Posted: November 30, 2021
A big wine; tons of flavour. Smells of honeysuckle with toasty development. Great balance between the oak, fruit and age.
Comments Off on Seresin Estate (BioGro NZ) Marlborough Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Interesting style developing intriguing secondary characters with some zesty acidity.
Comments Off on Clos Henri (BioGro NZ) Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A pretty wine. “Reminds me of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon,” said one judge!
Comments Off on Rosnay Organic (OFC) Cowra Sparkling Rosé 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Resinous red fruit nose with mocha notes and a candied lift. Juicy in the mouth not complex but very drinkable.
Comments Off on Minimum (ACO) Central Victoria Sangiovese Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
“A butter bomb.” Rich and rounded with ripe fruit and well-handled oak.
Comments Off on Minimum (ACO) Central Victoria Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A lovely rich and powerful drink with beautiful red berry and plum-like fruit sitting on a bed of firm tannins with excellent use of oak and drying finish.
Comments Off on Temple Bruer Organic Wines The Agonist (NASAA) Riverland Shiraz Mataro 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Lovely regional example of cabernet. Very cool climate spicy red fruit compote of a wine with an abundance of oak.
Comments Off on Temple Bruer Organic Wines The Agonist (NASAA) Eden Valley Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A perfect varietal blend with an intense minty choc bouquet layered with berries and plums and great complexity to the palate with long drying tannins.
Comments Off on Temple Bruer Organic Wines The Agonist (NASAA) McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A big, somewhat extracted, but seamlessly balanced, fruit driven style. Some earthiness to the nose and warm and fleshy in the mouth with firm tannins.
Comments Off on Hayes Family Wines Estate Blk 3 (ACO ‘In Conversion’) Barossa Valley Mataro 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Not overly varietal but offers light easy drinking with candied red fruit characters.
Comments Off on Hayes Family Wines Estate Blk 2 (ACO ‘In Conversion’) Barossa Valley Grenache 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A ripe varietal cabernet with a big hit of red fruit, lots of chocolaty oak and firm dusty tannins.
Comments Off on Rosily Vineyard (ACO) Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Light floral fruit bouquet with toasty oak notes. Lively freshness to a palate that is full of shiraz fruit.
Comments Off on Rosily Vineyard (ACO) Margaret River Shiraz 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A complex nose with floral fruit integrated with the oak. Creamy ripe fruit palate with subtle oak.
Comments Off on Rosily Vineyard (ACO) Margaret River Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A nose of fresh nettles and lime zest with a crisp and refreshing palate that exhibits both finesse and elegance.
Comments Off on Rosily Vineyard (ACO) Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A style at the greener/herbaceous end of the spectrum with clean fruit and fresh acidity
Comments Off on Rosily Vineyard (ACO) Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Sweet red fruit and oak nose with resinous notes. Plenty of oak running through the palate.
Comments Off on Robinvale Wines (Demeter Certified Organic & Biodynamic) North West Victoria Shiraz 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Ready to roll, this gentle, sweet-fruited wine was grown in the Awatere Valley and matured for 10 months in French oak barriques. Lightish in colour, it is fragrant, savoury and supple, with cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, showing very…
Comments Off on Ward Valley Mt Victoria Block Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Grown in the lower Wairau Valley, this single-vineyard wine is full-bodied, with fresh, strong tropical fruit flavours to the fore, a herbaceous undercurrent and a crisp, lively finish. $27 (UK)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 21 Bell Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This youthful, supple Waipara Valley, North Canterbury red is good value. Matured in French oak barrels for 18 months, it is fragrant and full-bodied, with excellent depth of ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, nutty, savoury notes adding complexity and…
Comments Off on Main Divide Waipara Valley Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Drinking well in its youth, this wine was grown mostly in the central Wairau Valley and barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts. Light yellow/green, it is full-bodied, with generous, ripe stonefruit flavours, oak complexity, balanced acidity and good harmony. $23 (UK)
Comments Off on Lake Chalice The Raptor Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Priced sharply, this is a single-vineyard red from Alexandra, matured in tanks (60%) and barrels (40%). Deeply coloured, it is mouthfilling and vibrant, with strong, youthful, plummy, spicy flavours, showing considerable complexity, and supple tannins. Best drinking 2022+. (From Snapper…
Comments Off on Cherry Block Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Grown in the Gimblett Gravels, this single-vineyard Hawke’s Bay red is deeply coloured and fleshy, with rich blackcurrant, plum, spice and nut flavours, ripe and smooth, and good complexity. Still youthful, it should be at its best 2022+. $38 (UK)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Still unfolding, this Gimblett Gravels red was blended from cabernet sauvignon (55%), merlot (41%) and malbec (4%). Deeply coloured, with a fresh, fragrant, slightly herbal bouquet, it is full-bodied, with good density of ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, and…
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Grown in the lower reaches of the Waihopai Valley, this is an attractively perfumed wine, ruby hued, savoury and supple. Showing good complexity, it is very harmonious, with silky tannins and lots of drink-young appeal. $38
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 15 Strip Block Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This highly aromatic wine was grown at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley. Fermented in tanks and seasoned barrels, it is medium-bodied and punchy, with good intensity of tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, a subtle seasoning of oak adding…
Comments Off on Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This savoury red was grown in the Southern Valleys. Deeply coloured, it is mouthfilling and fruit-packed, with strong berry and spice flavours, showing good complexity, fine-grained tannins and obvious potential. Open 2022+. $35
Comments Off on Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Already drinking well, this wine was grown mostly in the Ure Valley and fermented and matured in French oak barriques. Fresh and elegant, it has excellent weight and vibrancy, with strong, peachy, citrusy flavours, gentle biscuity and toasty notes adding…
