Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Rose 2016 Marlborough 9% abv
Very fragrant bouquet, punchy and distinctive with ripe tropical fruit aromas and light softer light red fruit nuances, vibrant and expressive. On the palate - juicy, fresh, fruity, tropical, lively and easy to swallow - what's not to like! Refreshing acidity, loads of fresh fruit flavours, medium+ acidity and fruity finish.
85 Points
Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Sauvignon Blamc 2016 Marlborough 9.6% abv
Explosive bouquet of ripe and fresh citrus, apple and tropical fruits - soft fresh herbs and lively fragrant appeal. On the palate - crisp, fresh, very fruity, light weight and lush; loads of ffesh citrus, tree and tropical fruit flavours, crisp refreshing acidity and fresh crushed green herbs; lively fun wine.
86 Points
Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Pinot Gris2016 Marlborough 9.8%
Juicy, fresh and lush bouquet packed with sweet apple and pear aromas, quite floral too with a Spring flower layer. On the palate - fresh, lush, very juicy with some salivating acidity, flavours of tree fruit, some fresh lychee and tropical moments, light, fresh and enjoyable finish.
84 Points
Friday, 29 July 2016
Stoneleigh
Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Rose 2016 Marlborough 9% abv
Very fragrant bouquet, punchy and distinctive with ripe tropical fruit aromas and light softer light red fruit nuances, vibrant and expressive. On the palate - juicy, fresh, fruity, tropical, lively and easy to swallow - what's not to like! Refreshing acidity, loads of fresh fruit flavours, medium+ acidity and fruity finish.
85 Points
Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Sauvignon Blamc 2016 Marlborough 9.6% abv
Explosive bouquet of ripe and fresh citrus, apple and tropical fruits - soft fresh herbs and lively fragrant appeal. On the palate - crisp, fresh, very fruity, light weight and lush; loads of ffesh citrus, tree and tropical fruit flavours, crisp refreshing acidity and fresh crushed green herbs; lively fun wine.
86 Points
Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Pinot Gris2016 Marlborough 9.8%
Juicy, fresh and lush bouquet packed with sweet apple and pear aromas, quite floral too with a Spring flower layer. On the palate - fresh, lush, very juicy with some salivating acidity, flavours of tree fruit, some fresh lychee and tropical moments, light, fresh and enjoyable finish.
84 Points
Very fragrant bouquet, punchy and distinctive with ripe tropical fruit aromas and light softer light red fruit nuances, vibrant and expressive. On the palate - juicy, fresh, fruity, tropical, lively and easy to swallow - what's not to like! Refreshing acidity, loads of fresh fruit flavours, medium+ acidity and fruity finish.
85 Points
Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Sauvignon Blamc 2016 Marlborough 9.6% abv
Explosive bouquet of ripe and fresh citrus, apple and tropical fruits - soft fresh herbs and lively fragrant appeal. On the palate - crisp, fresh, very fruity, light weight and lush; loads of ffesh citrus, tree and tropical fruit flavours, crisp refreshing acidity and fresh crushed green herbs; lively fun wine.
86 Points
Stoneleigh 'Lighter' Pinot Gris2016 Marlborough 9.8%
Juicy, fresh and lush bouquet packed with sweet apple and pear aromas, quite floral too with a Spring flower layer. On the palate - fresh, lush, very juicy with some salivating acidity, flavours of tree fruit, some fresh lychee and tropical moments, light, fresh and enjoyable finish.
84 Points
Chard Farm
Chard Farm 'Mata-Au' Pinot Noir 2014 Lowburn Vineyards Central Otago
Vibrant, fresh, lively and packed with ripe red berry fruit aromas - red cherry and red apple skin included; mild yet noticeable oak with a light toasty quality and gentle vanilla tone. On the palate - quite lush and fruity with red berry fruit flavours, medium+ acidity and fine tannins; a balanced and well made wine with a light mineral undertone, plenty of pinosity, energy and length. I would be more than happy to serve this wine to frends and recommed it with food. Tasted this wine again with a red beet and smoked salmon risotto - delicious together. Cellar through 2020.
