Wednesday 29 November 2017

Tohu

Tohu ‘Rore Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2015 Marlborough
Fabulous bouquet of Pinot Noir with a complex and layered nose; aromas of savoury dried herb and whole bunch complexity, a concentration of dark red berries – baked raspberry, red currants and black cherry, toasty, nutty baked brazil-nut oak with brown spices and clove/vanilla. On the palate – youthful and complex with a vibrato of texture tannins and acidity; flavours of dark cherry and plum, some spices and core of concentration. Lengthy finish reveals more as the wine opens-up. A wine to cellar or enjoy if decanted. Best from now and through 2028.

94 Points

Bilancia

Bilancia Chardonnay 2014 Hawkes Bay (Leheny Gibson)
Inviting bouquet of complexity, some elegance and intrigue – aromas and flavours of white fleshed fruits, citrus, baking spices and complex sulphides; mild to moderate oak and a nutty cashew layer. The oak is more pronounced on the palate yet contrasts smoothly to the fruit and acid line. Lengthy, youthful, well defined wine with a moreish texture and fine elegant finish. Drink now and through 2024.

93 Points

Squawking Magpie

Squawking Magpie ‘The Gravels’ Chardonnay 2016 Hawkes Bay
Ripe, fruity and woody with a fresh and baked stone fruit bouquet, vanilla and baking spices, plenty of new wood scents and a toasty brazil nut complexity. On the palate – fruity and woody with cashew and brazil nut flavours, sweet yellow peach, red apple and a core of complex concentration; plenty of nervous youthful attributes with fresh acidity and fine wood tannins. Drink now and through 2026.

93 Points

Tiki Estate

Tiki Estate Chardonnay 2016 Waipara North Canterbury
Smoky, toasty, ripe and packed with aromas and flavours of vanilla scented peach, grapefruit and apple. Quite dry and complex with a mineral core, medium+ acidity enhanced with new wood and fine tannins. Quite young and nervous still so best to decant for service. Ideal drinking from late 2018 through 2024.

89 Points

Steve Bird Winery

Steve Bird Winery and Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2014 Hawkes Bay
Ripe scents of blackberry and dark plum engage the senses immediately then sweet toasty wood with spice and vanilla. Almost full-bodied on the palate with a youthful and tense texture. Plenty of tannins and acidity; flavours now include tobacco and hay, some roasted green bell-pepper and dry stony soil. Medium complexity, youthful and still knitting together. Best from 2020 through 2028.
90 Points

Vidal of Hawkes Bay

Vidal of Hawkes Bay ‘Legacy’ Syrah2014 Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay
Dark, broody, smoky, toasty, peppery and fruity with a very youthful masculine charm; aromas and flavours of blue berry and black currant, baked raspberry then fresh black pepper, baked field mushroom and sweet meat. Firm, dry and very youthful on the palate with medium++ acidity, firm and ripe tannins adding grip and chalky texture; plenty of oak flavours and a long finish. A wine that needs decanting or ageing. Best from 2020 through 2030++.

95 Points

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2014 McLaren Vale, Australia
Engaging and quite a complex bouquet of Grenache with aromas and flavours of heirloom plum and old flowers, aged wood spices and some clove brown spice combinations. Cherry and red apple, plums and some cranberry moments; Plenty of acidity and fine tannins, warm. Balanced and well made, dry finish. Best drinking from now and through 2026.
90 Points

Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2016 McLaren Vale, Australia
Youthful, punchy, fruity and very enticing bouquet. Cranberry, plum and red cherry aromas with some blueberry then scents of oak. On the palate – crisp, crunchy, firm and youthful with noticeable acidity, oak and fruit; quite dry. Plenty of tannins to add texture and length – firm in nature. Overall a wine still on its journey to harmony, but with plenty of potential and length. Decant for service. Best from 2020 through 2030+.

92 Points

Thomas Legacy

Thomas Legacy Chardonnay 2014 Waiheke Island, Auckland
Quite a complex bouquet with a purity of fruit, notable use of oak and engaging complexity. Specific flavours and textures of apple, peach, vanilla, stony/clay soil moments and oak. Fine wood tannins and medium+ acidity add texture, shape and form contrasted by the core of fruit. Balanced and well made, Drink now and through 2026.

