Trinity Hill 'Homage' 2014 (100% Syrah)
Immediately varietal and complex with aromas of ripe red and dark red berry fruits; meaty, dark and broody; violets and spices of peppercorn and oak with a layer of new oak and savoury tones; while the bouquet overall is of a youthful and fresh young wine there is an equal amount of complexity brooding. On the palate - full-bodied, rich, complex, fruity, layered, spicy and dry; flavours of crushed dark red berry fruits, sweet meat, fruit and oak lead spices; plenty of acidity and medium+ tannins together show-off the raw youthful energy and ageing potential of this well crafted example. The finish is considerably long, layered, complex and beguiling.
Easily the best Homage I have had the pleasure of reviewing. And now I am going to drink a whole glass!
98 Points
Wednesday, 21 September 2016
Trinity Hill
Trinity Hill 'Homage' 2014 (100% Syrah)
Immediately varietal and complex with aromas of ripe red and dark red berry fruits; meaty, dark and broody; violets and spices of peppercorn and oak with a layer of new oak and savoury tones; while the bouquet overall is of a youthful and fresh young wine there is an equal amount of complexity brooding. On the palate - full-bodied, rich, complex, fruity, layered, spicy and dry; flavours of crushed dark red berry fruits, sweet meat, fruit and oak lead spices; plenty of acidity and medium+ tannins together show-off the raw youthful energy and ageing potential of this well crafted example. The finish is considerably long, layered, complex and beguiling.
Easily the best Homage I have had the pleasure of reviewing. And now I am going to drink a whole glass!
98 Points
Immediately varietal and complex with aromas of ripe red and dark red berry fruits; meaty, dark and broody; violets and spices of peppercorn and oak with a layer of new oak and savoury tones; while the bouquet overall is of a youthful and fresh young wine there is an equal amount of complexity brooding. On the palate - full-bodied, rich, complex, fruity, layered, spicy and dry; flavours of crushed dark red berry fruits, sweet meat, fruit and oak lead spices; plenty of acidity and medium+ tannins together show-off the raw youthful energy and ageing potential of this well crafted example. The finish is considerably long, layered, complex and beguiling.
Easily the best Homage I have had the pleasure of reviewing. And now I am going to drink a whole glass!
98 Points
Friday, 16 September 2016
Johanneshof Cellars
Johanneshof Cellars Pinot Gris 2016 Marlborough
Rich and ripe bouquet of white fleshed fruits lead by Asian pear and white nectarine, some spice and soil suggestions. On the palate - soft, creamy, slightly oily and off-dry with some sweetness, a delicious wine with medium acidity and soft fruit tannins, great balance and finish.
89 Points
Rich and ripe bouquet of white fleshed fruits lead by Asian pear and white nectarine, some spice and soil suggestions. On the palate - soft, creamy, slightly oily and off-dry with some sweetness, a delicious wine with medium acidity and soft fruit tannins, great balance and finish.
89 Points
Akarua
Akarua RUA Pinot Gris 2016 Central Otago
Plush, fruity, ripe and juicy fresh fruit aromas of white fleshed tree fruits with some Asian pear and white pepper spice moments. Just off-dry with a little sweetness to contrast the fresh, crisp acidity, plush soft white fruit flavours, fleshy juciy finish with a white pepper flick on the end. Very nice, balanced and well made example. Perfect Summer drinking.
88 Points
Plush, fruity, ripe and juicy fresh fruit aromas of white fleshed tree fruits with some Asian pear and white pepper spice moments. Just off-dry with a little sweetness to contrast the fresh, crisp acidity, plush soft white fruit flavours, fleshy juciy finish with a white pepper flick on the end. Very nice, balanced and well made example. Perfect Summer drinking.
88 Points
Misha's Vineyard
Misha's Vineyard 'The Soloist' Pinot Rose 2016 Central Otago
Juicy, ripe, fresh and plush bouquet of sweet red cherry, red melon, cranberry and white rose; simple, forward and inviting. On the palate - dry, fruity, fresh and delicious with flavours that reflect the bouquet, Summer berry pudding flavours, fresh and crisp acidity with a persistent flavour and lengthy finish.
