Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2014 Waipara Valley
Intoxicating bouquet of white flowers and waxy sweet hay; grapefruit, white peach and other citrus suggestions; moderate mineral suggestion. On the palate - firm, dry, packed with flavour, medium++ acidity, light creamy texture, plenty of citrus lead flavours and peach moments; long finish; a delicious wine.91 Points
Sunday, 19 June 2016
Saturday, 18 June 2016
Pencarrow
Pencarrow Pinot Noir 2014 Martinborough
Ripe red berry fruit aromas of plum and raspberry with some red cherry suggestions, mild to moderate oak and some brown spice elements. On the palate - dry with light red fruit flavours, medium+ acididty and mild to moderate tannins - quite soft and fine, a balanced and well made wine for immediate drinking and through 2019.
88 Points
Grava
Grava Rose 2015 Martinborough
Strawberries, cherries, silty mineral undertones, soft old red flowers and a hint of spice. On the palate - an off-dry expression with ripe light red fruit flavours of strawberry and plum, some florals and silty mineral layer; medium+ acidity, creamy smooth finish, balanced.
86 Points
Strawberries, cherries, silty mineral undertones, soft old red flowers and a hint of spice. On the palate - an off-dry expression with ripe light red fruit flavours of strawberry and plum, some florals and silty mineral layer; medium+ acidity, creamy smooth finish, balanced.
86 Points
Haha
Haha Chardonnay 2015 Marlborough
Creamy, nutty, lifted, fruity and fresh with aromas of yellow peach and apple, soft vanilla and brown oak spice moments. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and fresh with ripe peach and stone fruit flavours, vanilla, medium+ acidity and firm oak, some tension mid-palate, light nutty oak moments and fresh moderate finish, Well made - food oriented expression.
87 Points
Haha Merlot 2015 Hawke's Bay
Dark red berry fruit aromas heavily laced with dark plum and oak spices; quite forward bold and fresh. On the palate - dry, firm, fresh and very fruity with dark plums and blackberry fruits, medium+ acidity and firm medium+ tannins; plenty of toasty oak spices; a youthful expression with tome on its side. Decant for service or cellar through 2019.
90 Points
Creamy, nutty, lifted, fruity and fresh with aromas of yellow peach and apple, soft vanilla and brown oak spice moments. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and fresh with ripe peach and stone fruit flavours, vanilla, medium+ acidity and firm oak, some tension mid-palate, light nutty oak moments and fresh moderate finish, Well made - food oriented expression.
87 Points
Haha Merlot 2015 Hawke's Bay
Dark red berry fruit aromas heavily laced with dark plum and oak spices; quite forward bold and fresh. On the palate - dry, firm, fresh and very fruity with dark plums and blackberry fruits, medium+ acidity and firm medium+ tannins; plenty of toasty oak spices; a youthful expression with tome on its side. Decant for service or cellar through 2019.
90 Points
Wairau River
Wairau River Family Estate Reserve Viognier 2015 Marlborough
Very bold, fruity and poignant bouquet of spiced apricots and peaches; some quince and gentle oak-like moments. On the palate - dry with silky textures and flavours of peaches and apricots, apples and quince; medium/medium+ acidity, smooth longer finish, balanced and well made.
88 Points
Wairau River Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2015 Marlborough
Creamy smooth textures in the boquuet of white and yellow peach, soft vanilla and oak spices and a light butter note, some yeast lees suggestions. On the palate - dry, creamy smooth textures with flavours of white peach and red apple, vanilla and oak wood moments; medium acidity, fresh, bold and lively, great balance and well made with a lengthy finish.
90 Points
Wairau River Family Estate Reserve Syrah 2014 Marlborough
Fresh dark red berries with baked red raspberry, red beets and blue berry fruits; vanilla and brown spice oak aromas, quite toasty with medium complexity. On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with medium+ tannins - chalky and tense; medium+ acidity, ripe dark red berries with raspberry and blue fruit flavours, dark spices and pepper moments. Youthful with a lengthy finish.
