Nautilus Chardonnay Marlborough 2013 13.5%
A deliciously youthful bouquet of citrus and stone-fruit suggestions laced with a mix of new oak and its many offerings; some older oak also makes a statement with a layer of complexity - it is however a robustly youthful aroma overall. On the palate - dry, charming, youthful and nervous; the oak still stands out and is competing with the fruits and overall character for attention. I can however see through this into 12 months from now where this wine will demonstrate its star quality and potential; medium+ acidity and oak, the creamy textures will only round out and the oak soften just enough to become a very smart wine indeed. A lengthy finish which at present is a tad warm from the alcohol and youth, but easily overcome with the right glass, cuisine and company.
5 Stars - delicious!
Opawa Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014 13.5%
A very lush and juicy fruit centred bouquet - sweet white fruits of apples and pear, a little white pepper spice and peach. On the palate - dry with lots of fruit suggestions; medium+ acidity accentuates the white pepper note. Overall a tasty wine with medium length and moderate complexity. Great food wine - especially seafood medleys.
3.5 Stars
Opawa Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013 13.5%
Lots of red and black cherry fruits with red apple skin and oak; Bold and fresh expression with a vibrant Marlborough signature of stones and dry river bed. The palate suggests a youthful wine that requires a little more maturation; medium+ acidity, firm tannins and cool climate fruits. The fruits are as the nose suggests. Medium+ length. A wine that must be served with food if you open a bottle today, but best left in cellar for 3 more years.
4 Stars
Rockburn Central Otago Fume Blanc 2013 13%
A significant bouquet led by the aromas of barrel-fermented and matured fruits; a soft and gentle sweet hay layer denotes the Sauvignon Blanc, the rest of the bouquet is centred on the synergy between the aforementioned attributes. The palate reveals a wine that has a bold impact with lip-smacking acidity, creamy vanilla scented oak and a peach lemon apple core.
Youthful still and will mature for 2-3 years to come. Definitely worthy of your attention.
I need to work on a food suggestion for this style, but my initial thoughts are - Morton Bay bugs with a light herb and lemon butter.
4 Stars
Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012 14%
Light smokey mineral scented fruits start the bouquet; moderate oak and medium+ complexity. Lots of light red fruits with medium to dark cherry and sweet plum; a note of red flowers and red apple skin add further depth to this youthful and positive bouquet.
The palate shows a dry and complex wine that is a little hidden just now with lots of youthful tannins, medium+ acidity and fresh fruit appeal; oak too, but not an oaky wine per se; medium+ length. This is a wine that needs more cellar time and if not an hour or three in decanter. A food wine too at this stage - rare seared venison based dishes.
4 Stars
Rockburn Central Otago 'Ten Barrels' Pinot Noir 2012 13.5%
The ten barrels says it all - there's no mistaking the influence of oak here - but this is a bouquet with depth and charm as well....the sweet and spicy layers that the oak brings only enhances the core of fruit. Sweet strawberry and raspberry with spiced black plum notes and brown spices.
On the palate - dry with a fine collection of tannins, medium+ acidity and lashings of oak; the balance comes from a core of fruit that carries the charm and personality within this expression. A longish finish leads to a need for another sip.
5 Stars
The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Waihopai River Marlborough 13%
Vibrant, crisp and vibrant fruit centred bouquet with lots of fresh fruit aromas - Gala apple, Banana-Passionfruit then sweet fresh herbs. The palate is equally vibrant with flavors apples, pear with light tropical fruit notes; refreshing acidity in a just dry style; balanced and well made. A style to please many - with or without food.
3.5 Stars
The Ned Pinot Gris 2014 Marlborough 14%
A gentle apricot blush appearance with spun-gold hues
Sweet and generous bouquet of white fleshed fruits - poached pear and white peach, apple and a light floral layer. The palate shows a wine which is lush and fruity, crisp and just dry on the finish. Balanced and well made - again a style to please many - on its own or with food.
3.5 Stars
The Ned Pinot Noir 2013 Southern Valleys Marlborough 14%
Lots of Pinosity with a bold red fruits bouquet - plums and dark cherry; lots of raspberry dark velvet rose highlights; mild oak adds complexity. Overall a fresh youthful expression. The palate reveals a dry, light-bodied wine with medium fine tannins and medium+ acidity; a fresh youthful and fruity expression in a drink now style. A wine that will also mature for 2-3 years with ease. Balanced and well made with medium length and great appeal.
