Albarino

Six Pack of Albarino  - all 2014 from Gisborne

Hihi Wines 13.6%
Lots of energy and power in the fruit with peach and pear, hints of lime and other citrus with a  gentle spice note. On the palate - dry, fresh, lively, fruity and with a light spice layer; transitions on the palate from ripe stone fruit into a light citrus layer (as Albarino should), medium+ acidity, light+ weight and a medium+ length. Balanced and well made. Decant or aerate well for service.
4 Stars

Spade Oak 'Heart of Gold' 12.5%
Buckets of peaches and apricots with heirloom lemon and white fleshed fruit aromas; a mineral layer adds complexity and depth to the bouquet. On the palate - dry with the citrus leading the fruit flavor march then the mineral and stone fruits kick in. Medium+ (ish) acidity; moderate core of fruit, even and well balanced across the palate with a light chalky texture on the finish.
4.5 Stars

Rod McDonald 'One Off Albarino' 13.5%
Quite a concentrated bouquet with a mix of peach and white florals then lime and other citrus suggestions; a whiff of pineapple and some mineral. On the palate - fresh, crisp, lively, warming and fruity. Plenty of fruit and highish acidity keeps the palate refreshed and open to the flavors of stone and citrus fruits; 2nd taste shows off the varietal signatures of Albarino quite well along with a touch of mineral. Balanced and well made.
3.5 Stars

Matawhero Wines 13.5%
Quite a dense peachy beginning with some clay soil suggestions; a very mild grapefruit and lemon layer emerges on the second sniff; overall varietal, fresh and quite lively. On the palate - dry & crisp - this is when the true signature of the variety appears with a peach to citrus mix, medium+ acidity and moderate mineral set emerges. Well made; youthful and food oriented through 2015. 
4 Stars 

Coopers Creek 'Bell-Ringer' 13.5%
Chalky, peachy, floral and with a mineral lift in the bouquet; moderate+ intensity, varietal and inviting. On the palate - dry, crisp and flavorful, but on the gentle side with palate texture and subtlety part of the picture; higher acidity highlights the wild peach and citrus fruits; the mineral layer holds steadfast. Balanced, fresh, well made and tasty. Drink now and through 2016.
4.5 Stars

Villa Maria 'Cellar Selection' 13.5%
A vibrant and striking bouquet with a lees and slightly funky edge to the fruit suggestions: Peach, apricot, apple and lemon; there's a spice and chalk like layer as well; overall inviting and layered. On the palate - crisp, dry, fresh, lively, fruit centred and tasty. medium++ acidity, medium weight, balanced and well made.
4.5 Stars