92 Points
Very bold, fruity and poignant bouquet of spiced apricots and peaches; some quince and gentle oak-like moments. On the palate - dry with silky textures and flavours of peaches and apricots, apples and quince; medium/medium+ acidity, smooth longer finish, balanced and well made.
88 Points
Wairau River Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2015 Marlborough
Creamy smooth textures in the boquuet of white and yellow peach, soft vanilla and oak spices and a light butter note, some yeast lees suggestions. On the palate - dry, creamy smooth textures with flavours of white peach and red apple, vanilla and oak wood moments; medium acidity, fresh, bold and lively, great balance and well made with a lengthy finish.
90 Points
Wairau River Family Estate Reserve Syrah 2014 Marlborough
Fresh dark red berries with baked red raspberry, red beets and blue berry fruits; vanilla and brown spice oak aromas, quite toasty with medium complexity. On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with medium+ tannins - chalky and tense; medium+ acidity, ripe dark red berries with raspberry and blue fruit flavours, dark spices and pepper moments. Youthful with a lengthy finish.
92 Points
Rapaura Springs
Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Bold and expressive bouquet with a concentration of ripe citrus and tree fruits with tropical fruit layer and light jalapeno spice. On the palate - crisp, firm, fresh with a core of ripe fruits from sweet grapfruit to gooseberry and golden kiwifruit; high acidity is contrasted with fruit sweetness, lengthy finish, a fine example and well made.
91 Points
Bold and expressive bouquet with a concentration of ripe citrus and tree fruits with tropical fruit layer and light jalapeno spice. On the palate - crisp, firm, fresh with a core of ripe fruits from sweet grapfruit to gooseberry and golden kiwifruit; high acidity is contrasted with fruit sweetness, lengthy finish, a fine example and well made.
91 Points
Music Bay
Music Bay Spring Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough
Very expressive bouquet of ripe fresh tropical and citrus fruits with floral and wet stone suggestions. On the palate - very light with a fruit and fruit sweet flavours; grapes, passion fruit and tropical flavours, medium+ acidity, balanced, fresh and lively.
84 Points
Very expressive bouquet of ripe fresh tropical and citrus fruits with floral and wet stone suggestions. On the palate - very light with a fruit and fruit sweet flavours; grapes, passion fruit and tropical flavours, medium+ acidity, balanced, fresh and lively.
84 Points
12,000 Miles
12,000 Miles Pinot Gris 2015 Gladstone, Wairarapa
Fruity, lush and ripe with fresh and baked pears, apples and a little honey, a touch of white spuce. On the palate - fruity, crisp, fresh and dry on the finish; medium+ acidity; loads of white tree fruits flavours and a little honey, balanced and well made.
88 Points
Fruity, lush and ripe with fresh and baked pears, apples and a little honey, a touch of white spuce. On the palate - fruity, crisp, fresh and dry on the finish; medium+ acidity; loads of white tree fruits flavours and a little honey, balanced and well made.
88 Points
Matawhero
Matawhero Merlot 2015 Gisborne
Fresh, fruity and lively bouquet with red fruits and dark plums, some wild berries and wild flowers, toasty oak spice moments and vanilla. On the palate - fruity, fresh, lush textures and a dry finish; flavours of plums and red apples, some wild red berries and oak spices, medium+ acidity, medium tannins, youthful and charming, balanced overall with a longer finish. A wine for food or cellar through 2019.
89 Points
Fresh, fruity and lively bouquet with red fruits and dark plums, some wild berries and wild flowers, toasty oak spice moments and vanilla. On the palate - fruity, fresh, lush textures and a dry finish; flavours of plums and red apples, some wild red berries and oak spices, medium+ acidity, medium tannins, youthful and charming, balanced overall with a longer finish. A wine for food or cellar through 2019.
89 Points
Matua Wines
Matua Wines SV Merlot 2013 Hawke's Bay
Ripe, clean and calm aromas of dark plum and darker berry fruits, some sweet vanilla and oak spice layers, toasty and fresh. On the palate - dry, firm and fruity with dusty fine tannins, medium+ acidity and loaded with oak and dark fruit flavours. A fine longer finish with a gravelly soil texture and plum fruits flavours.