90 Points
Chard Farm 'River Run' Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Focused and to the point aromas of red cherry and cranberry - a youthful bouquet of a wine not long in bottle; red apple skin, red flowers, plums and a little black boy peach; mineral undertones and noticeable oak with a light spice tone and shades of undergrowth. On the palate - fruity, dry, plenty of pinosity and flavour with red cherry, red apple and berry fruits; youthful vibrant acidity and fine to moderate tannins; juicy, fresh and lively finish. A wine for the cellar or decant for service. Best from 2018 through 2022.
88 Points
Vibrant, fresh, lively and packed with ripe red berry fruit aromas - red cherry and red apple skin included; mild yet noticeable oak with a light toasty quality and gentle vanilla tone. On the palate - quite lush and fruity with red berry fruit flavours, medium+ acidity and fine tannins; a balanced and well made wine with a light mineral undertone, plenty of pinosity, energy and length. I would be more than happy to serve this wine to frends and recommed it with food. Tasted this wine again with a red beet and smoked salmon risotto - delicious together. Cellar through 2020.
90 Points
Chard Farm 'River Run' Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago
Focused and to the point aromas of red cherry and cranberry - a youthful bouquet of a wine not long in bottle; red apple skin, red flowers, plums and a little black boy peach; mineral undertones and noticeable oak with a light spice tone and shades of undergrowth. On the palate - fruity, dry, plenty of pinosity and flavour with red cherry, red apple and berry fruits; youthful vibrant acidity and fine to moderate tannins; juicy, fresh and lively finish. A wine for the cellar or decant for service. Best from 2018 through 2022.
88 Points
Thursday, 28 July 2016
Ha Ha
Ha Ha Brut Cuvee Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Very peachy fruity and bold on the nose with lemon and stone fruit aromas, mild autolysis and simple complexity. On the palate - crisp, clean, fresh and dry; plenty of bright fleshy white fruit flavours, decent acidity and modertae finish; balanced and well made.
82 Points
Very peachy fruity and bold on the nose with lemon and stone fruit aromas, mild autolysis and simple complexity. On the palate - crisp, clean, fresh and dry; plenty of bright fleshy white fruit flavours, decent acidity and modertae finish; balanced and well made.
82 Points
Spade Oak
Spade Oak Blanc de Blancs RD Gisborne NV
Immediately complex with a bouquet of white peach, white flowers and textured yeasty autolysis. On the palate - dry, creamy, lush and ull of white peach and grapefruit flavours , some apple. Fresh and lively too with plenty of acidity, mild to moderate length, balanced and wll made.
85 Points
Immediately complex with a bouquet of white peach, white flowers and textured yeasty autolysis. On the palate - dry, creamy, lush and ull of white peach and grapefruit flavours , some apple. Fresh and lively too with plenty of acidity, mild to moderate length, balanced and wll made.
85 Points
Tuesday, 26 July 2016
Bodega Cuarto Surco
ARG Tipo Tenaz Malbec 2015 Mendoza, Argentina
Fresh tart red fruits bouquet with wild cherry, raspberry and cranberry aromas, red peppercorn spice with mild to moderate oak hard clay mineral layer. On the palate - juicy, fresh, ripe and fruity - red cherry, red plum and cranberry flavours, very light on oak, medium+ (ish) acidity, very mild tannins and a balanced moderate finish.
86 Points
Latente Selected Vineyards Malbec 2015 Mendoza, Argentina
Fruity, toasty, spicy with black and red fruits led bouquet, charry vanilla scented oak layer, deep red floral note - an attractive package overall. On the palate - fresh, fruity and flavourful with plums, red berries and some darker red fruit flavours; more toasty vanilla and brown spice oak, medium+ acidity, finer tannins, balanced and well made with a moderate+ finish.
