Clearview Estate Winery

Clearview Estate Winery ‘White Caps’ Chardonnay 2017 Hawkes Bay

Youthful bouquet with a raw fruit and oak centric attack; wood smoke, hot pineapple, peach and crushed vanilla; some ‘in your face’ moments, but equally enticing. On the palate – dry, fresh, youthful, loads of butter-popcorn swimming in vanilla, peaches and smoky wood; actually, quite calm and smooth in texture with a lengthy very pleasant finish. Drink now and through 2022.

90 Points

Mount Edward

Ted by Mount Edward Pinot Blanc 2016, Central Otago

Plush, flashy and ripe white fleshed fruit aromas with brown pear, Asian pear, apple and white spice, a zesty slightly heady moment is distinctive. On the palate – equally ripe as fresh as the nose suggests; more emphasis on the variety with hot spice, medium+ acidity then white fleshed fruits. Silky texture, lengthy finish, balanced. Drink now and through 2022.

89 Points

Ted by Mount Edward Pinot Gris 2017, Central Otago

Varietal, plenty of intensity and push with ripe apple and pear fruit aromas; white peach, a floral/honeysuckle layer and whisper of white spice. On the palate – immediately engages the senses with firm youthful texture highlighting the acidity and emphasising a citrus and pear flavour combination; flavours of white peach and spice follow. Lengthy finish, youthful and ready. Drink now and through 2022.

90 Points

Ted by Mount Edward Pinot Noir 2015, Central Otago

Vibrant, fresh, plush and youthful Pinot Noir bouquet – packed with red berry fruit and mineral aromas, some button mushroom and red tea suggestions with just enough oak to make a small statement with soft brown spice layers and a hint of wood smoke. On the palate – dry, youthful and vibrant with flavours of berries and a little oak; fresh acid line and moderate tannin flow across the palate, dry finish, youthful and coming into balance. Drink now and through 2024.

91 Points

Pegasus Bay

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2014, Waipara Valley

Complex. Mineral laden, dark red berry fruits, brown spices, mushroom, crushed black rose, alluring perfumes and scents. On the palate – complex. Dry, bold  ripe tannins and vibrant acidity; organic, mineral, earthy, floral and fruity. An intriguing wine with plenty of Pinosity and structure. Drink now and through 2028.

94 Points

Brancott Estate

Brancott Estate Pinot Noir 2015, Marlborough – Limited Edition Bottle 780

Bold bouquet of ripe dark cherry, raspberry and spicy new oak scents; clove and toasty vanilla, raw brown sugar and a hint of bacon. On the palate – equally ripe, intense and fruity with flavours that reflect the bouquet; crushed raspberry, some red currant and dark cherry; fine to moderate tannins, decent acidity, plush lengthy finish. Balanced and well-made. Drink now and through 2026.

91 Points 

Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Gris 2016, Marlborough – Limited Edition Bottle 1235

Plenty of classic Marlborough SB markers in the bouquet with ripe citrus and tropical fruit scents, a tropical fruits layer adding depth. The key difference with this wine is the texture in the bouquet with lees inspired moments, natural fruit spice and a softness. On the palate – distinctively spicy, fresh and vibrant attack; grapefruit, red and green apple, pineapple and lees-like ginger note. A layer of fresh herb and sweet hay swings the palate back to its Marlborough origins. Great acidity and length – a lovely example taking this brand to a new and higher level.

93 Points 

Auntsfield

Auntsfield ‘Heritage’ Pinot Noir 2013 Marlborough

Intense and youthful with a core of ripe red berry fruits, oak spice, dry stone earthy quality and engaging complexity. Aromas of ripe raspberry and red cherry, vanilla and clove dust, rose and sweet English tea. On the palate – velvety textures from fine fruit tannins and oak spices, a core of juicy almost fleshy red berry fruits reflecting the bouquet, great acid line squaring off a sound structure. Long finish, youthful yet drinkable immediately. Decant for service; best from 2020 through 2030+

96 Points

Clos de Ste Anne

Clos de Ste Anne ‘Les Arbres’ Viognier 2015 Gisborne

By Millton Wines - Takes a while for the bouquet to release… then aromas of flowers, white apricot, apple and wild honey slowly emerge followed by a little spice. On the palate – dry, palate filling flavours reflect the bouquet, spice, bacon, stone fruit and flowers; a definitive wild honey layer; gentle creamy texture and long enticing finish. This wine just gets better and better. Drink now and through 2024/6.

