Ash Ridge Wines Estate Pinot Gris 2016 Hawke's Bay
A bouquet of bright, fresh and varietal aromas of Gris with green and yellow pear, apple and a hint of quince, light spice moments and gentle mineral under tones. On the palate - dry and fruity with a youthful bite of fruit, acidity and texture; flavours of white fleshed tree fruits return, a little citrus and quince and moderate finish. Balanced, well made. Enjoy with food through 2018. Drink now and through 2020 overall.
87 Points
Ash Ridge Wines Estate Chardonnay 2016 Hawke's Bay
Nice bouquet with aromas of sweet roasted stone fruits with peach and nectarine, no mistaking the oak layer with vanilla and other brown spices & wood tones, a touch of grapefruit peel. On the palate - juicy, fresh and just dry, flavours of apricot and peach, quite fleshy and creamy with a rounded texture; wood spice and a touch of clove, medium+acidity and finish; balanced and well made. A wine for all occasions, but likely very good too with crispy skinned pork belly.
88 Points
Ash Ridge Wines Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Hawke's Bay
An alluring bouquet of ripe fruit and layers of oak, there's texture in the way the wine delivers its aromas; firm and precise, defined and showing complexity. The bouquet also delivers aromas of sweet red apple and peach with a cashew-like nuttiness and wood spice. On the palate - dry, creamy, firm, youthful and fruity; flavours of peaches and apples, nuts and wood, all needing more time to soften and integrate, a wine with potential to age well and develop more complex textures and flavours over time. Drink now if decanted and through 2024.
90 Points
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Friday, 10 March 2017
Clearview Estate Winery
Clearview Estate Winery 'Cape Kidnappers' Syrah 2016 Hawke's Bay
Great appearance with crimson and purple hues; the bouquet is ripe, forward and packed with the aromas of red currants, black raspberry, wild red flowers and spice, youthful, fresh and very appealing. On the palate - firm, fruity, dry and tasty, the fruit flavours are as the nose suggests, medium+ acidity and youthful tannins presence, spice and some darker oak spice moments; needs more time in bottle to settle; decant for service or enjoy from 2018 through 2025
89 Points
Clearview Estate Winery Reserve Syrah 2016 Hawke's Bay
Powerful bouquet with aromas of light and dark red berry fruits, plenty of darker oak spice and newer wood tones, pepper, licorice and fresh meaty qualities, complex and intriguing. On the palate - full of flavor and spice, higher acidity and firmer more youthful tannins; a core of fruit and concentration has me captured; overall flavour reflects the bouquet - this wine has youthful charm, but does need some more cellar time to relax and find more harmony; great potential and plenty of length. enjoy from 2018 through 2030.
94 Points
Great appearance with crimson and purple hues; the bouquet is ripe, forward and packed with the aromas of red currants, black raspberry, wild red flowers and spice, youthful, fresh and very appealing. On the palate - firm, fruity, dry and tasty, the fruit flavours are as the nose suggests, medium+ acidity and youthful tannins presence, spice and some darker oak spice moments; needs more time in bottle to settle; decant for service or enjoy from 2018 through 2025
89 Points
Clearview Estate Winery Reserve Syrah 2016 Hawke's Bay
Powerful bouquet with aromas of light and dark red berry fruits, plenty of darker oak spice and newer wood tones, pepper, licorice and fresh meaty qualities, complex and intriguing. On the palate - full of flavor and spice, higher acidity and firmer more youthful tannins; a core of fruit and concentration has me captured; overall flavour reflects the bouquet - this wine has youthful charm, but does need some more cellar time to relax and find more harmony; great potential and plenty of length. enjoy from 2018 through 2030.
94 Points
SOHO
SOHO 'Havana' Pinot Noir 2015 Marlborough
Intense and fruity bouquet with aromas of dark red and some black fruit with plum and dark cherry, some currant and dark raspberry, moderate and well used oak adding some vanilla and lit toasty tones. On the palate - quite fruity and lush with flavours that reflect the nose, medium+ acidity fine tannins with a silky texture, balanced and well made with a fairly lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2024.