88 Points
La Prima Bodeguita reserva Malbec 2014 Mendoza, Argantina
Dark red berry aromas together with some newer oak, its vanilla, spice and toasty layers offer an attractive and vibrant bouquet. On the palate - juicy, fresh, fruity, firm and dry - a wine with some complexity that speaks to character and texture as much as it does Malbec; flavours of dark berries with ripe cranberry, plum and boysenberry suggestions; newer oak toasted brown spices layer, medium+ (ish) acidity and fine to moderate tannins; good balance and medium+ length and finish.
89 Points
Latente Reserva Malbec 2014 Mendoza, Argentina
Broody, dark, ripe, oaky and enticing bouquet with a lure of toasty oak and meaty dark red bery fruits; plenty of vanilla and brown baking spices, some brown sugar, nutty oak and mild earthy layers. On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with medium+ tannin bite, no mistaking the oak layers and flavours, dark red berry fruits and medium+ acidity overall. Decent length and concentration making this a smart choice for bigger bolder and meatier dishes. Overall balanced and well made. Suggested decant for service or a large glass.
90 Points
Fresh tart red fruits bouquet with wild cherry, raspberry and cranberry aromas, red peppercorn spice with mild to moderate oak hard clay mineral layer. On the palate - juicy, fresh, ripe and fruity - red cherry, red plum and cranberry flavours, very light on oak, medium+ (ish) acidity, very mild tannins and a balanced moderate finish.
86 Points
Latente Selected Vineyards Malbec 2015 Mendoza, Argentina
Fruity, toasty, spicy with black and red fruits led bouquet, charry vanilla scented oak layer, deep red floral note - an attractive package overall. On the palate - fresh, fruity and flavourful with plums, red berries and some darker red fruit flavours; more toasty vanilla and brown spice oak, medium+ acidity, finer tannins, balanced and well made with a moderate+ finish.
88 Points
La Prima Bodeguita reserva Malbec 2014 Mendoza, Argantina
Dark red berry aromas together with some newer oak, its vanilla, spice and toasty layers offer an attractive and vibrant bouquet. On the palate - juicy, fresh, fruity, firm and dry - a wine with some complexity that speaks to character and texture as much as it does Malbec; flavours of dark berries with ripe cranberry, plum and boysenberry suggestions; newer oak toasted brown spices layer, medium+ (ish) acidity and fine to moderate tannins; good balance and medium+ length and finish.
89 Points
Latente Reserva Malbec 2014 Mendoza, Argentina
Broody, dark, ripe, oaky and enticing bouquet with a lure of toasty oak and meaty dark red bery fruits; plenty of vanilla and brown baking spices, some brown sugar, nutty oak and mild earthy layers. On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with medium+ tannin bite, no mistaking the oak layers and flavours, dark red berry fruits and medium+ acidity overall. Decent length and concentration making this a smart choice for bigger bolder and meatier dishes. Overall balanced and well made. Suggested decant for service or a large glass.
90 Points
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Vidal of Hawke's Bay
Vidal of Hawke's Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Gimblett Gravels
Masculine bouquet of meaty fleshy blackberry and baked plum, sweet roasted peppers and violet's, no mistaking the oak. Fresh tobacco leaf, youthful and complex. On the palate dark berries, dark baking spices, vanilla and black cherry. Sweet oak, med+ tannins & acidity. Youthful, firm, ripe and amazingly balanced for such a young wine.93 Points
Masculine bouquet of meaty fleshy blackberry and baked plum, sweet roasted peppers and violet's, no mistaking the oak. Fresh tobacco leaf, youthful and complex. On the palate dark berries, dark baking spices, vanilla and black cherry. Sweet oak, med+ tannins & acidity. Youthful, firm, ripe and amazingly balanced for such a young wine.93 Points
Pegasus Bay
Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet 2013 Waipara Valley
Toasty oak bouquet and packed with dark berry and plum aromas, some black cherry and sweet tobacco leaf; violets, earth, sweet oak and slightly nutty. On the palate - dry, firm, focused flavours of blackberry and roasted vanilla, toasty oak and brown spices; medium+ tannins and acidity, already balanced but with plenty of youthful energy; violets a strong feature and even a hint of five spice. A lovely wine.