91 Points
Matua Wines Lands and Legends Syrah 2013 Central Otago
Varietal, fruity, toasty and lightly peppery; red and darker red fruits with red currants and raspberry notes. On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with flavours of plums and raspberry with red currant moments, medium+ acidity, medium tannins, youthful oak and firm youthful texture overall. A wine with time on its side, balanced and well made.
89 Points
Ripe, clean and calm aromas of dark plum and darker berry fruits, some sweet vanilla and oak spice layers, toasty and fresh. On the palate - dry, firm and fruity with dusty fine tannins, medium+ acidity and loaded with oak and dark fruit flavours. A fine longer finish with a gravelly soil texture and plum fruits flavours.
91 Points
Matua Wines Lands and Legends Syrah 2013 Central Otago
Varietal, fruity, toasty and lightly peppery; red and darker red fruits with red currants and raspberry notes. On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with flavours of plums and raspberry with red currant moments, medium+ acidity, medium tannins, youthful oak and firm youthful texture overall. A wine with time on its side, balanced and well made.
89 Points
Bilancia
Leheny Gibson Wines
Bilancia Reserve Pinot Gris 2013 Hawke's Bay
A bouquet filled with texture as well as the aromas of Gris with lightly spiced tree fruits of pear and pear skin, apple and quince, a light toasty/leesy note shows off the shape of the attack. On the palate - dry, firm, warm and fruity - a lush and ripe wine with flavours of spiced pear and apple with a lemon rind note; medium acidity, light creamy texture, balanced and well made with a longer finish.
90 Points
Bilancia Chardonnay 2014 Hawke's Bay
Very attractive bouquet a pure fruit and oak expression with distinctive ripe, fresh and baked stone fruit aromas with a nutty roasted cashew layer and a hint of butterscotch. On the palate - dry, firm, rich, bold, youthful and expressive; a wine still in development yet showing its potential with a grapefruit and peach fruit core, plenty of oak with spice and woody/nutty combination; medium+ acidity, plenty of bite and finish, balanced and well made with a long finish.
92 Points
Bilancia la collina Viognier 2014 Hawke's Bay
Very expressive bouquet with ripe stone fruits of apricot and peach - fresh and baked, pure; wild honey and wild yellow flowers, some punchy oak spice moments. On the palate - dry, loads of texture and packed with pure fruit flavours; apricots and peaches, red apple and citrus note, a hint of bacon; medium/medium+ acidity, some fine older oak moments and a long expressive finish. A wine that must be experienced.
93 Points
Bilancia Syrah 2013 Hawke's Bay
Ripe, dense, fruity and oaky; dark red berry fruit aromas with baked raspberry and black currants, plenty of toasty oak spice and woody vanilla moments, some peppery layers and harmonious expression overall. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and varietal - packed with the flavours of dark berries - roasted raspberry and black currants, peppery moments and noticeable oak. Medium+ acidity and tannins - firm and youthful textures; very lengthy finish.
94 Points
Bilancia la collina Syrah 2010 Hawke's Bay
Powerful bouquet of wine midway through a integration phase; toasty, peppery, oaky and loaded with berry fruit aromas; complex and engaging. On the palate - dry, plentiful firm ripe tannins, medium++ acidity, new oak beginning to melt into the red and dark red fruits core, pepper grinds come and go; some coffee and bitter chocolate flavours with a hint of black olive - in other words a very complex wine; long finish.
95 Points
Bilancia la collina Syrah 2013 Hawke's Bay
Youthful, pure, ripe and intense bouquet of dark red berry fruits - raspberry, dark currants and blue fruit moments, five spice and pepper; plenty of new oak with some older seams noted, very complex. On the palate - toasty, dark cocoa and ripe dark berry fruit flavours, abundant tannins with chalk and dry stone textures, medium++ acidity, complex long finish. A fabulous wine that will age and charm for the next 5 - 10+ years.