91 Points
Intense and fruity bouquet with aromas of dark red and some black fruit with plum and dark cherry, some currant and dark raspberry, moderate and well used oak adding some vanilla and lit toasty tones. On the palate - quite fruity and lush with flavours that reflect the nose, medium+ acidity fine tannins with a silky texture, balanced and well made with a fairly lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2024.
91 Points
Amisfield
Amisfield Dry Riesling 2015 Central Otago
Delicious, fresh romas of lime and grapefruit then apple and lemon, white floral note and a hint of savory and mineral. On the palate - nicely dry with a firm and youthful tension, plenty of acidity adding grip and poise; flavours of lemon, lime and green apple, some mineral tones and a lengthy finish all add up to a reliable and balanced wine. Drink now and through 2025.
90 Points
Amisfield Lowburn Terrace Riesling 215 Central Otago
Mineral at first then a layer of mandarin and lime followed by apple and white peach - a bouquet with allure and a little intrigue. On the palate - off-dry with a obvious but not overdone residual sweetness, the acidity kicks in just in tome to add both balance and show off the fruit flavours; some mineral and floral tones; failry lengthy finish, lovely balanced, freshness and length. Drink now and through 2022.
89 Points
Delicious, fresh romas of lime and grapefruit then apple and lemon, white floral note and a hint of savory and mineral. On the palate - nicely dry with a firm and youthful tension, plenty of acidity adding grip and poise; flavours of lemon, lime and green apple, some mineral tones and a lengthy finish all add up to a reliable and balanced wine. Drink now and through 2025.
90 Points
Amisfield Lowburn Terrace Riesling 215 Central Otago
Mineral at first then a layer of mandarin and lime followed by apple and white peach - a bouquet with allure and a little intrigue. On the palate - off-dry with a obvious but not overdone residual sweetness, the acidity kicks in just in tome to add both balance and show off the fruit flavours; some mineral and floral tones; failry lengthy finish, lovely balanced, freshness and length. Drink now and through 2022.
89 Points
Clearview Estate Winery
Clearview Estate Winery 'Beachhead' Chardonnay 2016 Hawke's Bay
Distinctive and familiar bouquet of Chardonnay, Clearview Estate and the style it has come to be known for - full, rich, giving and alluring; aromas of toasted butter brioche and vanilla, ripe peach and roasted stone fruits and wood spice, moderate complexity. On the palate - very engaging with a creamy texture and defined acidity, spicy wood tones and ripe lush fruit flavours that reflect the nose; lengthy finish, totally drink now style that will also reward if cellar aged through 2022.
90 Points
Clearview Estate Winery 'Coastal' Gewurztraminer 2016 Hawke's Bay
Very aromatic with an intense and forward bouquet of white fleshed fruits, spices and crushed roses, alluring for sure. On the palate - fleshy, juicy and tense with the spice and acidity working to hold my attention, some residual sweetness offsets the alcohol with both adding texture and weight. Quite a long finish with a persistent flavours and a hint of sweet ginger. Great balance.
88 Points
Distinctive and familiar bouquet of Chardonnay, Clearview Estate and the style it has come to be known for - full, rich, giving and alluring; aromas of toasted butter brioche and vanilla, ripe peach and roasted stone fruits and wood spice, moderate complexity. On the palate - very engaging with a creamy texture and defined acidity, spicy wood tones and ripe lush fruit flavours that reflect the nose; lengthy finish, totally drink now style that will also reward if cellar aged through 2022.
90 Points
Clearview Estate Winery 'Coastal' Gewurztraminer 2016 Hawke's Bay
Very aromatic with an intense and forward bouquet of white fleshed fruits, spices and crushed roses, alluring for sure. On the palate - fleshy, juicy and tense with the spice and acidity working to hold my attention, some residual sweetness offsets the alcohol with both adding texture and weight. Quite a long finish with a persistent flavours and a hint of sweet ginger. Great balance.
88 Points
Clos Marguerite
Clos Marguerite Rose 2016 Marlborough
Very generous and fruity bouquet of ripe light red fruits - sweet plum and cherry laced with strawberry. On the palate - lush, fruity and plump texture, a hint of spice and plenty of mineral tones, medium+ acidity and balanced lengthy finish. Well made - as usual and definitely looking for a second glass.