90 Points
Toasty oak bouquet and packed with dark berry and plum aromas, some black cherry and sweet tobacco leaf; violets, earth, sweet oak and slightly nutty. On the palate - dry, firm, focused flavours of blackberry and roasted vanilla, toasty oak and brown spices; medium+ tannins and acidity, already balanced but with plenty of youthful energy; violets a strong feature and even a hint of five spice. A lovely wine.
90 Points
Two Paddocks
Two Paddocks 'The Last Chance' Pinot Noir 2013
Earnscleugh Vineyard - Otago
On the nose - quite soft and fragrant with sweet oak spices mixed with darker berry fruits and crushed roses fill the bouquet; dark cherry and red apple skin; complex and intriguing. On the palate - tense, dry, textures of chalky tannins and youthful vibrant acidity mixed with dark cherry and berry fruit flavours; darker baking spice moments plus clove and toasty oak. Youthful, complex, lengthy finish.
96 Points
Two Paddocks 'The Fusilier' 2014 Pinot Noir Bannockburn
On the nose - an immediate signature of mineral, soil, soft dried herb and ripe ripe fruit, wild black cherry, dark red apple skin, some cashew nutty oak and toasty spice. On the palate - a great reflection of what the nose suggests - with sweet red berry fruits, fine tannins with dried herb and schist soil ideas, lots of youthful energy from medium+ acidity. Great length
95 points
Earnscleugh Vineyard - Otago
On the nose - quite soft and fragrant with sweet oak spices mixed with darker berry fruits and crushed roses fill the bouquet; dark cherry and red apple skin; complex and intriguing. On the palate - tense, dry, textures of chalky tannins and youthful vibrant acidity mixed with dark cherry and berry fruit flavours; darker baking spice moments plus clove and toasty oak. Youthful, complex, lengthy finish.
96 Points
Two Paddocks 'The Fusilier' 2014 Pinot Noir Bannockburn
On the nose - an immediate signature of mineral, soil, soft dried herb and ripe ripe fruit, wild black cherry, dark red apple skin, some cashew nutty oak and toasty spice. On the palate - a great reflection of what the nose suggests - with sweet red berry fruits, fine tannins with dried herb and schist soil ideas, lots of youthful energy from medium+ acidity. Great length
95 points
Friday, 8 July 2016
Black Estate
Black Estate Damsteep Pinot Noir 2014 Waipara Valley
Complex and elegant bouquet of soft ripe red fruits lead by wild raspberry, currant and cherry; floral perfume and oak scents emerge with light browm spice and red rose. On the palate - immediately fruity with flavours of wild beries and dried herbs; brown spices and soft vanilla flavours; medium to fine tannins with a chalk like texture, plenty of acididty and complex, lengthy finish. An absolute must try wine.
94 Points
Complex and elegant bouquet of soft ripe red fruits lead by wild raspberry, currant and cherry; floral perfume and oak scents emerge with light browm spice and red rose. On the palate - immediately fruity with flavours of wild beries and dried herbs; brown spices and soft vanilla flavours; medium to fine tannins with a chalk like texture, plenty of acididty and complex, lengthy finish. An absolute must try wine.
94 Points
Thursday, 7 July 2016
Mills Reef Winery
Mills Reef Winery Reserve Cabernet Merlot - Gimblett Gravels - Hawke's Bay
Classic bouquet of dark berries and plum mixed with gravelly soil and tobacco leaf; blackberry and Doris plum, plenty of toasty oak and vanilla scents with a little clove. On the palate - dry, firm, herbaceous and oaky; plenty of dark berry fruit and plem flavours; firm tannins and acidity express the youthful side (still); overall a well made wine with medium+ length.
