Posted: September 4, 2019
A big wine with a powerful but fine tannin structure. Shows some age and smells of blackberries with forest floor-like notes and dark leafy fruit flavours. 3-5
Comments Off on Brand’s Laira Blockers Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Creamy stonefruit nose with honeyed complexity and a well poised palate with good oak/fruit integration.
Comments Off on Brand’s Laira Blockers Coonawarra Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
A delicate bouquet of fresh pears with a floral edge. Nicely textured palate has attractive citrus flavours and crisp finish.
Comments Off on Singlefile Wines Run Free Great Southern Pinot Grigio 2019 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Lifted strawberry and cream bouquet and creamy palate with upfront raspberry and strawberry flavours and refreshing acidity.
Comments Off on Saint & Scholar Adelaide Hills Rosé 2019 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Another blockbuster with “mountains of tannins.” “Approach with caution for the next 5 years!” 5+
Comments Off on Haselgrove Wines Il Padrone McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Fragrant floral peachy aromas and a lingering candied musky flavour profile with lovely racy line of acidity.
Comments Off on Haselgrove Wines Alternative Series McLaren Vale Fiano 2019 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Enjoyable young, this single-vineyard, Alexandra wine was matured for nine months in French oak barrels. Bright, light yellow, it is full-bodied and well-rounded, with ripe, peachy, slightly toasty flavours, showing considerable complexity, and a creamy-smooth finish. $24
Comments Off on Ruru Central Otago Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Already enjoyable, this regional blend was handled with French and Hungarian oak. Ruby hued, it is a fresh, supple, medium-bodied red with well-ripened cherry, plum and spice flavours, nutty, savoury notes adding complexity, gentle tannins and a very smooth, harmonious…
Comments Off on Rapaura Springs Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This ruby hued, vibrant, supple red was matured in French and Hungarian oak. Still youthful, it has very satisfying depth of fresh, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and a smooth finish. Best drinking mid-2020+. $33
Comments Off on Rapaura Springs Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Pink/orange, this is a full-bodied, basically dry style with strong, peachy, strawberryish, slightly spicy flavours and a rounding finish. Ready to roll. $21 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Jackson Estate Alayna Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Enjoyable now, this fully barrel-fermented wine was oak-matured for 10 months. Bright, light yellow/green, it is medium to full-bodied, with strong, citrusy, peachy, slightly toasty flavours, showing good complexity, and a crisp, lively finish. $30
Comments Off on Volcanic Hills Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Certified organic, this youthful wine was partly barrel-fermented. Bright, light lemon/green, it is tightly structured, with strong, peachy, limey, herbal flavours, barrel-ferment notes adding complexity, and a crisp, lingering finish. Best drinking mid-2020+. $25 (A, UK, US)
Comments Off on Urlar Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This elegant red is ruby hued, with a fragrant, savoury bouquet. Medium-bodied, it has lots of current-drinking appeal, with ripe cherry, spice and nut flavours, gentle tannins and a well-rounded, very harmonious finish. $30
Comments Off on Tohu Single Vineyard Whenua Matua Upper Moutere Nelson Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Attractively scented and lively, this fresh, generous, estate-grown wine is already drinking well. Bright, light lemon/green, it has peachy, slightly gingery flavours, with a sliver of sweetness balanced by appetising acidity, and excellent vibrancy, harmony and depth. $28
Comments Off on Tohu Single Vineyard Whenua Awa Marlborough Awatere Valley Riesling 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This vivacious Waiheke Island sparkling is a distinctive blend of pinot gris (78%) and flora (22%), made by the charmat process. Very fresh and aromatic, it is crisp and lively, with vibrant, pear-like flavours, slightly citrusy and spicy, lees-aging notes…
Comments Off on Thomas Blanc de Gris Waiheke Island 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Offering good value, this attractive, single-vineyard red was grown at Alexandra and matured for 10 months in French oak (20% new). Bright ruby, with fresh, strong, cherryish, plummy, spicy flavours, it has nutty, savoury notes adding complexity, and a backbone…
Comments Off on Ruru Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This perfumed, softly mouthfilling wine was grown in the Immigrant’s Vineyard, at Alexandra. Bright, light lemon/green, it has strong, ripe, peachy, distinctly spicy flavours, pronounced varietal character, and an off-dry, well-rounded finish. $27
Comments Off on Ruru Central Otago Gewurztraminer 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Enjoyable young, this vibrantly fruity wine was grown in the Southern Valleys and partly barrel-fermented. Bright, light yellow/green, it has rich, peachy, slightly toasty flavours, fresh acidity and a finely balanced finish. Drink now or cellar. $29
Comments Off on Rapaura Springs Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This firm, youthful red was grown at Onetangi and matured for 10 months in French and American oak barriques. Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with strong, ripe, berryish, spicy flavours, fresh acidity and good complexity. Best drinking 2021+. $42