96 Points

Clos de Ste Anne ‘Naboth’s Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2015 Gisborne

By Millton Wines

An invasive and aromatic beginning but for a few moments then a complex and layered bouquet begins to unfold; minerals, wild flowers, yellow stone fruits and ripe red apple; cashew and brazil nut then a gentle oak spice and quiet toasted oak moment. On the palate – silken texture, complex flavour combinations, laden with wild flowers, yellow and white fruits and gentle oak spices. Dry, nearly full-bodied, great acid line, rich in palate feel and charm, a blessing to taste. Fantastic wine. Drink now and through 2028.

97 Points

Dog Point Vineyard

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough

Very enticing and fragrant bouquet with scents of white rose, white spice and wet pebbles with a flinty/organic layer. Grapefruit, lemon and apple emerge next. On the palate – palate grabbing youth with plenty of acidity and flavour – citrus, flowers, flint and white spice. A great example of SB with a few twists and turns ending in a lengthy finish. Drink now though best from 2018 through 2026.

93 Points

Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 Marlborough

Youthful, fragrant, varietal and no mistaking the impact of oak; aromas also of apple, lemon, cashew, wet stone, wood, baking spices and blossoms. On the palate – youthful, packed with flavour and texture; apple, grapefruit, cashew, white fleshed stone fruits, fine oak tannins and medium+ acidity. Great balance and length – a keeper. Drink from 2018/19 through 2028.

94 Points

Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss

Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss Rosé ‘Les Grimaudes’ 2016 Vin de France

Salmon oil and apricot hues. Aromas and flavours of old roses, apple and apricot tea, yellow cherry and dry stones. Dry with Old World flavours centering on rose and a little bruised apple, fine tannins and balanced acidity. Drink now and through 2018.

87 Points

Three Miners

Three Miners Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 Earnscleugh, Central Otago

Light pink with an apricot tinge. Aromas and flavours include ripe red cherry, yellow and red plum, roses and a mineral moment. Ripe, juicy, fresh, dry; a wine with some youthful tension, great acidity and length. Drink now and through 2020.

92 Points

Mills Reef

Mills Reef Reserve Rosé 2017 Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay

Light red and pink hues. Aromas and flavours include wild berries and red apple, flowers and dry stone mineral suggestions, an earthy layer adds depth. Dry with just a hint of residual sweetness, a whisper of soft dusty tannins and plenty of youthful acidity, balanced and thought finish. Drink now and through 2020.

90 Points

Hunter’s

Hunter’s ‘Jane Hunter’ Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 Marlborough

Very light rose pink and delicate salmon hue. Aromas and flavours of strawberry and light red plum, some floral moments and hint of Turkish delight. Just dry with a nudge of residual sugar off-set by youthful acidity. Fleshy approachable expression. Well-made as always. Drink now and through 2018.

88 Points

Peregrine

Peregrine Rosé Pinot Noir 2017 Central Otago

Light salmon, apricot and onion skin hues. Aromas and flavours of delicate rose, fruit tea, some light red fruits and rose Turkish delight. Lush & fruity with crisp acidity and very fine tannin line. Juicy salivating finish. A lovely example. Drink now and through 2020.

90 Points

Archangel Wines

Archangel Wines Rosé 2017 Central Otago

Very light pink and cherry red appearance. Aromas and flavours of ripe cherry and plum with a bite of red apple skin; crisp, refreshing acidity leads to a dry finish. Flavourful, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2019.

89 Points

Measure and Guess

Measure and Guess Rosé 2017 Hawkes Bay

By Sileni Estates -  this rosé is quite pale with a salmon apricot hue. Aromas and flavours include – peach, red apple, some strawberry and red melon, a hint of rose and Turkish delight. Balanced with a youthful kick of acidity and just dry finish. Well made. Drink now and through 2018

88 Points

Clos de Ste Anne

Clos de Ste Anne ‘Naboth’s Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2015 Gisborne

By Millton Wines

Bur for a few moments - an invasive and aromatic beginning then a complex and layered bouquet begins to unfold; minerals, wild flowers, yellow stone fruits and ripe red apple; cashew and brazil nut then a gentle oak spice and quiet toasted oak moment. On the palate – silken texture, complex flavour combinations, laden with wild flowers, yellow and white fruits and gentle oak spices. Dry, nearly full-bodied, great acid line, rich in palate feel and charm, a blessing to taste. Fantastic wine. Drink now and through 2028.