97 Points
Bilancia
Leheny Gibson Wines
Bilancia Reserve Pinot Gris 2013 Hawke's Bay
A bouquet filled with texture as well as the aromas of Gris with lightly spiced tree fruits of pear and pear skin, apple and quince, a light toasty/leesy note shows off the shape of the attack. On the palate - dry, firm, warm and fruity - a lush and ripe wine with flavours of spiced pear and apple with a lemon rind note; medium acidity, light creamy texture, balanced and well made with a longer finish.
90 Points
Bilancia Chardonnay 2014 Hawke's Bay
Very attractive bouquet a pure fruit and oak expression with distinctive ripe, fresh and baked stone fruit aromas with a nutty roasted cashew layer and a hint of butterscotch. On the palate - dry, firm, rich, bold, youthful and expressive; a wine still in development yet showing its potential with a grapefruit and peach fruit core, plenty of oak with spice and woody/nutty combination; medium+ acidity, plenty of bite and finish, balanced and well made with a long finish.
92 Points
Bilancia la collina Viognier 2014 Hawke's Bay
Very expressive bouquet with ripe stone fruits of apricot and peach - fresh and baked, pure; wild honey and wild yellow flowers, some punchy oak spice moments. On the palate - dry, loads of texture and packed with pure fruit flavours; apricots and peaches, red apple and citrus note, a hint of bacon; medium/medium+ acidity, some fine older oak moments and a long expressive finish. A wine that must be experienced.
93 Points
Bilancia Syrah 2013 Hawke's Bay
Ripe, dense, fruity and oaky; dark red berry fruit aromas with baked raspberry and black currants, plenty of toasty oak spice and woody vanilla moments, some peppery layers and harmonious expression overall. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and varietal - packed with the flavours of dark berries - roasted raspberry and black currants, peppery moments and noticeable oak. Medium+ acidity and tannins - firm and youthful textures; very lengthy finish.
94 Points
Bilancia la collina Syrah 2010 Hawke's Bay
Powerful bouquet of wine midway through a integration phase; toasty, peppery, oaky and loaded with berry fruit aromas; complex and engaging. On the palate - dry, plentiful firm ripe tannins, medium++ acidity, new oak beginning to melt into the red and dark red fruits core, pepper grinds come and go; some coffee and bitter chocolate flavours with a hint of black olive - in other words a very complex wine; long finish.
95 Points
Bilancia la collina Syrah 2013 Hawke's Bay
Youthful, pure, ripe and intense bouquet of dark red berry fruits - raspberry, dark currants and blue fruit moments, five spice and pepper; plenty of new oak with some older seams noted, very complex. On the palate - toasty, dark cocoa and ripe dark berry fruit flavours, abundant tannins with chalk and dry stone textures, medium++ acidity, complex long finish. A fabulous wine that will age and charm for the next 5 - 10+ years.
97 Points
Ostler
Ostler 'Audrey's' Pinot Gris 2014 Waitaki Valley
Bold bouquet of minerals and ripe tree fruits - pears and sweet apple, a floral honeysuckle layer adds intrigue and depth. On the palate - mineral laden, fruity and rich - flavours of honeysuckle poached ttree fruits, some white spice and quartz-like mineral; medium acidity, warm creamy textures, lengthy finish. Classic Waitaki Valley expression.
89 Points
Bold bouquet of minerals and ripe tree fruits - pears and sweet apple, a floral honeysuckle layer adds intrigue and depth. On the palate - mineral laden, fruity and rich - flavours of honeysuckle poached ttree fruits, some white spice and quartz-like mineral; medium acidity, warm creamy textures, lengthy finish. Classic Waitaki Valley expression.
89 Points
Friday, 17 June 2016
Alex
(Alexandra Vintners) Ridgeback Alex Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Fruity and lightly savoury with wild thyme and cherry combinations, violets and toasty oak components, vanilla and clove scents round out the bouquet. On the palate - dry, fresh, firm and fruity with dark cherry and plum flavours, toasty almost charry oak, medium easy tannins and medium+ acidity with some wild herb notes. Very approachable wine now with the right food, but has some age worthy attributes as well. Medium+ length and moderate complexity, well made example.