94 Points

Church Road

Church Road ‘Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2014 Hawkes Bay
Bold, rich and engaging bouquet packed with aromas of baked yellow stone fruits, vanilla and other oak spices, new wood, some banana and other tropical moments, burnt butter and toasted bread. On the palate – full-bodied, richly textured and flavoured with stone fruits and wood; fine wood tannins, medium acidity, vanilla, baking spices, long finish. Drink now and through 2024.

93 Points

Moss Wood

Moss Wood ‘Wilyabrup’ Pinot Noir 2015 Margaret River, Western Australia
Fragrant and evocative bouquet with Pinosity on the nose and an engaging package of fruit, wood spice and complexity. Flavours and textures of minerality, old wood spices, fallen leaves and old rose; red cherry fruits, apple & cherry pie. Moderate tannins and medium+ acidity; Balanced, dry finish and ready. An example of Pinot Noir to engage in and explore. Drink now and through 2025.

93 Points

Amisfield

Amisfield Pinot Noir 2015 Central Otago
Toasty, smoky and fruit bouquet with the signature of Pinot Noir – red berries, cranberry, crisp new season cherry then wood spices and oak. On the palate – dry with a decent core of fruit contrasted by some new oak moments, fine tannins, youthful acidity and a synergy of texture adding complexity and length. A great example of Otago Pinot Noir that will please many fans of the style. Best drinking from late 2018 through 2028.

94 Point

Gibbston Valley

Gibbston Valley ‘Glenlee’ Pinot Noir 2016 Central Otago
Complex and engaging bouquet with aromas and flavours of fresh raspberry and crunchy red cherry, a touch of fruit spice and packed with fragrances of wood. Baking spices, a whisper of bacon (oak), red apple, a core of fruit then layers of minerality. Fresh, tension giving acidity, fine to moderate tannins the grip of a youthful and poised wine. Lengthy finish. Allow this wine to age please, it will reward.

94 Points

Millton

Millton ‘La Cote’ Pinot Noir 2016 Gisborne
Complex bouquet with layers of red fruits, red apple, silty soil and minerals with a steely and slightly savoury moment; gentle rose floral edge. On the palate – dry, textured, layered, fruity. Flavours reflect the nose with fine chalky tannins and medium+ acidity; moderate weight, great balance, judicious measure of oak, lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2028.
93 Points

Millton Te aria Vineyard Rosé 2017 Gisborne
Strawberries, red cherries and plum fragrances, rose and rose tea aromas. On the palate – crisp, fresh, fruity and lively with a youthful palate tickle, very fine tannin s and crunchy fresh acidity. Moderate length and well made. Drink now and through 2019.

89 Points

Invivo

Invivo ‘Graham Norton’s Own’ Shiraz 2015 South Australia
Dar berries, toasty layer, dark brown spices and brown sugar note; blue berry and plum fragrances with a clove edge. Just dry on the palate with flavours of chocolate, dark berries and brown spice. Mild tannins and medium+ acidity. Balanced and well-made in a drink now style. Best from now and through 2020.

86 Points

Spencer Hill

Spencer Hill ‘Lattitude 41 Small Batch’ Pinot Noir 2015 Nelson
Varietal and fruity with a decent concentration and signature of Pinot Noir showing aromas and flavours of red berries of strawberry and raspberry then some cranberry; no mistaking the signature of oak with a toasty brown spices layer. Fine to moderate tannins with an oak then fruit profile. Medium+ acidity, well-made. Drink now and through 2022.

90 Points

Three Paddles

Three Paddles Pinot Noir 2016 Martinborough
Fruity, fresh, varietal and lively bouquet with a steely and mild savoury attack softened with aromas of fresh berries with raspberry and dark cherry. On the palate – lush, tasty, textured and fresh; flavours of red berries, red apple and a light carbonic bubble-gum note; soft savoury edge, fine easy tannins, youthful balanced and well-made. Drink now and through 2022.