88 Points
Very generous and fruity bouquet of ripe light red fruits - sweet plum and cherry laced with strawberry. On the palate - lush, fruity and plump texture, a hint of spice and plenty of mineral tones, medium+ acidity and balanced lengthy finish. Well made - as usual and definitely looking for a second glass.
88 Points
SOHO
SOHO 'Carter' Chardonnay 2016 Waiheke Island (Auckland)
Exacting and to the point bouquet with a vibrant texture (shape) coupled with aromas of grapefruit and peach, oak and apple; oak tones suggest some new barrel. On the palate - gentle creamy texture and flavours that reflect the nose especially peach and apple followed by grapefruit, light spicy wood tones, plenty of acidity enhancing the textures; decent length and finish; well made and showing complexity now that should develop over time. Drink now and through 2020.
91 Points
SOHO 'Jonny' Chardonnay 2015 Marlborough
Attractive and fresh fruited bouquet of Chardonnay with aromas of orchard fruits, red apple and mild spice. On the palate - custard and cream, peaches and apple, crisp, firm and with a dry finish and easy by the glass choice; mild spice and medium+ weight and light creamy textures.
86 Points
SOHO 'Maren' Riesling 2016 Marlborough
Ripe Meyer lemon laced with green apple and white blossom, this wine has always impressed with its mineral and fruit laden bouquet; a calm leesy note adds depth and complexity. On the palate - precise, elegant, minerally and packed with citrus and white peach, apple and wet stone; searing acidity and long finish, a great example of Marlborough Riesling.
93 Points
SOHO 'Stella' Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Pungent and distinctive boquet of 'Classic' Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with fresh herbs, grass, passion fruit and green apple. On the palate - crisp, dry, fruity and dry - a classically styled SB with all the power and thrust expected of this variety and origin; loads of acidity and fruit with light+ body and lengthy finish. Balanced and well made.
88 Points
SOHO 'Peggy' Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Plush, juicy, fleshy and forward aromas of SB with peaches and tropical fruits, hay and herbs. On the palate - equally fruity with a fruit salad of flavours from apples to peaches to tropical fruits - all laced with a little fresh herb and herbaceousness. Plenty of acidity and presence leading to a just dry finish.
87 Points
Exacting and to the point bouquet with a vibrant texture (shape) coupled with aromas of grapefruit and peach, oak and apple; oak tones suggest some new barrel. On the palate - gentle creamy texture and flavours that reflect the nose especially peach and apple followed by grapefruit, light spicy wood tones, plenty of acidity enhancing the textures; decent length and finish; well made and showing complexity now that should develop over time. Drink now and through 2020.
91 Points
SOHO 'Jonny' Chardonnay 2015 Marlborough
Attractive and fresh fruited bouquet of Chardonnay with aromas of orchard fruits, red apple and mild spice. On the palate - custard and cream, peaches and apple, crisp, firm and with a dry finish and easy by the glass choice; mild spice and medium+ weight and light creamy textures.
86 Points
SOHO 'Maren' Riesling 2016 Marlborough
Ripe Meyer lemon laced with green apple and white blossom, this wine has always impressed with its mineral and fruit laden bouquet; a calm leesy note adds depth and complexity. On the palate - precise, elegant, minerally and packed with citrus and white peach, apple and wet stone; searing acidity and long finish, a great example of Marlborough Riesling.
93 Points
SOHO 'Stella' Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Pungent and distinctive boquet of 'Classic' Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with fresh herbs, grass, passion fruit and green apple. On the palate - crisp, dry, fruity and dry - a classically styled SB with all the power and thrust expected of this variety and origin; loads of acidity and fruit with light+ body and lengthy finish. Balanced and well made.
88 Points
SOHO 'Peggy' Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Plush, juicy, fleshy and forward aromas of SB with peaches and tropical fruits, hay and herbs. On the palate - equally fruity with a fruit salad of flavours from apples to peaches to tropical fruits - all laced with a little fresh herb and herbaceousness. Plenty of acidity and presence leading to a just dry finish.
87 Points
Leung Estate
Leung Estate Ma Maison Chardonnay 2015 Martinborough
Vibrant and precise bouquet with a full and rounded texture suggesting cream and butter then aromas of freshly picked peach and stone fruits, some red apple then oak tones of vanilla and spice. On the palate - firm, youthful, rounded and dry, layers of oak spice and lush orchard fruits, medium+ acidity and lengthy finish, balanced and well made with a decent lengthy finish.