89 Points
Classic bouquet of dark berries and plum mixed with gravelly soil and tobacco leaf; blackberry and Doris plum, plenty of toasty oak and vanilla scents with a little clove. On the palate - dry, firm, herbaceous and oaky; plenty of dark berry fruit and plem flavours; firm tannins and acidity express the youthful side (still); overall a well made wine with medium+ length.
89 Points
Black Estate
Black Estate 'Netherwood' Pinot Noir 2014 Waipara Valley
Fragrant and floral bouquet with light red berry fruits of raspberry and red cherry, sweet rose and red apple skin; moderate oak and medium complexity; youthful, charming and enticing overall. On the palate - light, fresh, fruity and dry; fine tannins lead to a light savoury flavour and dried herb moment; medium+ acidity and flavours of light red fruit return. A charming example with a long (ish) finish.
89 Points
Fragrant and floral bouquet with light red berry fruits of raspberry and red cherry, sweet rose and red apple skin; moderate oak and medium complexity; youthful, charming and enticing overall. On the palate - light, fresh, fruity and dry; fine tannins lead to a light savoury flavour and dried herb moment; medium+ acidity and flavours of light red fruit return. A charming example with a long (ish) finish.
89 Points
Vidal of Hawke's Bay
Vidal of Hawke's Bay Legacy Chardonnay 2015
Distinctive and familiar bouquet of the legacy style with a flinty mineral beginning followed by ripe white leach and and citrus, obvious oak and youthful complexity; inviting and intriguing. On the palate - tense, firm, dry and youthful with plenty of acidity and mild oak tannins, grapefruit and zesty citrus flavours then white peach; stony mineral and flinty notes return; long finish. A youthful wine with all the potential that the 2012 through 2014 have shown.
93 Points
Distinctive and familiar bouquet of the legacy style with a flinty mineral beginning followed by ripe white leach and and citrus, obvious oak and youthful complexity; inviting and intriguing. On the palate - tense, firm, dry and youthful with plenty of acidity and mild oak tannins, grapefruit and zesty citrus flavours then white peach; stony mineral and flinty notes return; long finish. A youthful wine with all the potential that the 2012 through 2014 have shown.
93 Points
Monday, 4 July 2016
Churton
Churton 'Best End' Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough
Very expressive bouquet with aromas of soil, fresh citrus, white peach and spice - a complex package with a tease of oak and lees. On the palate - firm, crisp, dry and loaded with flavour and texture - citrus zest and ripe white peach flavours, vibrant almost quivering acidity, a touch of Marlborough grass/hay and tropical then older oak spice and lees tension and finishing long. A fine wine showing off what attention to detail can bring with a noble variety.
94 Points
Churton 'The Abyss' Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough
Classic Churton Noir bouquet of ripe light red berry fruits laced in dried spice and wild herbs - this is bio-gro wine afterall - red and dark cherry, bramble, mild to moderate barrel spice with clove and cinnamon; overall complex and engaging. On the palate - tense, firm, dry, complex and very youthful. A wine with time on its side to develop a lot more in bottle (3 yrs); it still reflects what the bouquet suggests with red berry fruits and bramble and dried spice; medium tannins with a course to fine texture, medium+ acidity and lengthy finish. Overall a wine with promise - just be patient.
93 Points
Spade Oak Vineyard
Spade Oak Vineyard 'Vigneron' Chardonnay 2015 Gisborne
Soft almost gentle bouquet of ripe and fleshy stone fruits - with yellow peach, some apple and banana notes; some toasty oak layers and overall harmonious package of aromas. On the palate - ripe with flavours of just picked peaches then flavours of apple and grapefruit; some mild oak tannins add texture and tension, medium (+ ish) acidity, fuller bodied, great balance and well made. Great food wine option!
