halo' Merlot Blanc 2014 Marlborough
Juicy, fragrant and inviting bouquet of crushed black plum, dark velvet roses and inky black berry fruits; some sweet vanilla and dark wood spices. The palate reveals a plush medium+bodied wine with plenty of plum and berry fruit flavours; fine to moderate tannins and medium+ acidity; just enough core of fruit mid-palate to drink alone though food will always be welcomed by this wine. Balanced and well made - will continue to age and evolve over the coming 3-5 years. As always a well made example from the SH Stable.
89 Points

Thursday 3 March 2016

Jackson Estate

Jackson Estate 'Stitch' Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Quite a powerful bouquet with aromas of fresh tree and tropical fruits, loads of wet stone/mineral soils, sweet herbs and engaged wine making. On the palate - very crisp, juicy fresh fruit flavours with pineapple, apple and gooseberry-(ish) suggestions, a lengthy classic finish with a crushed basil, mineral and white flower high note ending.
88 Points

Jackson Estate 'Grey Ghost' Barrique Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Marlborough
Potent bouquet of Sauvignon with smoky, spicy and vibrant aromas of peach, baked lemon and subtle vanilla tones, intriguing complexity overall. On the palate - , some spice laden citrus flavours with peel and fleshy grapefruit tones then some apple and oak spices; dry distinctive and firm phenolics. Food oriented example where  pastas laden with fresh herbs and sweet olives will work best.
82 Points

Jackson Estate 'Vintage Widow' Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough
Fragrant and quite fruity with ripe red cherry and raspberry fruits aromas; just enough oak influences to add a layer of intrigue as well as spice and charm. On the palate - fruity, dry, varietal and youthful; the flavors of raspberry and red cherry return along with a little red apple skin, fine tannins, plenty of acidity leading to a medium length on the palate and taught finish. Perhaps another 12 months in bottle. 
84 Points

Jackson Estate 'Homestead' Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough
Fragrant, fresh, fruity and lush bouquet with aromas of ripe red fruits, sweet baking spices and dry stone mineral moments; a light savory moment and whisper of red rose. On the palate - balanced, fresh, fruity and dry - a wine with all the necessary components of fine tannins and plenty of acidity along with fruit concentration to carry the flavours of a well made wine.
88 Points

Mills Reef Winery

Mills Reef Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2015 Hawke's Bay
Rich, bold and 100% Chardonnay bouquet with loads of toasty oak laced yellow peach and ripe apple aromas, lots of baking spice and suggestions of citrus peel. On the palate - equally bold and fruity with plenty of stone and citrus fruit flavours alongside oak, full-bodied impact and a creamy texture; some tannins along with some lees moments add texture and length. Balanced and well made overall.
85 Points

Mills Reef Winery Reserve Merlot 2014 Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay
Great bouquet of plum and dark red berry fruits wrapped in an envelope of vanilla, toast and nutty rich oak; a fragrant velvet red floral note adds a layer of intrigue and mystery. On the palate - firm, fruity, dry and flavourful with sweet, tart dark red plum, some blueberry and compote; plenty of oak, medium tannins and medium+ acidity. Great balance and finish. Overall fresh, lively and will appeal to many who prefer a richer more generous style of Merlot.
88 Points

Stoneleigh

Stoneleigh 'Wild Valley' Chardonnay 2015 Marlborough
The bouquet begins with many Stoneleigh signature fragrances - white peach and red apple laced with soft oak spice and a touch of vanilla; then a layer of gun flint and honeysuckle emerge showing off some of the natural ferment derived nuances this technique brings; plenty of acidity to offset the creamy texture and balanced finish. Well made and worth your time.
88 Points


Hunter's

Hunter's 'Jane Hunter' Chardonnay 2014 Marlborough
Soft and creamy bouquet with distinctive aromas of fleshy juicy yellow peach and sweet ripe apple; a layer of vanilla and oak spice adds depth and some complexity; fresh, lively and pure bouquet. On the palate - silky textures, firm and youthful acidity contrasting flavours of citrus - highlighting lemon and grapefruit; peach and apple come next and then a little oak spice to round out the palate and adding length to the finish. Balanced, well made, youthful and tasty.
88 Points

Hunter's 'Jane Hunter' Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Oozing aromas of grapefruit, fresh apple, passion fruit and sweet herbs - a classic bouquet with power, tension and familiarity. On the palate - juicy, fresh, crisp, lively and packed with the flavours of cool climate Marlborough - gooseberry and fresh sweet herbs, tropical fruit punch and zippy acidity - generous of flavour and finish. A classic and lovely example.
89 Points

Millton Vineyard

Clos de Ste Anne 'La Bas' Chenin Blanc 2014 Gisborne
A beautiful bouquet - floral, pure expression of fruit with sweet tree fruit scents, organic honey and white clay soil/mineral suggestions. On the palate - absolutely delicious - vibrant, textured, powerful and exotic; flavours of wet fleshy tree fruit, a touch of baked apple, wool and honeysuckle, floral and even a hint of spice, some mild tannin texture and loads of electric acidity. A fabulous example of Chenin Blanc with a long, tense and pure finish.
95 Points

Clos de Ste Anne 'Naboth's Vineyard' Chardonnay 2014 Gisborne
Calm, focused bouquet with a beguiling and alluring tease - scents of fresh peach and apple, mild nutty layer with fresh cashew and mild to moderate oak moments, floral, fresh, youthful and complex. On the palate - a soft beginning which changes quickly to reveal a tense and youthful wine high on texture and flavour; a range of flavours from white flowers to peach and apple laced with flint and honeysuckle; mild oak tannins and plenty of acidity. Very lengthy finish.
97 Points

Clos de Ste Anne 'Les Arbres' Viognier 2014 Gisborne
Intense, floral and exotic - the way Viognier should be - packed with scents of yellow flowers, honey, apricot and peach stones, soft exotic spice and and light ginger moment. On the palate - bold, rich, spicy and packed with flavour; oily texture with soft tannins and fantastic phenolics, ripe acidity and long finish. A classic wine and classically delicious!
91 Points

Clos de Ste Anne 'Naboth's Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2014 Gisborne
Seductive and appealing  bouquet of red rose and the scents of mineral, light red fruits, the oak and related baking spice suggestions show off a youthful yet complex wine; very soft dried spice layer with a light savoury moment. On the palate - a complex meld of dry spice, exotic red fruits, wild red flowers, layers of mineral and wild honey. A truly complex wine build on an understanding of place, time and the vintage. The heart of this wine shows after about 60 seconds after expectorating (most of it) with layers of spice, acidity, flavour and complexity. Fantastic!
97 Points

Clos de Ste Anne 'The Crucible' Syrah 2014 Gisborne
Powerful bouquet of Syrah with a plethora of aromas from sweet meat to five spice; wild black berry fruits and baked pepper mushroom; masculine, fruity and wild. On the palate - youthful, tense, fruity and dry; all of the flavour suggestions come true on the palate with a back bone of acidity, a range of tannin textures from slightly silken to youthful and bold. Long finish - a fabulous example of what Syrah is and should be. This wine, like many of the 2014s from the Millton stable is tightly would and requires at least a lottle more love in the cellar of 3 8 years.
97 Points