90 Points

Bodegas Atalaya

Bodegas Atalaya ‘Laya’ Garnacha Tintorera Monastrell 2016, Almansa, Spain
Youthful bouquet with a strong core of fruit, oak and complexity; aromas and flavours of black currant, black plum, crushed dark berries and bitter chocolate. Plenty of dark spices of toasty oak. On the palate – plush, fresh, juicy and fruit core; dry on the finish with a warm alcohol note – all good. Plenty of youthful grippy tannins and moderate acidity add loads of texture against a backdrop of bark berry fruit flavours; generous chalky texture and length. Decant for service. Best from 2020 through 2030.   

92 Points

Bodegas Ateca

Bodegas Ateca ‘Honoro Vera’ Garnacha 2016 Calatayud, Spain
Complex bouquet with plums, spices, white pepper, toasted black berries and oak. On the palate – dry with plums and dark berry flavours, a firm tannin presence and acidity to match, decent concentration and layers of texture add depth and intrigue, oak remains ever present, decent length on the finish, balanced and well-made. Drink now and through 2026.

91 Points

Can Blau Cellars

Can Blau Cellars Carignan, Grenache, Syrah 2015, Montsant, Spain
Dark spices, dark red fruits with black and blue berries, sweet milk chocolate, crushed roses and loads of brown spices with clove and vanilla. On the palate – dry, fruity, textured and fine with plenty of dusty tannins laced with clove and toasty wood flavours, dark berries and sweet chocolate again, medium length and complexity. Well made and engaging style. Drink now and through 2026.

89 Points

Bodegas Juan Gil

Bodegas Juan Gil Moscatel 2016 Jumilla, Spain
Quite fragrant and aromatic with suggestions of musk, apples and pear with a tropical overlay, floral and forward. On the palate – Crisp, fruity, textured, aromatic, hints of spice and fruit flavours that reflect the nose; dry finish. A lovely aperitif style, balanced and well-made. Drink now and through 2018.
88 Points

Bodegas Juan Gil ‘Honoro Vera’ Monastrell 2016, Jumilla, Spain
Dark berries, spices, chocolate and oak lead the bouquet, very ripe and engaging overall. On the palate – dark plums and berries heavily laced with oak, medium+ acidity, chocolate, liquorice and dark spices; medium tannins, balanced and well-made. Drink now and through 2026.

89 Points

Monday 20 November 2017

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2009 McLaren Vale, South Australia
Attractive and alluring aromas of ripe red fruits – plums and blue fruits, a clear core of concentration then toasty oak with dark kitchen spice suggestions, complex. On the palate – smooth, creamy texture then firm youthful tannins, medium acidity and a concentration of fruits and oak. Distinctive plum and some dried fruits on the finish. Drinking young still, balanced and lengthy. Best from today and through 2026+.

92 Points

BH Wines

BH Wines ‘The Better Half’ Pinot Noir2016 Marlborough
Plush, fruity and lively red fruits bouquet with sweet crushed red cherry and cranberry, some raspberry and loads of red apple aromas. On the palate – juicy, fleshy, fruity and finishing dry. Flavours reflect the nose with a light [Hubba-Bubba] bubble-gum note, fine tannins and youthful acidity, very soft and mild oak layer. Drink now and through 2022.

89 Points

Stewart Town

Stewart Town ‘The Bounder’ Pinot Noir 2014 Bannockburn, Central Otago
Distinctively Bannockburn with a dark red and roasted cherry led bouquet, toasty oak layer with clove and dark spice moments, a rose and mineral layer adding complexity and charm. On the palate – youthful, firm, dry and tense with a degree of poise and charm slowly revealing more red berry fruit flavours. Fine yet abundant tannins and acidity to match, lengthy finish. This wine is slowly evolving and integrating – give it time. Best from 2019 through 2029. (Made by Grant Taylor)
95 Points

Stewart Town ‘The Bounder’ Pinot Noir 2015 Bannockburn, Central Otago
Charming, floral, fruity and varietal with aromas of rose, cherry, red apple and mineral followed by a moderate layer of oak, quite complex. On the palate – dry, fine tannins and medium+ acidity; flavours of rose and red apple, some lighter red berry fruits and floral notes. A lovely wine with Pinosity in its heart; a lighter weight style – for Bannockburn – yet charming and 100% Pinot Noir. Drink from late 2018 through 2027. (Made by Grant Taylor)
94 Points