90 Points
Soft almost gentle bouquet of ripe and fleshy stone fruits - with yellow peach, some apple and banana notes; some toasty oak layers and overall harmonious package of aromas. On the palate - ripe with flavours of just picked peaches then flavours of apple and grapefruit; some mild oak tannins add texture and tension, medium (+ ish) acidity, fuller bodied, great balance and well made. Great food wine option!
90 Points
12,000 Miles
12,000 Miles Pinot Noir 2014 Gladstone, Wairarapa
Engaging bouquet of ripe red berry fruits lead by fresh picked cherry and raspberry, some fine mineral notes and brown spice oak qualities, a fine nutty aroma adds some depth and complexity. On the palate - very fruity and lush with plenty of ripe red berry fruit flavours, fine dusty tannins and medium (+ ish) acididty, fine oak flavours with a toasty edge; balanced, well made and uber food friendly.
89 Points
Engaging bouquet of ripe red berry fruits lead by fresh picked cherry and raspberry, some fine mineral notes and brown spice oak qualities, a fine nutty aroma adds some depth and complexity. On the palate - very fruity and lush with plenty of ripe red berry fruit flavours, fine dusty tannins and medium (+ ish) acididty, fine oak flavours with a toasty edge; balanced, well made and uber food friendly.
89 Points
Black Estate
Black Estate Riesling 2015 Waipara Valley
An instant flourish of lime flower and mandarin with other citrus, apple and silty mineral powdered rock suggestions. On the palate - a core of ripe fruit with lemon leading then grapefruit, red apple and tangerine flavours; plenty of acidity pushing the mineral ideas and leading into a dry finish. Tasty, crisp, fresh and delicious.
91 Points
Black Estate 'Omihi Series' Chardonnay 2010 Waipara Valley
Distinctive bouquet with aromas of ripe stone fruits laced with spice, toast, vanilla and cashew; some time in bottle has revealed a nutty complexity alongside a touch of sulphide. On the palate - firm, tense, full, textured, and and packed with flavours that reflect the bouquet - nutty, roasted stone fruits, a little lemon citrus, medium acidity and lengthy finish.
Balanced, well made and a delight to taste.
94 Points
Black Estate 'Home' Pinot Noir 2014 Waipara Valley
Fine bouquet of Pinot Noir fruit with ripe light red fruits of ripe [freeze-dried] raspberry and darker cherry aromas; distinctive layer of minerality - silty clay suggestions; fine oak spice layers and floral. On the palate - ripe, firm, youthful and dry; a layer of black currant flavour alongside the darker cherry and berry notes adds depth, very fine tannins and medium+ acidity, quite a lengthy finish with violet and rose flavours. Overall a complex wine with a finely textured palate.
95 Points
An instant flourish of lime flower and mandarin with other citrus, apple and silty mineral powdered rock suggestions. On the palate - a core of ripe fruit with lemon leading then grapefruit, red apple and tangerine flavours; plenty of acidity pushing the mineral ideas and leading into a dry finish. Tasty, crisp, fresh and delicious.
91 Points
Black Estate 'Omihi Series' Chardonnay 2010 Waipara Valley
Distinctive bouquet with aromas of ripe stone fruits laced with spice, toast, vanilla and cashew; some time in bottle has revealed a nutty complexity alongside a touch of sulphide. On the palate - firm, tense, full, textured, and and packed with flavours that reflect the bouquet - nutty, roasted stone fruits, a little lemon citrus, medium acidity and lengthy finish.
Balanced, well made and a delight to taste.
94 Points
Black Estate 'Home' Pinot Noir 2014 Waipara Valley
Fine bouquet of Pinot Noir fruit with ripe light red fruits of ripe [freeze-dried] raspberry and darker cherry aromas; distinctive layer of minerality - silty clay suggestions; fine oak spice layers and floral. On the palate - ripe, firm, youthful and dry; a layer of black currant flavour alongside the darker cherry and berry notes adds depth, very fine tannins and medium+ acidity, quite a lengthy finish with violet and rose flavours. Overall a complex wine with a finely textured palate.
95 Points
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