Comments Off on Obsidian Estate Waiheke Island Tempranillo 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Already very expressive, this lively, single-vineyard, Awatere Valley wine was hand-harvested and fermented and matured in seasoned French oak puncheons. Bright, light yellow/green, it is full-bodied, with strong, vibrant, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, good complexity, balanced acidity and a dry…
Comments Off on Hunter’s Marlborough Gruner Veltliner 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Certified organic, this Wairau Valley wine is based on the estate’s youngest vines. Bright, light lemon/green, it has a fresh, ripe bouquet, leading into a mouthfilling, sweet-fruited wine with generous, tropical fruit flavours, crisp, dry and lively. $21
Comments Off on Clos Henri Petit Clos Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Drinking well now, this generous wine was hand-picked and matured for a year in American and French oak casks (12% new). Fragrant and full-bodied, it has citrus and stonefruit flavours, mealy, savoury notes adding complexity, and a smooth, slightly creamy…
Comments Off on Blackenbrook Nelson Chardonnay 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Made in an extroverted style, this pale gold wine was hand-harvested in the Wairau Valley and fermented and matured for eight months in French oak puncheons. Full-bodied, it has strong, ripe stonefruit flavours, seasoned with toasty oak, excellent complexity and…
Comments Off on Allan Scott [Black Label] Marlborough Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Well worth cellaring, this fresh, elegant, vigorous wine has strong, citrusy, peachy flavours, with toasty and smoky notes adding complexity, appetising acidity and a poised, slightly creamy finish. Best drinking 2021+. $30
Comments Off on Tohu Single Vineyard Whenua Matua Upper Moutere Nelson Chardonnay 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This punchy, highly aromatic wine was estate-grown in the upper Awatere Valley. Bright, light lemon/green, it is crisp and mouthfilling, with excellent vigour and depth of tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, lively and long. $28
Comments Off on Tohu Single Vineyard Whenua Awa Marlborough Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This very ageworthy red was estate-grown in the upper Awatere Valley. Deep, bright ruby, it is fragrant and savoury, with concentrated plum, cherry, spice and herb flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, fresh acidity and very good complexity. Best drinking 2021+….
Comments Off on Tohu Single Vineyard Whenua Awa Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
A drink-now or cellaring proposition, this vibrantly fruity, partly barrel-fermented wine is bright, light lemon/green, with a fragrant, creamy bouquet. Full-bodied and dry, it has fresh, peachy, slightly toasty flavours, balanced acidity and excellent depth. $36
Comments Off on Tohu Single Vineyard Whenua Awa Upper Awatere Marlborough Pinot Blanc 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
From a Waiheke Island-based producer, this youthful wine is well worth cellaring. Bright, light lemon/green, it is medium-bodied, with strong, vibrant flavours of peaches and grapefruit, a gentle splash of sweetness, good acid spine, and excellent drive, harmony and length….
Comments Off on Thomas Martinborough Riesling 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Drinking well now, this characterful, dry rosé was made from unstated grape varieties (pinot gris and pinot noir is my guess), barrel-fermented and lees-aged for an extended period. Bright, light pink, it has strong, fresh, peachy, spicy, strawberryish flavours, showing…
Comments Off on Staete Landt Nude Marlborough Rosé 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Well worth cellaring, this Alexandra red was matured for 10 months in French oak barrels (20% new). Deep ruby, with a fragrant, savoury bouquet, it is full-bodied and sweet-fruited, with youthful cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent concentration and…
Comments Off on Ruru Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Certified organic, this estate-grown wine is fleshy and full-bodied, with good complexity and a slightly creamy texture. Still unfolding, it is vibrantly fruity, with strong, ripe, stonefruit flavours to the fore, balanced acidity and a dryish, long finish. $27
Comments Off on Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This fresh, generous, very ageworthy wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels (40% new) and wood-aged for 10 months. Weighty and sweet-fruited, with concentrated stonefruit flavours, balanced acidity, good complexity and a slightly creamy texture, it should…
Comments Off on Obsidian Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Full of drink-young charm, but also ageworthy, this delicious Onetangi red was barrel-matured for 10 months (French, 30% new). Full-coloured, it is fresh, full-bodied and supple, with vibrant, plummy, berryish flavours, showing good concentration, savoury notes adding complexity and gentle…
Comments Off on Obsidian Estate Waiheke Island Montepulciano 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This elegant, tightly structured wine was hand-picked at Rapaura, and fermented and matured for a year in large French oak casks (40% new). Light lemon/green, it is fresh, vibrant and youthful, with concentrated, citrusy flavours, gently seasoned with oak, lively…
Comments Off on Hunter’s Offshoot Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This very lively, full-flavoured, bottle-fermented Marlborough bubbly is a blend of chardonnay (50%), pinot noir (46%) and pinot meunier (4%). Pale lemon/green, it has rich, peachy, slightly citrusy and appley flavours, toasty notes adding complexity, and a crisp, dryish finish….
