Weaver Estate Rose Pinot Noir 2011 Central Otago 13%
N: Rose petal pink appearance of onion skin; very fruity with a light red fruits prevailing – Strawberry, Raspberry, Melon and strawberry marshmallow; simple yet expressive.
P: Reflects the nose in every way with crisp summer ready structure – keen acidity and sweet light red fruits, very soft and gentle; low tannin notes; balanced and well made moderate finish.
3.5 stars
Weaver Estate Pinot Gris 2011 Central Otago 13%
N: Very youthful and fruity expression with a gentle oak spice over–tone; varietal apple and pear bouquet with sweet edge suggestion.
P: Fruity and spicy with tree fruit and tree fruit skin flavours ( Apple and pear) accentuated a little by the warmth of the alcohol and spice from a touch of barrel influence. In combination the spring flavourful and characterful wine. Median plus acidity with moderately this wine is balanced and well made.
3.5 stars
Flying Sheep Hawke's Bay Sangiovese 2009 14.5%
Produced by Osawa Wines
N: Strawberry, raspberry, cherry and sweet oak spices with a cigar note and seems like carefully selected oak.
P: Fruity, spicy and dry (Pinot Noir elements) with cherry and strawberry notes, mixed with wood-spice laden highlights; medium+ acidity and medium to medium+ youthful yet fine tannins.
A very easy on the palate food friendly wine or quite satisfying on its own; balanced and well made.
3.5 Stars
Woven Stone Ohau Pinot Gris 2011 13.5%
N: Fruity, fresh and vivid with ripe white fleshed stone fruits - sweet pear and apple; there is complexity too with a spice and gravel suggestion.
P: Off-dry with residual sugar sweetness balanced by medium+ acidity; minerals and spice plus complexity then a driving ripe fruit core. There is an overall fine balance to this wine with good length and balance. Well made.
4.5 Stars
Incognito Merlot Cabernet Franc Hawke's Bay 2009 14.5%
N: Fruity, varietal and generous with plum, soft blackberry and suggestions of brown spices; moderate complexity - a youthful entree.
P: Fruity and dry with a warm note from the alcohol, medium+ tannins; plum and tart plum with a light blackberry and a chocolate spice note. Balanced overall with a medium+ length and finish.
3 Stars
Sustainable DOTS Pinot Gris 2010 Hawke's Bay 14.5%
N: Varietal characteristics of green pear, apples and light white-fleshed stone fruits undertones, over tones of spring flowers and a dash of white pepper.
P: Warm and spicy with medium+ acidity and alcohol with pear and pear skin flavors and a splash of white pepper; moderate complexity with a hint of residual sugar on the finish.
2.5 Stars
Sustainable DOTS Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Hawke's Bay 14%
Produced by Osawa Wines
N: Lots of lush and juicy dark plums, chocolate, black and blue berry fruits; inviting earthy and spiced aromas, mild toasty oak notes.
P: Flavors of plum and blue fruits show first; medium+ tannins - a smooth beginning then more black fruits kick in and plum again; medium+ (just) acidity; dry with a fruit and oak forward style, moderate+ complexity and finish. A wine still in development - hanging onto some youthful components. Balanced and well made. Perhaps a food wine still.
4 Stars