87 Points
Fruity and lightly savoury with wild thyme and cherry combinations, violets and toasty oak components, vanilla and clove scents round out the bouquet. On the palate - dry, fresh, firm and fruity with dark cherry and plum flavours, toasty almost charry oak, medium easy tannins and medium+ acidity with some wild herb notes. Very approachable wine now with the right food, but has some age worthy attributes as well. Medium+ length and moderate complexity, well made example.
87 Points
Pegasus Bay
Pegasus Bay 'Virtuoso' Chardonnay 2013 Waipara Valley - Canterbury
A powerful, rich and full bouquet of stone fruit, oak and spice: baked peach and nectarine with white spiced oak, new oak and a distinctive savoury/leesy complexity - even a flint-like edge. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and intense with fabulous Chardonnay flavours of ripe peach and stone fruits, grapefruit, nutty oak and loads of texture; cashew, grapefruit peel, lees and some sulphide-like suggestions; full-bodied and rich. Great wine!
95 Points
Pegasus Bay Late Harvest Pinot Gris 2014 Waipara Valley - Canterbury
Golden hues and very bright appearance; Intense, honeyed and spicy bouquet; quite floral with an old white rose note, plenty of white pepper spice and fleshy baked pears and apples. On the palate - creamy, lush, sweet and delicious - big flavours of white fleshed fruits, poached and seasoned with spice; medium+ acididty contrast the lush sweetness; baked apple, long and sweet finish. Delicious!
93 Points
A powerful, rich and full bouquet of stone fruit, oak and spice: baked peach and nectarine with white spiced oak, new oak and a distinctive savoury/leesy complexity - even a flint-like edge. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and intense with fabulous Chardonnay flavours of ripe peach and stone fruits, grapefruit, nutty oak and loads of texture; cashew, grapefruit peel, lees and some sulphide-like suggestions; full-bodied and rich. Great wine!
95 Points
Pegasus Bay Late Harvest Pinot Gris 2014 Waipara Valley - Canterbury
Golden hues and very bright appearance; Intense, honeyed and spicy bouquet; quite floral with an old white rose note, plenty of white pepper spice and fleshy baked pears and apples. On the palate - creamy, lush, sweet and delicious - big flavours of white fleshed fruits, poached and seasoned with spice; medium+ acididty contrast the lush sweetness; baked apple, long and sweet finish. Delicious!
93 Points
Greylands Ridge
Greylands Ridge Blanc de Noir 2013 Central Otago
Fruity and aromatic with fleshy tree fruit aromas - pears and apples, some white pepper and citrus peel moments. On the palate - just dry on the finish with a little residual sweetness; flavour of pear and yellow apple, some citrus and white peach; medium+ acidity, balanced, fresh, crisp and well made.
88 Points
Greylands Ridge 'Belle Rose' 2015 Central Otago
Lush, ripe and very fruity bouquet of sweet red cherry and strawberry, lots of roses and perfume lift. On the palate - just dry, light, creamy, fresh and very fruity with flavours that reflect the bouquet, medium+ acidity, balanced and well made.
87 Points
Fruity and aromatic with fleshy tree fruit aromas - pears and apples, some white pepper and citrus peel moments. On the palate - just dry on the finish with a little residual sweetness; flavour of pear and yellow apple, some citrus and white peach; medium+ acidity, balanced, fresh, crisp and well made.
88 Points
Greylands Ridge 'Belle Rose' 2015 Central Otago
Lush, ripe and very fruity bouquet of sweet red cherry and strawberry, lots of roses and perfume lift. On the palate - just dry, light, creamy, fresh and very fruity with flavours that reflect the bouquet, medium+ acidity, balanced and well made.
87 Points
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Rockburn
Rockburn Pinot Noir 2013 Central Otago
Complex bouquet of floral, mineral and pinosity - with red and dark cherry fruit, crushed stone/mineral suggestions and fine oak with mild toasty and vanilla spice layers. On the palate - dry, fine chalky/dusty tannins and plenty of acidity; a wine that is as much about texture as it is flavour; cherries and plums, delicate mild floral notes and minerality with a touch of savoury. Overall a lovely wine that remains youthful and flavourful.