97 Points

Fifth Bridge

Fifth Bridge Pinot Noir 2016 Central Otago

by Ceres Wines Ltd

A fragrant and attractive bouquet capturing Central Otago Pinosity with a mixture of light red fruit aromas and dried herb with wild thyme and undergrowth; a sense of youthful tension and poise with a nervous energy overall. On the palate – dry, flavourful and as the nose suggest with a youthful structure from the acidity and vibrant tannin effect all off-set with ripe red cherry, cranberry and plum flavours – these will soften in a couple of years. Mild oak layer, light weight, crisp and dry; well made. Decant for service, best from late 2018 through 2026.

91 Points

Anthony Joseph Vidal

Anthony Joseph Vidal ‘Lyons Vineyard’ ‘1888’ Chardonnay 2014

Complex and focused bouquet with aromas of citrus zest, white fleshed stone fruit, flowers, mineral, apple and a youthful cashew nut oak core; a sulphide note adds additional complexity. On the palate – packed with texture, acidity, fruit core and focus. The cashew, wood spice and vanilla oak layers frame the palate carrying the weight of the fruit and flavour well; very lengthy finish, fabulous balance and charm. Drink now and through 2030.

97 Points

Mills Reef Winery

Mills Reef Winery ‘Elspeth’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay

Ripe, fragrant, alluring and concentrated bouquet with dark red fruits of black berry and plum then violet, marmite and chocolate oak moments; sandy dry stone minerality, complex and intriguing. On the palate – firm, youthful, engaging textures, dry finish and packed with flavour. Dark berries, liquorice, chocolate and toasty oak, firm youthful tannins and acidity to match. Long finish, complexity builds as the wine pens in glass. Decant for early drinking service, best from 2020 through 2030.

95 Points

Mills Reef Winery

Mills Reef Winery Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2016, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay

Ripe, fruity, generous and plush bouquet with aromas and flavours of black berry and currant, fresh date and doris plums, a sage and dried herb quality adds depth and complexity. Fine to moderate tannins, sweet vanilla oak, medium+ acidity and a nicely concentrated lengthy finish. Great balance overall. Drink now and through 2024.

89 Points

Saint Clair Family Estate

Saint Clair Family Estate ‘Pioneer Block’ Cabernet Merlot 2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay

Rich core of dark red berry fruits with black berry and black currant, doris plum then chocolate and oak spices. On the palate – dry, firm, very fruity, youthful and lush with flavours of dark red fruits, liquorice, toasty wood, clove and chocolate. Fine easy tannins and acidity. Drink now and through 2022.

91 Points

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill ‘Bush Vine’ Grenache 2010, McLaren vale

Ripe red fruited bouquet laced with oak and oak spices, some clay mineral and steely haunt, overall fine and complex. On the palate – ripe, firm, dry, warm and masculine. Flavours of plum and spiced cherry, old rose then clay mineral and oak; firm tannins and medium acidity with a light rush of residual sugar on the finish. A wine built to enjoy with food, balanced and well-made.

89 Points

Zephyr

Zephyr Pinot Noir 2016, Marlborough

A bouquet of Pinosity with aromas of rose, plum, red berry fruits and soft oak fragrances; dry stone mineral layer, gentle layer of oak spice and wood. On the palate – lovely core of ripe red berry fruits with cherry and raspberry then red apple and plum; mineral note returns, fine tannins and acidity to match, lengthy, balanced and well-made example. Drink now and through 2025.

92 Points

Amisfield

Amisfield Pinot Noir 2015, Central Otago

Ripe cool climate Otago bouquet of Pinot with ripe red cherry and plum fruits, some dried herb and whispers of wild thyme, wild roses and layers of oak spice and oak wood, emerging complexity as the wine opens in glass. On the palate – fruity, firm, youthful, quite complex and dry. Flavours reflect the nose plus firm needle-point tannins, loads of youthful acidity, great tension and some poise; well made. Drink now though best from 2019 through 2028.

93 Points

Dog Point

Dog Point Pinot Noir 2015, Marlborough

Wonderfully intense bouquet with dark cherry and dark raspberry aromas laced with new oak and toasty wood brown spices; a light savoury edge adds depth and complexity. On the palate – concentrated with a core of dark red berry fruits, brown spice, abundant fine tannins and plenty of youthful acidity. Long finish with a developing complexity, a delicious example of Marlborough and New World Pinot Noir.

95 Points

Nautilus

Nautilus ‘Southern Valleys’ Pinot Noir 2015, Marlborough

Fragrant, varietal, youthful and enticing bouquet of Pinot with ripe red berry fruit aromas – cherry then red apple skin, raspberry then oak spices of vanilla and clove, a touch of bacon. On the palate – youthful, firm, ripe red fruit flavours and oak, chalky tannins and great core of complexity and intrigue. Best from 2018 through 2028.