90 Points
Leung Estate Ma Maison Pinot Noir 2015 Martinborough
Loads of primary red berry fruit in the bouquet with freshly crushed raspberry and red cherry, even a sweet red beet note then cinnamon and brown spices of oak, youthful fleshy and new. On the palate - dry, fruity and reflective of the boquuet with juicy cherry and other red fruits, medium+ acidity, fine to moderate tannins - well in balance with the rest of the palate, the finishes as it begins with some decent length. Decant for service - otherwise cellar through the end of 2018 and taste again.
90 Points
Leung Estate Ma Maison Pinot Noir 'Cuvee Two Richards' 2014 Martinborough
An engaging bouquet with aroma sof spice, toast, barrel, red fruits and a little bottle aged harmonising; quite complex and definitely intriguing. On the palate - delicious! I do like the way in which the oak and fruit talk, medium+ tannins with a fine texture from the fruit and youthful almost bold voice from the oak, medium+ acidity adds poise and length; balanced and well made with a lengthy and ngaging finish.
94 Points
Vibrant and precise bouquet with a full and rounded texture suggesting cream and butter then aromas of freshly picked peach and stone fruits, some red apple then oak tones of vanilla and spice. On the palate - firm, youthful, rounded and dry, layers of oak spice and lush orchard fruits, medium+ acidity and lengthy finish, balanced and well made with a decent lengthy finish.
90 Points
Leung Estate Ma Maison Pinot Noir 2015 Martinborough
Loads of primary red berry fruit in the bouquet with freshly crushed raspberry and red cherry, even a sweet red beet note then cinnamon and brown spices of oak, youthful fleshy and new. On the palate - dry, fruity and reflective of the boquuet with juicy cherry and other red fruits, medium+ acidity, fine to moderate tannins - well in balance with the rest of the palate, the finishes as it begins with some decent length. Decant for service - otherwise cellar through the end of 2018 and taste again.
90 Points
Leung Estate Ma Maison Pinot Noir 'Cuvee Two Richards' 2014 Martinborough
An engaging bouquet with aroma sof spice, toast, barrel, red fruits and a little bottle aged harmonising; quite complex and definitely intriguing. On the palate - delicious! I do like the way in which the oak and fruit talk, medium+ tannins with a fine texture from the fruit and youthful almost bold voice from the oak, medium+ acidity adds poise and length; balanced and well made with a lengthy and ngaging finish.
94 Points
Friday, 3 March 2017
Clearview Estate Winery
Clearview Estate Winery 'Two Pinacles' Reserve Malbec 2015 Hawke's Bay
Pungent, wild and fruity with crushed berries and plums, violets and oak, forward, fresh and 'in your face' bouquet. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful, fruity, textured and warm; flavours reflect the wild berries and oak messages, firm and enegaging tannins, medium+ acidity, a lovely line of stony minerality through the core of ripeness, lengthy and memorable finish
90 Points
Pungent, wild and fruity with crushed berries and plums, violets and oak, forward, fresh and 'in your face' bouquet. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful, fruity, textured and warm; flavours reflect the wild berries and oak messages, firm and enegaging tannins, medium+ acidity, a lovely line of stony minerality through the core of ripeness, lengthy and memorable finish
90 Points
Huia
Huia Pinot Noir 2014 Marlborough
A beautiful bouquet of Pinot Noir with a beguiling and seductive package of aromas - wild flowers, wild fresh berries, a light savory and dried herb layer, texture and form, complex, youthful. On the palate - delicious! youthful and charming, but also tense and poised with fine firming tannins, palate egaging acidity, a core of ripe fruit and wild florals, long finish. Decant for service or cellar (preferred) till 2019 then try again.
96 Points
A beautiful bouquet of Pinot Noir with a beguiling and seductive package of aromas - wild flowers, wild fresh berries, a light savory and dried herb layer, texture and form, complex, youthful. On the palate - delicious! youthful and charming, but also tense and poised with fine firming tannins, palate egaging acidity, a core of ripe fruit and wild florals, long finish. Decant for service or cellar (preferred) till 2019 then try again.