Stewart Town ‘The Bounder’ Pinot Noir 2016 Bannockburn, Central Otago
Not yet released – this wine show a youthful mid to dark ruby appearance with a youthful translucent pink rim. Aromas and flavours of ripe and vibrant dark red berry fruits led by dried raspberry and red cherry, noticeably floral with a rose scented tea-like note, red apple, and toasty oak layer with a mild vanilla and clove note. Very firm and tense with ripe chalky tannins, equal measure of acidity and oak. The core of fruit adds to a lengthy finish. Best from 2020 through 2030+. Buy and cellar upon release. (Made by Grant Taylor)

95 Points

Vidal of Hawkes Bay

Vidal of Hawkes Bay ‘Legacy’ Chardonnay 2014
Powerful, distinctive and individual bouquet showing off aromas of ripe citrus and stone fruits, cashew nut oak with a power all of its own; flinty, mineral and youthfully complex. On the palate – fantastic! Packed with as much texture as flavour; grapefruit, lemon, cashew, white peach, flavours of oak and lengthy finish. Complex and age worthy – one of the few wines in NZ that stands up to its Old-World counterparts and sets a very high standard locally.

97 Points

Cloudy Bay

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough
Pungent, powerful and distinctive bouquet of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with aromas and flavours of passion fruit and lemon, white peach and fresh basil. Great palate presence with a core of fruit, high acidity and silky textures. Lengthy finish, classic Cloudy bay with a lengthy steely finish. Drink now and through 2022.

92 Points

Tupari

Tupari Riesling 2016 Awatere Valley, Marlborough
Plush, fragrant and varietal with mandarin, lime flower and apple aromas, a light white spice moment adds intrigue and complexity. On the palate – off dry with some residual sweetness, but immediately and contrasting high acidity finishes the wine dry; flavours of apple and citrus lead with a youthful coarse silk texture and lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2035.
94 Points

Tupari Pinot Gris 2015 Awatere Valley, Marlborough
Savoury, fruity and developing bouquet with aromas and flavours of baked white fleshed fruits, some citrus and rocky mineral-like suggestions. Just off-dry and warm with some elevated alcohol, pear, citrus, a layer of spice and firm texture. Drink now and through 2020.

85 Points

Sileni Estates

Sileni Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough
Pungent, tropical, ripe stone and tree fruit aromas, fresh herb and grass layer. On the palate – fleshy, fruity, crisp and just dry on the finish. A balanced and well-made wine that delivers flavour, intensity and reliability. Drink now and through 2020.
89 Points

Sileni Estates Pinot Noir 2016 Hawkes Bay
Fresh, fruity, bright and varietal with a light ruby red appearance. Aromas and flavours of red apple, sweet red cherry, some strawberry and brown sugar - oak. Just dry with a spice and vanilla moment, very mild oak and fine easy tannins; moderate+ acidity and finishing dry. Balanced and presented in a drink now style. Best from today and through 2020.

88 Points

Amisfield

Amisfield Dry Riesling 2016 Central Otago
Mandarin, apple and apricot blossom, pear and green apple aromas, fresh, youthful and with a layer of saline minerality – complex builds. On the palate – dry, silky texture, high acidity, ripe and loaded with white fleshed fruits and citrus flavours; lengthy finish and great balance as well as potential for ageing. Drink now and through 2030.

93 Points

Amisfield

Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Central Otago
Pungent, herbaceous, varietal and powerful bouquet of Sauvignon Blanc. Specific aromas and flavours of fresh, sweet grass, gooseberry and apple, a strong layer of lemon adds intensity to the high acidity and texture. Crisp, fresh, commanding palate presence, lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2025.

92 Points

Sunday 19 November 2017

By. Ott

By Ott Rosé 2016 Cotes de Provence
Onion skin and pale salmon colour. Aromas and flavours of red apple skin, apple flesh, subtle peach and light red fruit suggestions. Crisp and just dry with plenty of acidity and a whisper of tannin. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2019/2020.