91 Points
Rockburn Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Ripe, dark red berry fruits lead the bouquet with raspberry and plum then dark cherry - baked; baking spice notes accentuate the oak with a mix of mineral and floral. On the palate - great texture and flavour with a concentration of dark red berry fruit flavours, vanilla oak and brown spices; noticeable acidity, noticeable complexity, youthful, fruity and complex and lengthy; a great to enjoy now or cellar for 4-8 years.
94 Points
Drumsara
Drumsara VVS Pinot Noir Rose 2015 Central Otago
Lush, ripe, fresh and fruity with red apple and cherry/strawberry aromas, very lively bouquet with a dry stone mineral layer. On the palate - dry, crisp, fresh and packed with energy, plenty of light red fruit flavours, medium+ acidity, chalk-like texture and lengthy finish. Lots to like, easy to drink.
89 Points
Drumsara Evoke Pinot Noir 2013 Central Otago
Classic Otago Pinot Noir bouquet with abundant red fruit aromas of dark cherry and baked raspberry, baking spices with cinnamon and clove, undergrowth and wild thyme, complex. On the palate - dry, firm, very youthful and packed with the flavours of Otago described above - dark berry and cherry with baking spice oak, toasty qualities and wild thyme; a lovely sweet spot mid-palate; medium+ fine tannin and acidity, textures from the oak and tannins add length. A great example of a wine that will continue to age for at least another 5 - 8 years.
93 Points
Drumsara Evoke Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Concentrated red fruits bouquet with dark cherry and plum, no mistaking the impact of oak with its toasty, vanilla, clove and baking spice attributes, some dried herb and stone/mineral suggestions. On the palate - delicious with a dark berry and plum mid-palate sweetness followed by oak with its baking spice and toasty layers; very youthful with some firm textures that will ease-off as the wine develops (6-10 years); textures of chalky firm tannins and acidity, lengthy complex finish. A wine that requires decanting or preferably time in cellar to develop.
94 Points
Drumsara Evoke Pinot Noir 2015 Central Otago
Concentrated bouquet of dark almost black cherry, violets and plum, mineral, stone, schist and oak all loud and demanding attention, very youthful and highly energised bouquet. On the palate - dry, firm and fruity; the acidity and tannins combine to add a lot of palate texture and firmness with chalky, tense tannins and noticeable back bone of acidity; flavours of red berry fruits emerge; plenty of oak too with some toasty layers, but not too much; a juicy raspberry moemnts adds to a longish finish. A balanced and well made wine. No opening till 2018 please.
93 Points
Lush, ripe, fresh and fruity with red apple and cherry/strawberry aromas, very lively bouquet with a dry stone mineral layer. On the palate - dry, crisp, fresh and packed with energy, plenty of light red fruit flavours, medium+ acidity, chalk-like texture and lengthy finish. Lots to like, easy to drink.
89 Points
Drumsara Evoke Pinot Noir 2013 Central Otago
Classic Otago Pinot Noir bouquet with abundant red fruit aromas of dark cherry and baked raspberry, baking spices with cinnamon and clove, undergrowth and wild thyme, complex. On the palate - dry, firm, very youthful and packed with the flavours of Otago described above - dark berry and cherry with baking spice oak, toasty qualities and wild thyme; a lovely sweet spot mid-palate; medium+ fine tannin and acidity, textures from the oak and tannins add length. A great example of a wine that will continue to age for at least another 5 - 8 years.
93 Points
Drumsara Evoke Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Concentrated red fruits bouquet with dark cherry and plum, no mistaking the impact of oak with its toasty, vanilla, clove and baking spice attributes, some dried herb and stone/mineral suggestions. On the palate - delicious with a dark berry and plum mid-palate sweetness followed by oak with its baking spice and toasty layers; very youthful with some firm textures that will ease-off as the wine develops (6-10 years); textures of chalky firm tannins and acidity, lengthy complex finish. A wine that requires decanting or preferably time in cellar to develop.