96 Points
Neudorf
Neudorf Moutere Albarino 2016 Nelson
Lush, juicy and alluring fruit centred bouquet with aromas of peach and ripe apple, a floral moment suggesting white flowers then fine mineral undertone. On the palate - immediately engaging with vibrant acidity and flavours of peach then citrus with a lemon note, some apple and spice. Quite an engaging wine with a honey suckle and floral notes leading to a dry finish.
92 Points
Neudorf Moutere Pinot Gris 2016 Nelson
An obvious and immediately engaging aroma package of Gris with a light white spice and wild ferment note of wild honey which leads to suggestions of pears and a little quince. On the palate - juicy, fresh, silky texture, abundant core of fruit; spice layer returns, plenty of acidity and a light citrus note, lengthy and very satisfying finish. Great balance and quite weighty with decent length.
93 Points
Lush, juicy and alluring fruit centred bouquet with aromas of peach and ripe apple, a floral moment suggesting white flowers then fine mineral undertone. On the palate - immediately engaging with vibrant acidity and flavours of peach then citrus with a lemon note, some apple and spice. Quite an engaging wine with a honey suckle and floral notes leading to a dry finish.
92 Points
Neudorf Moutere Pinot Gris 2016 Nelson
An obvious and immediately engaging aroma package of Gris with a light white spice and wild ferment note of wild honey which leads to suggestions of pears and a little quince. On the palate - juicy, fresh, silky texture, abundant core of fruit; spice layer returns, plenty of acidity and a light citrus note, lengthy and very satisfying finish. Great balance and quite weighty with decent length.
93 Points
Stonecroft
Stonecroft 'Ruhanui' Gimblett Gravels 2015 Hawke's Bay
Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark red and purple hues; juicy, fleshy and ripe bouquet of black plum and blackberry fruits, an obvious bite of oak with toasty wood notes, moderate+ complexity and intensity. On the palate - dry, fruity, masculine, spicy, toasty and lush; a mouth-filling example with plenty of weight and expression showing off both the plummy merlot fruits and muscle of cabernet; firm youthful tannins, medium+ tannins and decent lengthy finish.
91 Points
Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark red and purple hues; juicy, fleshy and ripe bouquet of black plum and blackberry fruits, an obvious bite of oak with toasty wood notes, moderate+ complexity and intensity. On the palate - dry, fruity, masculine, spicy, toasty and lush; a mouth-filling example with plenty of weight and expression showing off both the plummy merlot fruits and muscle of cabernet; firm youthful tannins, medium+ tannins and decent lengthy finish.
91 Points
Clos Marguerite
Clos Marguerite Pinot Noir 2012 Marlborough
Very attractive bouquet centering on aromas of earth and spice and then soft and aged light red fruits - strawberry, plum, red cherry, quite complex and appealing. On the palate - textured, flavourful, dry and precise; flavours of red berries return, medium to fine tannins, medium+ acidity and earthy crushed bark and brown spice, moderate oak with flavor and tannin before any woodiness; old rose ideas, lengthy finish.
93 Points
Clos Marguerite Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Classic Awatere Valley scents with layers of perfume and intensity; vibrant ripe fleshy citrus and tropical fruits laced with sweet fresh herbs and dry stone mineral. On the palate - dry, salivating acidity, herbaceous and intense, grapefruit and tropical flavours, crushed stone mineral leading to a lengthy, vibrant finish. Overall balanced and well made - totally drinkable with age worthy attributes.
90 Points
Very attractive bouquet centering on aromas of earth and spice and then soft and aged light red fruits - strawberry, plum, red cherry, quite complex and appealing. On the palate - textured, flavourful, dry and precise; flavours of red berries return, medium to fine tannins, medium+ acidity and earthy crushed bark and brown spice, moderate oak with flavor and tannin before any woodiness; old rose ideas, lengthy finish.
93 Points
Clos Marguerite Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Classic Awatere Valley scents with layers of perfume and intensity; vibrant ripe fleshy citrus and tropical fruits laced with sweet fresh herbs and dry stone mineral. On the palate - dry, salivating acidity, herbaceous and intense, grapefruit and tropical flavours, crushed stone mineral leading to a lengthy, vibrant finish. Overall balanced and well made - totally drinkable with age worthy attributes.
90 Points
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