89 Points

Serafino

Serafino Shiraz 2015 McLaren Vale Australia
Toasty, broody, oaky and very fruity bouquet; engaging and alluring aromas of dark berry fruits – fresh and cooked, a jammy note and packed with liquorice, vanilla and pepper spices. On the palate – intense, fruity, spicy and dry; decent level of concentration mid-palate with ripe berry fruit and oak flavours; fine tannins and medium acidity; fleshy, plump and toasty; dark spices, chocolate and pepper. Lengthy finish, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2026.

91 Points

Wirra Wirra

Wirra Wirra ‘Church Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot 2015 McLaren Vale Australia
Ripe, fruity, fleshy and varietal with aromas of blackberry, plum, raspberry and black currant; a light violet floral layer adds complexity and charm; moderate+ oak layer with brown spices and toasty-ness; medium+ intensity overall. On the palate – youthful, firm, fruity and dry. Medium+ tannins showing a chalky texture; no mistaking the oak, but not overdone either, a light char-note then moderate toasty effect; flavours of fruits reflect the nose; youthful still with plenty of acidity and vibrancy, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2025.

90 Points

M. Chapoutier

M. Chapoutier ‘La Bernardine’ Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2014 Rhone, France
Complex and developing bouquet yet also youthful with aromas of plums, spice, leather and red berries. On the palate the wine speaks loud – mushroom, berries, pepper, meat, a hint of truffle and earthy stony layers; dry with plenty of alcohol; fine yet abundant tannins, balanced and lengthy; complex. Medium+(ish) acidity, an old rose moment, lengthy finish. Totally enjoyable wine. Drink now and through 2026+.
93 Points

M. Chapoutier ‘Les Meysonniers’ Crozes-Hermitage 2015 Rhone, France
Very youthful dark purple appearance with a youthful pink rim, loads of coloured tears. The nose and palate show off ripe dark berries and plenty of new oak, granitic soil and a mixed bag of country-side scents from wild meats to dark roses. Firm, youthful, ripe tannins coming from oak and fruit, plenty of acidity with a big and bold structure overall. Concentrated, plush and long finish. Drink now if decanted. Best from now and through 2030.
96 Points

M. Chapoutier Rosé Pays d’ Oc, 2016 France
Gentle salmon rose colours. Aromas and flavours of light red fruits, a whisper of rose and quiet mineral tones. The mineral layer speaks louder on the palate; crisp and refreshing acidity, cranberry and strawberry red fruit flavours are quiet though obvious; crisp dry finish. Great choice with a range of crunchy and flavourful appetizer. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2018\19.

88 Points

Vidal of Hawkes Bay

Vidal of Hawkes Bay ‘Legacy’ Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013 Gimblett Gravels
Complex, youthful, varietal and masculine with distinctive aromas and flavours of blackberry and plum then black currant, English tea, stony soil/granite and plenty of oak. The acidity is bold and youthful, tannins ripe and grippy with a finish reminiscent of iron, graphite and tobacco. A wine still developing. Great textures and lengthy finish. Drink now if decanted. Best from 2019 through 2029.

95 Points

Murdoch James

Murdoch James SV Cabernet Franc 2012 Martinborough
Developed wine and ready to drink – aromas and flavours of red plum and old rose, a little residual sweetness and medium acidity holding all the elements in place. Very fine integrated tannins. Balanced and ready. Drink now and through 2018.

82 Points

Kidnapper Cliffs

Kidnapper cliffs Syrah 2013 Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Produced and bottled by Te Awa Winery
Ripe, fruity, dense, rich, polished and enticing bouquet of Syrah. Aromas and flavours of sweet black currant, crushed raspberry, blue berry and dark red cherry; complex. No mistaking the oak – bold, intense and packed with vanilla and clove, toasty with a mild smokiness. On the palate – dry, plush, fruity and fresh; very youthful still, fine tannins, a back bone of acidity, plenty of energy and youthful charm. Drink now and through 2030.