94 Points
Drumsara Evoke Pinot Noir 2015 Central Otago
Concentrated bouquet of dark almost black cherry, violets and plum, mineral, stone, schist and oak all loud and demanding attention, very youthful and highly energised bouquet. On the palate - dry, firm and fruity; the acidity and tannins combine to add a lot of palate texture and firmness with chalky, tense tannins and noticeable back bone of acidity; flavours of red berry fruits emerge; plenty of oak too with some toasty layers, but not too much; a juicy raspberry moemnts adds to a longish finish. A balanced and well made wine. No opening till 2018 please.
93 Points
Thursday, 2 June 2016
Osawa Wines
Osawa Wines Prestige Collection Methode Traditionelle NV Brut
A noticeably fragrant bouquet with suggestions of white flowers and wet stone then citrus and tree fruits with lemon, pith and apple; finally a distinctive layer of autolysis and lees qualities. On the palate - an immediate and powerful mousse capturing the flavours of Meyer lemon and apple, a light miso-like note then bottle-age and autolysis combinations; crisp refreshing acidity, light+ to medium weight with satin cream textures and a lengthy dry finish.
92 Points
A noticeably fragrant bouquet with suggestions of white flowers and wet stone then citrus and tree fruits with lemon, pith and apple; finally a distinctive layer of autolysis and lees qualities. On the palate - an immediate and powerful mousse capturing the flavours of Meyer lemon and apple, a light miso-like note then bottle-age and autolysis combinations; crisp refreshing acidity, light+ to medium weight with satin cream textures and a lengthy dry finish.
92 Points
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Greylands Ridge
Greayleands Ridge Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Some 'classic' Otago aromas with plum and black cherry bathing in a light savoury undergrowth; toasty oak and brown baking spices with suggestions of vanilla and clove (oak). On the palate - youthful, fruity, dry, no mistaking the oak with clove, vanilla and toasty French Oak spice; medium+ (ish) tannins and acidity, mineral undertones and a lengthy finish - all ticking the boxes of ripe, quality and length; coming into balance over the next 2-3 years; well made.
91 Points
Some 'classic' Otago aromas with plum and black cherry bathing in a light savoury undergrowth; toasty oak and brown baking spices with suggestions of vanilla and clove (oak). On the palate - youthful, fruity, dry, no mistaking the oak with clove, vanilla and toasty French Oak spice; medium+ (ish) tannins and acidity, mineral undertones and a lengthy finish - all ticking the boxes of ripe, quality and length; coming into balance over the next 2-3 years; well made.
91 Points
Lamont
Lamont Pinot Noir 2014 Bendigo Central Otago
Intense red fruit aromas with wild raspberry, dark cherry and undergrowth components; no mistaking the oak with spice and vanilla aromas; loads of energy and youthful charm with some dried herb and mineral/soil/rock suggestions. On the palate - dry, firm, fresh, fruity, youthfully grippy with loads of chalky tannins, medium+ acidity, velvet and chalk textured tannins keep coming back. Tried this wine again 24hours later and as expected the harmony, textures and synergy have increased. A lovely wine build for ageing till 2019 or at least decanted if served before then.
93 Points
Intense red fruit aromas with wild raspberry, dark cherry and undergrowth components; no mistaking the oak with spice and vanilla aromas; loads of energy and youthful charm with some dried herb and mineral/soil/rock suggestions. On the palate - dry, firm, fresh, fruity, youthfully grippy with loads of chalky tannins, medium+ acidity, velvet and chalk textured tannins keep coming back. Tried this wine again 24hours later and as expected the harmony, textures and synergy have increased. A lovely wine build for ageing till 2019 or at least decanted if served before then.
93 Points
Spade Oak Vineyard
Spade Oak Vineyard 'Voisey' Chardonnay 2014 Gisborne
Plenty of ripe, fresh and forward fruit aromas with stonefruit peach and nectarine leading; vanilla, spice and bricohe cream follows. On the palate - fruit, oak, fruit again then plenty of creamy texture and spice components; medium acidity, mild tannins; balanced and well made with medium length and finish.
87 Points
Plenty of ripe, fresh and forward fruit aromas with stonefruit peach and nectarine leading; vanilla, spice and bricohe cream follows. On the palate - fruit, oak, fruit again then plenty of creamy texture and spice components; medium acidity, mild tannins; balanced and well made with medium length and finish.
87 Points
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