90 Points
Juicy, ripe, fresh and plush bouquet of sweet red cherry, red melon, cranberry and white rose; simple, forward and inviting. On the palate - dry, fruity, fresh and delicious with flavours that reflect the bouquet, Summer berry pudding flavours, fresh and crisp acidity with a persistent flavour and lengthy finish.
90 Points
Crossroads
Crossroads Winemakers Collection Syrah 2014 Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay
Rich, varietal and intense bouquet of dark berries, spice and earthy stony soil aromas; some very classic Syrah aromas with white pepper and peppercorn, dark raspberry and meat; no mistaking the oak layer; a complex and intense bouqet. Dry, very youthful and bold with great concentration of fruit, sweet oak, layers of pepper spice and toasty oak, medium+ tannins and plenty of acidity, a long finish. Another great example from the CR stable.
92 Points
Rich, varietal and intense bouquet of dark berries, spice and earthy stony soil aromas; some very classic Syrah aromas with white pepper and peppercorn, dark raspberry and meat; no mistaking the oak layer; a complex and intense bouqet. Dry, very youthful and bold with great concentration of fruit, sweet oak, layers of pepper spice and toasty oak, medium+ tannins and plenty of acidity, a long finish. Another great example from the CR stable.
92 Points
Eaton
Eaton Merlot Malbec Cabernet 2014 Marlborough
Seductive bouquet of dark red berry fruit, chocolate, fresh clove and ripe tobacco; violets, gun metal and dark rose; a complex and beguiling bouquet with a layer of intrigue and mystery. Dry, firm, youthful, fruity and quite complex - flavours of dark berries and raspberry with some bitter chocolate and marmite; plenty of tannins and acidity and oak, a lengthy finish. A wine that needs decanting for service or cellar time to allow the elements to integrate - through 2022.
92 Points
Seductive bouquet of dark red berry fruit, chocolate, fresh clove and ripe tobacco; violets, gun metal and dark rose; a complex and beguiling bouquet with a layer of intrigue and mystery. Dry, firm, youthful, fruity and quite complex - flavours of dark berries and raspberry with some bitter chocolate and marmite; plenty of tannins and acidity and oak, a lengthy finish. A wine that needs decanting for service or cellar time to allow the elements to integrate - through 2022.
92 Points
Askerne
Askerne Merlot Cabernet Franc 2014 Hawke's Bay
Ripe, focused and concentrated red fruits boquuet with loads of plum and black berry aromas; dark spices and sweet vanilla with noticeable oak; medium+(ish) complexity. Fruity and dry with medium+ tannins and acidity, flaours of berries and darker red fruits return, plenty of vanilla and toasty oak; great texture and length. Overall a lovely wine - best enjoyed with cheeses or a fine cigar!
88 Points
Ripe, focused and concentrated red fruits boquuet with loads of plum and black berry aromas; dark spices and sweet vanilla with noticeable oak; medium+(ish) complexity. Fruity and dry with medium+ tannins and acidity, flaours of berries and darker red fruits return, plenty of vanilla and toasty oak; great texture and length. Overall a lovely wine - best enjoyed with cheeses or a fine cigar!
88 Points
Te Whare Ra
TWR Te Whare Ra Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough
Ripe, intense and bold bouquet with a core of ripe red berry fruits laced with dry stone earthy layer and measured yet distinctive oak tones, complexity builds and layers emerge as the wine begins to unfurl in the glass. Dry, loads of tension and poise eased with flavours of ripe red berry fruits, sweetness of oak and salivating acidity. A wine still tense and youthful on the palate with great poise, length and finish. Delicious! Will cellar well through 2025
96 Points
Matawhero
Matawhero Church House Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2015 Gisborne
Characterful bouquet of Chardonnay with a complex nose of cashew oak and apple, mild vanilla spice and peach, some light yoghurt-like/cheese layer adding complexity. On the palate - juicy, ripe, fresh and creamy with layers of vanilla and oak flavours underpinning flavours of stonefruits, apple and a little citrus, some oak tannins and the acidity add texture and length. Overall a very nice example.
