Mudbrick Vineyard

Six of the most exciting wines I have tasted in a long time from a single producer

Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2015 Waiheke Island 13.5%
Complex and beguiling bouquet of fruit, oak and complexity: roasted fresh stonefruit aromas of peach and nectarine with layers of preserved grapefruit then oak spices and new barrel. On the palate - full bodied, rich and complex with flavours of stone fruit from the orchard, nectarine and apricot; some brown spices and complex wood tone layers, nutty burnt bitter layer and fine tannins; medium acidity and long finish - Chardonnay fans will enjoy.
92 Points

Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Viognier 2015 Waiheke Island 14.8%
Bold and complex attack of concentrated fresh and preserved apricots and  other stoen fruit aromas, gentle to moderate spices from oak and lees and densly floral lift of blossoms; a chalk-like mieral note adds complexity. On the palate - juicy, fresh, rich and dry; the warmth of the alcohol adds volume to the fruit flavours while the oak and acidity add depth and richness; spices and some perfume moments, great balance and length. Enjoy now and through 2019.
91 Points

Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Syrah 2015 Waiheke Island 14%
Concentrated ruby and purple core with fuchsia rim - leading to a bouquet of crushed black currants and old dark raspberries, plenty of other red fruit suggestions, a fresh pepper note and bold layer of oak and toasty complexity. On the palate - fresh, bold, very fruity and complex with flavours of pepper and sweet olive, dark currants and raspberry, brown and black oak spices and an almost sweet wood layer; medium+ tannins and plenty of acidity all combine to ensure this wine will age through 2025 easily.
96 Points


Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Tempranillo 2015 Waiheke Island 14.5%
Dark ruby with a pink rim - leading to aromas of sweet ripe berries and dark sweet plum fragrances, a sweet meat and cushed brown spice core with clove and cinnamon, a fresh sage note just adds a deep complex layer. On the palate - youthful, vibrant, fresh, fruity and densely textured with moderate to bold tannins, plenty of acidity and new oak layer; brown spices re-emerge strongly with clove leading; the sage turns dry and the meaty layer returns stronger; long finish; still knitting together and will do so through 2020 - be patient.
91 Points


Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Waiheke Island 14%
Dark red and blue ruby core with a youthful rim - leading to aromas of plum and black-berried fruits, spice and tobacco, gun-metal or wet graphite, kalamata olive and roasted bell-pepper, some raw hay and grass notes adding depth. On the palate - dry, bold, raw red fruit and oaky; layers of bell pepper and dried herbs, tobacco and dark brown oak spices; medium+ tannins and acidity and a lengthy oak-lead finish. Cellar through 2018 and test again or decant for service well ahead of time.
93 Points


Mudbrick Vineyard Velvet 2015 Waiheke Island 14%
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Malbec - opaque ruby core with deep purple hues and bright pink rim.
Aromas of fresh and baked plum, dark berries and concentrated vanilla oak, sweet tobacco, sweet herbs and violets. On the palate - concentrated, fruity, packed with flavour and sweet new oak; layers of clove, fresh toabacco and violets; medium+ acidity, bold layered tannins and long finiah. Really delicious wine.
95 Points