95 Points

Thomas Legacy

Thomas Legacy Merlot 2013 Waiheke Island
Produced and bottled by Batch Winery
Dark and broody red and black fruits with plum and dark cherry, a whisper of bottle age showing with a heady lift. Plenty of toasty oak and full-bodied richness. On the palate – firm, very dry, still loaded with fruit and oak and tannins to match, medium+ acidity and warming alcohol. Decant for service and serve alongside food (Wild Boar or rare Eye fillet). Drink now and through 2026.
89 Points

Thomas Legacy Syrah 2013 Waiheke Island
Produced and bottled by Batch Winery
Varietal, bold, forward and attention seeking bouquet. Aromas include black currant, dark berries and pepper, aged meat and toasty oak, boot polish, smoke, roasted field mushroom and dry earth. On the palate – dry, dark berry fruits and black currant, big tannins and sweet oak with clove and baking spice, pepper again. Plenty of youthful acidity still, lengthy muscly finish. Drink now and through 2028.

93 Points

Palliser Estate

Pencarrow Pinot Noir 2015 Martinborough
Fresh and fruity bouquet with a Pinot Noir stamp of red and darker cherry fruits, some red apple and mild oak intervention, mild complexity, youthful. On the palate – fresh, crunchy red cherry flavours with a hint of strawberry; fine tannins, medium+ acidity; lively, youthful and dry. Drink now – decanting recommended – through to 2024.
87 Points

Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2015 Martinborough
Complex and developing bouquet of Pinot with aromas and flavours of sweet red cherry and strawberry, some oak spices next with a mix of baking then bacon. Firm and youthful still with tense tannins and plenty of acidity. A quiet and lengthy finish – dry and warm. Still developing – best from 2018 through 2028.

93 Points

Gibbston Valley Wines

Gold River Pinot Noir 2016 Central Otago
From the Gibbston Valley stables – Very fruity and varietal bouquet with aromas and flavours of raspberry and red cherry, soft brown spices from mild oak influences and light savoury complexity. Youthful structure with medium+ acidity and fresh vibrant tannins; light to moderate weight, dry finish. Plenty of pepp in this example; can be drunk now though best decanted or cellared. Ideal drinking from 2019 through 2026.
91 Points

Gibbston Valley ‘China Terrace’ Pinot Noir 2016 Central Otago
Immediately intriguing bouquet with a complex message of mineral, ripe cherry and raspberry led fruit, some red apple and dark rose moments; noticeable mix of new and older barrel use. On the palate – dry, ripe plump red berry fruit flavours plus cherry and some plum, a little pepper spice then oak spice and flavour; youthful tannin bite and acidity to match, a wine in development with some integration needed over the next few years. Decant for service or best from 2019 through 2027.
94 Points

Gibbston Valley ‘Le Maitre’ Pinot Noir 2016 Central Otago
No mistaking the style of Pinot here – toasty and warm with dark spices and plum, ripe dark cherry and spiced plum aromas; the clove and cinnamon edges of the oak and masculine earthy undertones are very inviting and showing the wines complexity. On the palate – ripe, fruity, plump. Oaky, dry finish and very engaging. Fine to moderate tannins with a dusty chalky texture; an equal level of acidity – off-set by the fruit and oak concentration. Baa\lanced, drinkable today; best from late 2018 through 2026.

94 Points

Te Awa

Te Awa Single Estate Chardonnay 2014 Hawkes Bay
Distinctive, oaky, fruity and powerful bouquet with aromas and flavours of vanilla and nutty-oak, roasted yellow stone fruits and a hint of butterscotch. The nutty-sweet-vanilla-oak leads on the palate with peach and other stone fruits flavours to follow, some citrus grapefruit-like flavours as well. Decent acidity and length; still harmonising, but with great potential. Best from  now and through 2024.

92 Points

Akarua

Akarua Pinot Gris 2016 Central Otago
Quite floral then fruity with white spice poached pears and apple, some Asian pear and white peach as well; an intriguing complexity and charm. On the palate – quite vibrant and fresh with spicy white fleshed fruit flavours, some leesy ginger and stony minerality; plenty of acidity, medium weighted, just dry on the finish with a hint of sweetness and just warming alcohol. Drink now and though 2022.