92 Points
Characterful bouquet of Chardonnay with a complex nose of cashew oak and apple, mild vanilla spice and peach, some light yoghurt-like/cheese layer adding complexity. On the palate - juicy, ripe, fresh and creamy with layers of vanilla and oak flavours underpinning flavours of stonefruits, apple and a little citrus, some oak tannins and the acidity add texture and length. Overall a very nice example.
92 Points
Sileni Estates
Sileni Estates 'Ruber' Red Blend 2014 Hawke's Bay
A bouquet of mixed red berry fruits from plum to black currant and some blackberry; a layer of herbaceousness suggests some Cabernet adding complexity and depth, moderate oak. Dry wine with medium+ body, plenty of fruit flavour and heat from the alcohol, moderate tannins and medium acidity. A wine destined to be enjoyed with food - roasted meats or stews come to mind. Drink now and through 2017.
84 Points
A bouquet of mixed red berry fruits from plum to black currant and some blackberry; a layer of herbaceousness suggests some Cabernet adding complexity and depth, moderate oak. Dry wine with medium+ body, plenty of fruit flavour and heat from the alcohol, moderate tannins and medium acidity. A wine destined to be enjoyed with food - roasted meats or stews come to mind. Drink now and through 2017.
84 Points
Rock Ferry
Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Pinot Noir 2013 Central Otago
Fragrant and seductive bouquet with soft beguiling aromas of plush, ripe red berry fruits, soft brown spices and soft vanilla tones with medium+ oak suggestions; quite complex overall. Dry, firm, youthful and balanced; medium tannins -dusty textures, medium/medium+ acidity - ripe and measured; flavours of red cherry and some darker red berry fruits, touch of orange peel; balanced and well made wine. Well suited to many main courses and will cellar well through 2020.
91 Points
Rock Ferry Trig hill Vineyard Tempranillo 2013 Central Otago
Ripe dusty red fruits bouquet with suggestions of strawberry and baked red berries and brown spices, an aged meat and autumn leaves suggestion adding complexity. Dry, fruity, plenty of texture and fruit flavours; medium tannins with a distinctive dusty almost chalky texture, medium acidity and mild to moderate oak flavour; a well balanced wine with immediate drinkability, will also cellar through 2020.
89 Points
Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Chardonnay 2014 Marlborough
Distinctive bouquet with ripe fresh vanilla scented peaches, whipped cream and cashew nut oak aromas. On the palate - quite flavourful with juicy and fleshy stone fruits, some grapefruit and lemon, dry, medium+(ish) acidity, moderate+ use of oak with vanilla and oak flavours, medium length, balanced and well made. Will age well for another 2-3 years.
88 Points
Fragrant and seductive bouquet with soft beguiling aromas of plush, ripe red berry fruits, soft brown spices and soft vanilla tones with medium+ oak suggestions; quite complex overall. Dry, firm, youthful and balanced; medium tannins -dusty textures, medium/medium+ acidity - ripe and measured; flavours of red cherry and some darker red berry fruits, touch of orange peel; balanced and well made wine. Well suited to many main courses and will cellar well through 2020.
91 Points
Rock Ferry Trig hill Vineyard Tempranillo 2013 Central Otago
Ripe dusty red fruits bouquet with suggestions of strawberry and baked red berries and brown spices, an aged meat and autumn leaves suggestion adding complexity. Dry, fruity, plenty of texture and fruit flavours; medium tannins with a distinctive dusty almost chalky texture, medium acidity and mild to moderate oak flavour; a well balanced wine with immediate drinkability, will also cellar through 2020.
89 Points
Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Chardonnay 2014 Marlborough
Distinctive bouquet with ripe fresh vanilla scented peaches, whipped cream and cashew nut oak aromas. On the palate - quite flavourful with juicy and fleshy stone fruits, some grapefruit and lemon, dry, medium+(ish) acidity, moderate+ use of oak with vanilla and oak flavours, medium length, balanced and well made. Will age well for another 2-3 years.