Comments Off on Hunter’s Miru Miru NV / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Certified organic, this attractive, deep ruby Wairarapa red is full of personality. French oak-aged for 10 months, it is youthful and fragrant, with a complex, savoury bouquet. Mouthfilling and supple, it has deep, cherryish, spicy flavours, hints of plums and…
Comments Off on Urlar Gladstone Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This elegant, youthful, distinctly cool climate wine was grown in the upper Awatere Valley and French oak-aged. Bright, light lemon/green, with a fragrant, fresh, slightly smoky bouquet, it is vigorous, with intense, peachy, citrusy flavours, oak complexity, and a finely…
Comments Off on Tohu Single Vineyard Whenua Awa Marlborough Awatere Valley Chardonnay 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Certified organic, this is a distinctive, classy wine. Bright, light yellow/green, it is invitingly fragrant, full-bodied and vibrantly fruity, with deep, citrusy, peachy flavours, a hint of ginger, toasty notes adding complexity and a dry, lasting finish. Full of youthful…
Comments Off on Rock Ferry The Corners Vineyard Marlborough Gruner Veltliner 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This distinctive, highly satisfying wine was estate-grown in the Wairau Valley and partly (10%) barrel-fermented. Fragrant and weighty, with power through the palate, it has excellent body and depth of ripely herbaceous flavours, a subtle seasoning of oak and a…
Comments Off on Clos Henri Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Estate-grown in The Canyon Vineyard at Bendigo, this is an attractively scented, ageworthy red. Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, savoury and supple, with strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, finely balanced tannins and impressive complexity. Best drinking 2021+. $40
Comments Off on Tarras Vineyards Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Drinking well now, this is a blend of Bendigo and Alexandra grapes, French oak-matured for nine months. Ruby hued, with a hint of development, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with generous, spicy, nutty flavours, balanced tannins and very good complexity….
Comments Off on Kuru Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Already drinking well, this impressive red is New Zealand’s southernmost tempranillo. Deeply coloured, with a fragrant bouquet, it is mouthfilling, sweet-fruited, savoury and supple, with generous, plummy, berryish flavours, a hint of herbs, and excellent depth, complexity and harmony. $45
Comments Off on Brennan Gibbston Central Otago Tempranillo 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This drink-young charmer is ruby hued, fresh and very harmonious, with ripe, moderately concentrated flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and a smooth finish. $28
Comments Off on Pick & Shovel Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This skilfully crafted, drink-young charmer was matured in tanks, without oak, “to retain bright fruit”. Deep ruby, with a fresh, fragrant bouquet, it is full-bodied, with ripe plum and spice flavours, gentle tannins, and very good depth. It’s already enjoyable….
Comments Off on Devil’s Staircase Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Still unfolding, this fresh, vibrant, supple red was French oak-aged for a year. Deep ruby, it has very good vigour and concentration, with cherry, plum and spice flavours, a hint of herbs, savoury notes adding complexity and a finely balanced…
Comments Off on Volcanic Hills Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Showing good potential, this single-vineyard red was grown at Earnscleugh, near Alexandra, and matured for 10 months in French oak barrels (30% new). Deep ruby, it is mouthfilling and fruit-packed, with strong, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, fresh acidity…
Comments Off on Three Miners Warden’s Court Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Enjoyable young but worth cellaring, this is a single-vineyard Alexandra red. Deeply coloured, with fresh cherry, plum and herb aromas and flavours, gently seasoned with French oak, it is a lively wine, generous and supple. $32
Comments Off on Rock N Pillar Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
Drinking well now, this fragrant, generous red was hand-harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts, matured for a year in French oak barrels (20% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deep ruby, it is full-bodied and sweet-fruited, with strong, vibrant, plummy, spicy…
Comments Off on Gold Digger Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / September 4, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
This organically certified red doesn’t claim Bannockburn origin on its labels, but is “essentially a declassification of wine from the Carrick vineyards.” Full, bright ruby, it has very good depth of vibrant, ripe, plummy, spicy flavours, savoury notes adding complexity,…
Comments Off on Carrick Unravelled Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / September 4, 2019