4 Stars
Stonecroft Hawke's Bay Gewurztraminer 2013 13.5%
Voluptuous and fragrant with a blossoming bouquet of pot-pourri and rose petals, gentle tropical fruits and sweet apple baked pear; French lavender layer emerges after a while. The palate follows through with a generous and spicy package of flavors - pear and apples - baked and fresh; a mild oily texture on the finish enhances the length - medium+ and acidity - medium. The gentle warmth of the alcohol brings the whole package together.
A great wine for salmon based dishes with Asian seasonings.
4 Stars
Seifried Nelson 2013 Gruner Veltliner 12%
Unmistakable GV bouquet of pineapple tin white radish and sugar snaps with a chalky mineral suggestion and white floral notes - high toned and inviting. The palate follows through with similar flavors; light-bodied with medium+ (ish) acidity and a moderate finish;there a note of maturity on the palate.
Overall a balanced and well made wine
3 Stars
Seifried Nelson 2014 Gruner Veltliner 12%
Seifried's winemaker has captured many of the hallmarks of fine GV with a youthful core of fruit enhanced with radish and subtle vegetal/grassy notes that collectively offer an inviting and refreshing bouquet. The palate brings this all together with lush almost fleshy textures of fruits and GV flavors; medium+ acidity, chalky and stony mineral suggestions and a medium+ finish. Lovely balance.
4 Stars
Seifried Nelson 2014 Sauvignon Blanc 13%
A delicious bouquet of SB highlighted by the aromas of a stony minerality surrounded by fleshy tropical fruits, citrus and light herbaceous tones - reminds a little Loire Valley. The palate confirms this with vibrant textures and fruit highlights that include apples and lemons and even a little under-ripe peach note; high acidity and a little grass and fresh herb layer only adds to this wines appeal. Balanced yet very new, medium+ length; well made.
4 Stars
Seifried Nelson 2014 Gewurztraminer 13%
Very floral with fragrances of white rose and Spring flowers; lots of fruit suggestions with a salad of apples and pears; a lighter spice overall with hints of ginger and citrus peel. The palate shows a very feminine style of Gewurz' with a soft creamy texture embellished with sweet flowers and white fruit flavors; medium acidity and a gentle medium finish.
3.5 Stars
Seifried Nelson 2012 Barrique Fermented Chardonnay 14%
Chardonnay fans are going to love this wine - a familiar and robust bouquet of nutty, baked stone-fruit and burnt butter aromas with a moderate+ oak signature; there's also a brioche and creme-brulee note as well - in other words 'old-school' and classic. A maturing, but delightful bouquet overall.
On the palate - dry, full-bodied, warm and full of the flavors described above; baked stone fruits and nutty brioche flavors; the vanilla oak layer stands out, but overall a lovely wine to enjoy now and through 2015.
4.5 Stars
Old Coach Road Pinot Gris 2014 Nelson 12%
A Wine by Seifried
A distinctive varietal bouquet of Pinot Gris with crisp red apple and white fleshed stone fruit in particular nectarine - youthful, fruity and inviting
On the palate - just dry with a core of fruit centering on apples and pears with white stone fruit and blossom highlights; medium+ acidity and a balanced medium finish. As always a well made wine from the Seifried stable.
3 Stars
Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Nelson Lighter Alcohol 9%
A Wine by Seifried
Grassy, herbaceous and pungent aromatics - classic New World and NZ SB bouquet - crisp apple and citrus fruits with tropical suggestions of paw paw and melon.
On the palate - very crisp with powerful almost electric acidity highlighting the lemon and grapefruit flavors then green apple; grassy and vegetal'; the lower alcohol is noticeable in favor of the crispness fruit signature.
Well made
Old Coach Road Pinot Noir 2012 Nelson 13.5%
Fragrances of old cherry and Autumn leaves with strawberry jam and old wood notes. On the palate - a dry wine, light bodied with medium acidity and tannins to match; maturing with a light herbal note; A wine to enjoy with light-bodied foods such as angel-hair pasta with tomato, clams, kale and fresh herbs.