94 Points

Auntsfield

Auntsfield New Zealand ‘Hawk Hill’ Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough

Complex, rich and very attractive bouquet with aromas of spicy toasty oak then dark ripe berry fruits – black cherry then black currant, decent complexity. On the palate – firm, dry, youthful and attention seeking with chalky tannins, medium+ acidity and fruit flavours matching the nose. Overall a complex and enticing example with immediate drinkability and cellaring potential. Best from now and through 2028.

95 Points

Opawa

Opawa Pinot Noir 2016 Marlborough

Vibrant and forward bouquet with dried raspberry, plum and red cherry fruit aromas; soft brown spices of oak, a violets and wild red flowers note and inviting Pinosity. On the palate – juicy, fleshy, fruity and equally vibrant, fine tannins and medium+ acidity; a nice harmony and youthfulness combine to show off a classic Marlborough expression. Decent length and finish. Drink now and through 2025.

90 Points

Ellero

Ellero Pinot Noir 2014, Pisa Terrace, Central Otago

Complex and integrating bouquet of light red fruits, mineral and savoury highlight, mushroom, old roses, brown spices and undergrowth. On the palate – tense, youthful, fine light red fruit flavours, cool climate tannins – chalky and savoury; plenty of acidity and lengthy complex finish. This wine will reward with correct cellaring. Drink now and through 2026.

95 Points

Jules Taylor Wines

Jules Taylor Wines Pinot Noir 2016, Marlborough

Fleshy, juicy and ripe light red fruits bouquet, varietal and alluring with aromas of raspberry and red cherry, some red apple skin then scents of oak spice with clove and vanilla. On the palate – equally fruity, juicy and packed with flavour – red fruits, wood spices and some floral highlights. Moderate fine tannins and plenty of acidity, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2024.

91 Points

The Boneline

The Boneline Cabernet Franc 2016, Waipara

Pure Cabernet Franc on the nose with abundant ripe red and dark red berry fruits, violets and dark plums laced with oak spices and youthful energy. On the palate – fleshy, ripe, toasty and chalky with firm tannins and acidity. Fruit flavours are abundant and pushy adding concentration and length. A delicious wine that will mature and develop well over the next few years. Lengthy and delicious finish. Decant for service, best from 2020 through 2030.

95 Points

Craggy Range

Craggy Range ‘Sophia’ 2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay

Rafter from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc – the bouquet is vibrant, rich, intense and focused on the ripe of dark red berry fruits and the oak that brings their aromas together as one. Dark plum, black berry and black currant, violets and dried herb, some tobacco and layers of wood influences from chocolate to bacon to baking spices. On the palate – firm, dry and intense; flavours reflect the bouquet with very firm yet ripe tannins, bold and forward acidity, concentrated and lengthy. A fine wine with a significant life ahead. A must cellar wine. If you must try decant several hours ahead of drinking. Best from 2022 through 2032+

96 Points

Clos de Ste Anne

Clos de Ste Anne ‘The Crucible’ Syrah 2015, Gisborne

Crafted by Millton wines the bouquet is intensely fine and pure with aromas of wild raspberry and dark cherry, layers of violet and wild rose then softly spoken layers of oak with clove and cinnamon, a whisper of vanilla and bacon. On the palate – youthful, firm with a back bone of acidity and tannins – each adding power to the structure and palate feel. Flavours of berry fruits and wild flowers return alongside the measure of oak and peppery spice. A youthful wine in every sense of the word and a wine that will stand the test of ageing if given the opportunity to do so. Best from 2022 through 2032+

97 Points

Brown Brothers

Brown Brothers Single Estate ‘Ten Acres’ Shiraz 2014, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia

Ripe, plush, very fruity with a raspberry and blueberry bouquet, a raspberry jam and black currant note; mild oak with plenty of chocolate and brown spice moments. On the palate – juicy, fruity, fleshy, dry. Mild tannins and balanced acidity with moderate oak showing off some chocolate and toasty layers. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2020.

88 Points

Saint Clair Family Estate

Saint Clair Family Estate Syrah 2016 Gimblett Gravels

Ripe, fruity, varietal and vibrant bouquet of Syrah with aromas of crushed raspberry and black currant, hot stone soil, field mushroom and a sweet meat quality, moderate oak and very appealing. On the palate – juicy, fleshy, vibrant fruit flavours reflecting the nose, a touch of five-spice and red licorice, moderate tannins, loads of acidity, youthful, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2022.

92 Points