90 Points

Kaimira Estate

Kaimira Estate Brightwater Pinot Blanc 2016 Nelson
Pinot Gris-like aromas with pear and apple, but Pinot Blanc it is with a soft and silky textured bouquet showing off some soft spice and silty mineral undertones. On the palate – light creamy texture, spice then white fleshed fruit flavours – pears and apples, quince and white pepper. Just dry on the finish with decent length. Balanced and well-made. Drink now and through 2021.
88 Points

Kaimira Estate Brightwater Hui Katoa 2015 Nelson
A blended wine from 4 varieties – not listed. Aromas and flavours of citrus, spice, stone and tropical fruits. Apricots, apples, white peaches and some lemon suggestions, a hint of bacon barrel) and wood spice. A slightly creamy texture with moderate acidity makes for a very easy drinking wine, medium acidity and harmonious finish. Drink now and through 2020.
89 Points

Kaimira Estate Brightwater Chardonnay 2016 Nelson
Aromas and flavours of peaches, apples and barrel ferment toastiness, familiar and inviting. On the palate – dry with more of the barrel flavours emerging first – toast and brown spices then citrus and tree fruits and finally some stone fruit suggestions. Firm texture and medium acidity capture the essence of Chardonnay well. Drink now and through 2024.
90 Points

Kaimira Estate Brightwater Viognier 2014 Nelson
Distinctive and varietal with apricots and peaches leading the fruit profile followed with a spice of stone fruit skin and yellow flowers. On the palate – juicy, fleshy, fruity and dry. Some light oak spice and lite peppery alcohol add depth and complexity. Decent finish and length. Drink now and through 2020.

88 Points

Auntsfield

Auntsfield ‘South oaks’ Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Southern Valleys Marlborough
Complex bouquet with a varietal signature of citrus and herbs then a tropical fruit layer then barrel ferment aromas of toasted honey and some spicy cashew, a creamy-like lactic note emerges as well. On the palate – a lot of texture, vibrancy and flavour with citrus peel, spice, cashew, apple and stony minerality. Long finish, dry, the core of fruit and intensity lingers. Great balance and length. Drink now and though 2025.

95 Points

Nautilus Estate

Nautilus Estate ‘The Paper Nautilus’ Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Pure, fresh, vibrant and varietal with aromas of citrus, apple, pear and white pineapple; a softer fresh herb and leesy spice note adding depth and complexity. On the palate – delicious with time in bottle bringing together texture, flavour and synchronicity. Lemon zest, grapefruit, apple and fresh herb return, a light spice note also make a play. Lengthy and detailed finish. Very well-made. Drink now and through 2026.

94 Points

BH Wines

BH Wines ‘The Better Half’ Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough
Distinctive, fruity, vibrant and varietal bouquet with aromas and flavours of fresh apple, grapefruit and a light tropical fruit note; sweet herb and sweet hay; a lees note adds texture and a ginger impression. Just dry on the finish with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, herb and spice. Drink now and through 2020.

89 Points

Invivo Wines

Invivo Wines – ‘Graham Norton’s Own’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough
Pungent, fruity, tropical and packed with aromas and flavours of passionfruit, sweet lemon, red apple and fresh herbs. Refreshing and crisp acidity off-sets a nudge of residual sweetness and emphasises the fresh herb steely mouth-feel. Drink now and through 2020.

88 Points

Pegasus Bay

Pegasus Bay ‘Bel Canto’ Dry Riesling 2015 Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Intense and precise aromas of Riesling with an apricot, honeysuckle and citrus bouquet. The under currant of minerality is obvious with stone/silt/wet chalk-like combination. On the palate – off-dry with an immediate sweetness which disappears quickly as the wine becomes dry; plenty of texture and palate engagement with high acidity, some phenolic action throughout the palate and flavours of lemon zest, apple and spicy honeysuckle. Fabulous balance and length. Enjoy now and through 2030+.

96 Points

Ellero

Ellero ‘Pisa Terrace’ Riesling 2015 Central Otago
Attractive, floral and enticing scents of sweet lime flower and mandarin peel, apple and white apricot follow along with a rocky stony mineral layer. On the palate – tense, crisp, youthful and dry; flavours reflect the nose with emphasis on lime flower and apple, a hint of pineapple and white apricot; high acidity and long finish. A very expressive wine both in texture and flavour. Drink now or continue to cellar till 2030.