88 Points
Maori Point
Maori Point Pinot Noir 2013 Central Otago
Intense bouquet of raw energy with aromas of red cherry and red plum, fresh red rose and autumn leaves, some dried herb qualities, moderate oak layer with some spice moments. Dry, warm, fruity and distinctive with medium+ alcohol and acidity, firm youthful tannins then flavours of plum and cherry reflecting the bouquet. Best enjoyed with food - herb crusted lamb cutlets and rich jus come to mind.
87 Points
Intense bouquet of raw energy with aromas of red cherry and red plum, fresh red rose and autumn leaves, some dried herb qualities, moderate oak layer with some spice moments. Dry, warm, fruity and distinctive with medium+ alcohol and acidity, firm youthful tannins then flavours of plum and cherry reflecting the bouquet. Best enjoyed with food - herb crusted lamb cutlets and rich jus come to mind.
87 Points
Saint Clair
Saint Clair Family Estates Viognier 2015 Marlborough
Very fruity bouquet with a spice and floral layer; apricot and peach then baked apple, somple yet engaging aromas. On the palate - just off-dry with a little sweetness, very fruity with flavours of stone fruit and tree fruit - all laced with spice and a touch of ginger, medium acidity and length, balanced and well made.
87 Points
Very fruity bouquet with a spice and floral layer; apricot and peach then baked apple, somple yet engaging aromas. On the palate - just off-dry with a little sweetness, very fruity with flavours of stone fruit and tree fruit - all laced with spice and a touch of ginger, medium acidity and length, balanced and well made.
87 Points
Bald Hills
Bald Hills SV Pinot Noir 2013 Bannockburn. Central Otago
Ripe, generous bouquet packed with ripe red berry fruit aromas of black cherry and dark freeze-dried raspberry, crush rock mineral layer and dark spice moments - very complex overall. Dry, tense, youthful and very palate engaging with plenty of texture; medium+ tannins - silky and tense, medium+ acidity - youthful and bright; long finish with plenty of complexity - a lovely example of a wine that will age well. Best window to enjoy - 2018-2025.
94 Points
Bald Hills Pinot Gris 2015 Central Otago
Pristine and focused ripe white fruits with apple and pear then a little citrus with a lemon note, quite floral. On the palate - crisp, fresh, fruity with a dry finish, some texture too highlighting the acidity contrasted by a core of fruit, medium+ length and finish.
89 Points
Bald Hills Pinot Gris 2015 Central Otago
Pristine and focused ripe white fruits with apple and pear then a little citrus with a lemon note, quite floral. On the palate - crisp, fresh, fruity with a dry finish, some texture too highlighting the acidity contrasted by a core of fruit, medium+ length and finish.
89 Points
Jules Taylor
Jules Taylor OTQ Pinot Noir 2015 Marlborough
On The Quiet - OTQ
Distinctive bouquet of dark red berries and plum with a black cherry and plum compote suggestion; dark spices and obvious youthful woody expression with a toasty vanilla layer, obvious attention to detail with complexity. Dry, youthful, tense and quite fruity with flavours of dark cherry and plum, baked raspberry and vanilla toasty tones, medium+ acidity and firm youthful tannins. A lovely wine with some decent length and complexity.
93 Points
On The Quiet - OTQ
Distinctive bouquet of dark red berries and plum with a black cherry and plum compote suggestion; dark spices and obvious youthful woody expression with a toasty vanilla layer, obvious attention to detail with complexity. Dry, youthful, tense and quite fruity with flavours of dark cherry and plum, baked raspberry and vanilla toasty tones, medium+ acidity and firm youthful tannins. A lovely wine with some decent length and complexity.
93 Points
Urlar
Urlar Pinot Noir 2014 Gladstone
Enticing beguiling boquet of roses and cherry, silty mineral layer and fragrant brown spice oak scents. Dry, silky tannins, medium+ acidity, flavours of red berry fruits intertwined with flavours of oak and toasty brown spice moments, medium weight, great balance and poise. A wine for decantig or cellaring through 2018.
92 Points
Enticing beguiling boquet of roses and cherry, silty mineral layer and fragrant brown spice oak scents. Dry, silky tannins, medium+ acidity, flavours of red berry fruits intertwined with flavours of oak and toasty brown spice moments, medium weight, great balance and poise. A wine for decantig or cellaring through 2018.
92 Points
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