Waipara Hills Pinot Gris 2011 14.5%
N: Immediately varietal with a fruity and creamy aroma of Asian pear, apple and pears (tinned), a dash of spice.
P: Warm, lush and fruity with apple, pear and white fleshed nectarine notes; a hint of mushroom too adds a personality. Bright acidity brings balance to the palate with a medium length and finish. Good.
3 Stars
Waipara Hills Riesling 2011 13%. (Medium+)
N: Ripe and sweet green apple, sweet citrus and firm green pear bouquet. Light suggestions of white flowers and a hint of minerality.
P: A direct reflection of what the nose suggested - sweet citrus first though then apple and pear flavors with the addition of freshly squeezed lemon and lemonade. Youthful medium+ acidity and hints of minerality add to a pleasant medium finish; balanced and well made.
4 Stars
Corazon Single Vineyard Syrah 2007 12.6%
N: Showing development and with this a complexity to take note of; earthy, brambly fruits - blackberry, dry black currants, hints of marmite and toasty oak; medium+ complexity with a suggestion of spiced meat.
P: Immediately reflects what the nose suggested - balanced and in a drink now style; flavors of blackberry, black currant, dusty raspberry; well integrated tannins, mild earth notes and a meaty note adds to the complexity overall. Not a weighty wine overall, but in absolute balance now. Well made and an enjoyable drink with or without food.
89 Points
Cable Bay Waiheke Island Syrah 14.5%
N: A great bouquet of Syrah with a blend of raspberry and white pepper laced fruits, spicy and toasty wood notes with French oak dominating; medium+ complexity, youthful and enticing.
P: Reflects the nose with a richly flavored attack - the oak does lead with the fruit flavors bursting onto the scene and bringing balance to a youthful expression; full, dry and richly textured. The second taste reveals the fruit again with a touch of field mushroom and black current alongside a raspberry toastiness; medium+ length. Needs another year to find more exacting balance. A lovely wine overall.
90 Points
Richmond Plains Nelson Pinot Noir 2010 13.5%
N: Great Pinot Noir aromas of raspberry, strawberry, sweet cranberry and a dash of dried herb with a mild pinch of red apple skin and rose; fruity and forward overall.
P: Reflects the nose with juicy raspberry and strawberry flavors; medium+ tannins - quite fine; medium complexity and length; the finish is quite fruity with a medium+ acid bite.
4 Stars
Matawhero 'Church House' 2011 Gisborne Chardonnay Musque 12.2%
N: Quite a lifted and floral bouquet with reminders of 'classic' Chardonnay reminders of sweet peach and red apple. This expression suggests a delicate edgy note of grape - perhaps related to the Musque side of the clone. A hint of raw sugar and no oak to speak of on the nose.
P: Reflects the nose with the peach, apple and spiced fruit flavors; a medium weighted wine with youthful medium+ acidity keeping the palate crisp and vibrant; just dry with a medium finish; Very food friendly friendly and in a 'drink now' style. Balanced and well made.
3 Stars
Jackson Estate 'Shelter Belt' Chardonnay 2010 Marlborough 13.5%
N: Peach and nectarine fruits are introduced first followed by a mild nutty (cashew) and creamy almost buttery suggestion. Youthful yet mild in its attack, mild oak and complexity completes the bouquet.
P: Creamy, dry and medium weighted wine with stone fruits flavors reappearing alongside a bite of oak and acidity. Moderate length and complexity - a very approachable wine two to three years sound drinking ahead. Balanced and well made.
3.5 Stars