96 Points

Saturday 18 November 2017

Gibbston Valley

Gibbston Valley 'School house' Pinot Noir 2016 Central Otago
Quite a complex bouquet with a mix of dark red cherry, red apple skin and spiced plum alongside a savoury, dried herb and mushroom quality; moderate oak influences with a mix of darker brown spices and fresh wood. On the palate - youthful, savoury and firm then flavours of dark cherry and berries return; youthful firm tannins and plenty of crisp acidity. Fairly lengthy finish; well made in a drink now or cellar style style. Best from late 2018 through 2026.
93 Points

Friday 17 November 2017

Millton

Millton 'Opou Vineyard' Chardonnay 2016 Gisborne
Textured bouquet with a creamy, organic and raw energy. Aromas include peaches and cream, vanilla and honeysuckle, cashew and yoghurt, spices from wood. On the palate - fresh, vibrant and fruity with flavours that reflect the nose; fresh and ripe acidity, a light creamy texture and harmonious finish with moderate and developing complexity. drink now and through 2024.
92 Points

Friday 3 November 2017

Mas Theo

Mas Theo Cuvee TO 2014, Rhone, France
Light red fruits bouquet with a mix of plum and cherry, some minerality with a granite or dry stone suggestions. Very light on the oak and easy to accept aromas. On the palate - light, fresh, fruity and dry; flavours reflect the nose, soft tannins, very low oak, balanced and immediately drinkable. Enjoy between 2017 and 2020.
86 Points

Mas Theo 'Ferme Theolas' 2016, Rhone, France
Light red fruits bouquet with aromas reminiscent of Pinot Noir with a light red cherry and raspberry fruits, very mild oak and gently floral. On the palate - dry with a mix of ripe and sour fruits, medium+ acidity and very fine tannins, little to no oak flavours. Balanced. Food suggested  to enjoy this wine. Drink now and through 2022.
85 Points

Church Road

Church Road 'Grand Reserve' Syrah 2014, Hawkes Bay
Dense and rich bouquet packed with aromas and flavours of dark berries and smoky toasty oak; no mistaking the olive black cherry, clove, vanilla, a touch of boot polish and black velvet. Dry, firm textures with plenty of wood tannins and acidity to match. Youthful, vibrant, loads of texture and length. A lovely example. Drink from late 2018 through 2026.
95 Points

Mills Reef Winery

Mills Reef Winery Reserve Merlot 2016, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
G\fresh, plush, quite fruity and forward with aromas and flavours of dark cherry, plums and wild red berry fruits; a steely youthful layer adds complexity; a light floral note adding charm. Just dry with a silky smooth texture; mild to moderate tannins and acidity to match. Quite a lengthy finish, soft and easy to swallow. Drink now and through 2024.
92 Points

Thursday 2 November 2017

Gibbston Valley

Gibbston Valley 'GV Collection' Pinot Noir 2016, central Otago
Youthful, steely, plum, cherry, red apple skin, soft dried herb layer, moderate oak, complexity builds as the wine opens up in glass. On the palate - dry, firm and youthful with plenty of acidity and crunchy red fruit flavours supported with a judicious measure of oak. Balanced and well made, but not yet ready to drink. Best from 2019 through 2026.
91 Points

Auntsfield

Auntsfield 'Cob Cottage' Chardonnay 2014, Marlborough
Lots of ripe and pure fruit aromas with sweet lemon then peach and apple, noticeable oak with a vanilla and new wood layer, quite complex. On the palate- soft and creamy texture with high impact flavours of citrus, stone fruit, tree fruit and oak - with vanilla and a soft dusting of wood tannins. Drinking well now though youthful still. Best from 2019 through 2026.
93 Points

Auntsfield SV Pinot Noir 2015, Marlborough
Great bouquet of PN with a distinctive mix of red fruits and oak scents - dark cherry and plum, raspberry and crushed rose; plenty of new oak toasted wood with a vanilla, clove and hint of chocolate. On the palate - dry, youthful with abundant tannins and acidity to match; complex and layered with plenty of fruit at the core, lengthy and complex-building finish. Drink now and through 2025.
94 Points