Te Kairanga

Te Kairanga TK Pinot Noir 2013 Martinborough 14%
Ripe, clean, varietal and showing pinosity - this benchmark Pinot from TK reveals a lot of drink now qualities with aromas and flavors of plum, cranberry, strawberry and cherry fruits held in place with a decent measure of oak, but definitely not too much showing a mild spice and toasty layer; medium tannins and medium+ ish acidity. Balanced and well made in a drink now expression.
3 Stars

Te Kairanga TK 'John Martin' Pinot Noir 2013 Martinborough 14%

A bouquet that shows a big hand at the outset with a bold statement of oak equally showing generosity of fruit and complexity; specific barrel choice shows the seriousness of this wine with complexity and depth; dark plum, roasted cherry pie and black strawberry add to the fruit core. On the palate - dry yet very juicy with a lovely concentration of fruit flavors; medium+ tannins and acidity; medium+ oak and a longish finish. Memorable and more than drinkable.

5 Stars

Peregrine

Peregrine Pinot Noir 2011 Central Otago 13.5%
A generous and toasty warm bouquet of red fruits centering on red plum and raspberry, the black cherry notes I also get are emphasised by the judicious use of oak - which is obvious but certainly not overdone; medium+ complexity and inviting. On the palate - dry, tasty, chewy and complex with cherry and red fruit flavors, a touch of Otago wild brush, a dry stone almost schist-like quality to the minerality; the tannins are fine and tense with a mix of oak and fruit origins and with the oak at the fore in this still very youthful example; medium+ complexity and finish. A fine wine to be included in your next cellar purchase.
4.5 Stars

Te Mania

Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2013 13.5%
Lots of cranberry laced red fruits drive the bouquet of this example: raspberry fresh and dried, plum and cranberry fruits, a touch of red apple skin and red floral. On the palate - dry, crisp and youthful with flavors of crisp and youthful red fruits especially cranberry and strawberry; medium tannins that still need a year or so the integrate into the wine more (so put a few away please); medium length and a mild finish with the oak and oak spice elements emerging on the finish - nice!
3 Stars

Mills Reef Winery

Mills Reef Winery Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay 2013 13.5%
Immediately appealing with a complex and attractive bouquet of sweet lemon and grapefruit flesh, red and green apple and spice; there is a core of fruit at the heart of this wine. On the palate - dry and fresh, packed with flavor and a dash of subtlety, high acidity emphasises the old fashioned lemonade quality; a dry and wet stone layer adds a mineral note as does a dash of spice natural peach and ginger tea. medium+ finish, balanced and well made.
4.5 Stars

Brancott Estate

Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 13%
The punchy and fragrant aromas of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are well embraced in this example: passion fruit and lemon, red apple and grapefruit, wet stone and sweet crisp air are easily identified. On the palate - very crisp and almost dry with lush fruit flavors and vibrant palate appeal. There's no mistaking the signature of Both Brancott and Marlborough in this wine. Overall a lovely example that is sure to please many who like Sauvignon Blanc in this style.
4 Stars 

Grover

Grover Zampa 'Art Collection' Sauvignon Blanc 2013 13.5%
India
Varietal with an herbaceous lift - varietal with a grassy and zesty bouquet laced with lemon skin and other citrus fruits; apple and tropical notes. On the palate a crisp wine with an immediate herbaceous quality followed by some citrus flavors; this transitions into a another spectrum that I suspect is linked to the yeasts of the region and even some terroir elements - a quinine and lemon zest combination - that I associate with tonic water (and gin).
Overall a sound, light bodied and dry finishing wine.

Grover Zampa 'Art Collection' Cabernet Shiraz 2013 14%
A very fruity bouquet packed with aromas of dark red fruits and black currant; the sweet fruit lift often associated with a wine from South Australia is obvious to me - a little jammy. A mild wood element adds a hint of complexity. On the palate - dry with flavors of reds fruits - mostly currant and plum based, medium acidity and mild tannins - a very approachable wine - now - perhaps not for the cellar. Overall a sound wine with medium length and a mild finish.

Grover Zampa 'Grover Vineyards La Reserve Nandi Hills 2011 Cabernet Shiraz 14%
The Shiraz component drives the bouquet with a peppery dark fruits laden beginning; the oak is noticeable yet well placed; the Cabernet follows with blackberry fruits and a light herbaceous quality. On the palate - dry with sweet and lush fruits laced with oak and a quinine like layer - adding a touch of complexity and charm - certainly a point of difference. Like the Art Collection Shiraz Cabernet there is a warm climate Australian feel about the wine; medium+ tannins - smooth yet integrating still, medium acidity and finish. A well made wine with potential.
3 Stars

Tony Bish

Tony Bish 'Fat n Sassy' Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2013 13.5%
A gentle Chardonnay bouquet with a soft unfurling of sweet stone fruit; this builds  as the wine begins to open up over a few minutes. The aromas of oak are mixed with roasted and fresh stone fruits especially peach, layers of vanilla and toasty oak add complexity.
On the palate - a lush and full bodied wine with lots of Chardonnay finesse and charm; plump stone fruit flavors with creamy golden delicious apple suggestions; a brioche nutty note adds to the complexity; A lovely example that will capture many on its texture alone; while this wines finishes dry it offers a sweet and lush feel with a longish finish.
4 Stars