Comments Off on Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This Central Otago pinot noir was fully whole-bunch fermented. A distinctive, generous red, it is full-coloured and fragrant, with concentrated plum and spice flavours, showing impressive complexity, and a firmly structured, long, spicy finish. $40
Comments Off on Pegasus Bay Vergence Red by Mk 1 Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Delicious now, this highly fragrant red was hand-harvested, barrel-aged, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Ruby hued, with some development showing, it is sweet-fruited, savoury, nutty and silky-textured, with excellent complexity and a long finish. Drink now-2022. $50
Comments Off on Jackson Estate Somerset Single Vineyard Waihopai Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This racy, vibrant, youthful wine was estate-grown in the Awatere Valley, partly (10%) barrel-fermented and lees-aged for six months. Weighty and dry, it is freshly aromatic, with strong, ripely herbaceous flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, good acid spine…
Comments Off on Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Showing good density, this North Canterbury red was hand-picked from mature vines and barrel-aged for over a year. Full-coloured, it is fresh and full-bodied, with generous, plummy, spicy, slightly nutty flavours, savoury notes adding complexity and a finely structured, smooth…
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Merlot 2017 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A top example of South Island syrah, this youthful, estate-grown red was matured in French and American oak casks. Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling, vibrant and supple, with blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent ripeness, vigour and depth, and a…
Comments Off on Moutere Hills Nelson Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Priced sharply, this estate-grown red was barrel-aged for nearly a year. Bright ruby, it is sweet-fruited, savoury and supple, with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, a gentle seasoning of oak and good complexity. Enjoyable young, it’s also ageworthy. $24
Comments Off on Old House Vineyards Fantail Nelson Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This ageworthy red was hand-harvested and barrel-aged for a year. Deep ruby, with a hint of development, it has generous cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing good complexity, and a moderately firm finish. Best drinking 2021+. $37
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Well worth cellaring, this elegant red was grown at Upper Moutere, hand-picked and matured for 11 months in French oak casks (50% new). Deep ruby, it is attractively perfumed, with fresh, youthful cherry, plum and spice flavours, nutty and savoury…
Comments Off on Old House Vineyards Falcon Hill Nelson Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Invitingly perfumed, this ruby hued, medium-bodied North Canterbury red is strongly varietal, with moderately youthful, cherryish, spicy flavours. Silky-textured, it has fresh acidity, very good complexity and lots of early-drinking appeal. $37
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Highly perfumed, this fresh, weighty, youthful wine was tank-fermented and briefly lees-aged. Made in a dryish style, it has concentrated, ripe peach, lychee and spice flavours, a hint of ginger, a touch of complexity, and lovely depth and harmony. Best…
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Gewurztraminer 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Already very expressive, this classy young wine was hand-harvested (with 5% botrytised fruit) and fermented in a mix of stainless steel tanks (40%) and seasoned French oak barrels (60%). Bright, light lemon/green, it is vibrantly fruity and gently sweet, with…
Comments Off on Terrace Edge Liquid Geography North Canterbury Riesling 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This full-bodied, creamy-textured wine was estate-grown at Upper Moutere, hand-harvested and fermented and matured for 11 months in French oak casks. Light yellow/green, it has strong, peachy, slightly biscuity flavours, showing good complexity, and fresh acidity. Already drinking well, it…
Comments Off on Old House Vineyards One Tree Nelson Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This distinctive, pale gold wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts in seasoned oak barrels. A ‘full-on’ style, it is weighty and sweet-fruited, with strong, ripe stonefruit flavours, vaguely honeyed notes, fresh acidity, and lots of drink-young appeal. $30
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This powerful, fleshy wine was estate-grown and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. Light yellow/green, it has ripe stonefruit flavours, showing good concentration, buttery and toasty notes adding complexity, and lively acidity. A characterful wine, it’s a drink-now…
Comments Off on Moutere Hills Nelson Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Attractively scented, this single-vineyard wine was mostly handled in tanks; 10% of the blend was barrel-fermented. Bright, light yellow/green, it is medium to full-bodied, with very good vigour and depth of pear, lychee and spice flavours, fresh acidity and a…
Comments Off on Moutere Hills Nelson Pinot Gris 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Certified organic, this characterful Waipara wine was predominantly (60%) fermented in old barrels; the rest was handled in tanks. Invitingly scented, it is fleshy, with good intensity of stonefruit and spice flavours, a hint of toastiness and an off-dry finish….
Comments Off on Terrace Edge North Canterbury Pinot Gris 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Fresh and lively, this estate-grown wine is mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with good intensity of ripely herbaceous flavours, crisp and dry. Ready. $21
Comments Off on Old House Vineyards Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Estate-grown at Upper Moutere, this weighty, slightly creamy wine was fermented and matured for eight months in French oak barrels (12% new). Bright, light yellow/green, it is still unfolding, with strong, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, showing good complexity, fresh acidity…
Comments Off on Old House Vineyards Kaho Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
A pretty floral nose with a perfumed lift. Generous palate, some softness and good flavour length.
Comments Off on Terra Vita Vinum Domaine Richou Bigottiere (EcoCert) Anjou, France Chenin 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
An elegant style of wine with delicate perfumed fruit characters. “An enticing quaffer.”
Comments Off on Terra Vita Vinum Domaine Richou Large Soif (EcoCert) Vin de France Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Delicate red fruit bouquet and great tannin structure to the dense fruit palate.
Comments Off on Lowe Block 8 (ACO) Mudgee Shiraz 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021