Posted: November 2, 2022
Quite a tannic wine with a very solid core of pure dark varietal fruit, plenty of oak and chalky tannins.
Comments Off on Wignalls Single Vineyard Albany Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Very varietal with heaps of structure and plenty of savoury elements.
Comments Off on Wignalls Single Vineyard Albany Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Confectionery and spicy strawberry-like bouquet and a palate that is luscious in the mouth with a perfect harmony between the oak, varietal fruit, spices, acid and tannins.
Comments Off on Bream Creek Vineyard Tasmania Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Aromas of mushrooms and spices with a long well-balanced palate high in acid.
Comments Off on TarraWarra Estate Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
A solid commercial style with good varietal fruit vibrancy, plenty of oak and some crunchy acidity.
Comments Off on Gapsted Wines High Country King Valley Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Freshly scented and supple, this is an attractive, drink-young style, with very good depth of vibrant cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing considerable complexity. $25
Comments Off on Yealands Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Enjoyable young, this is a bright ruby, mouthfilling, vibrantly fruity and supple red, with fresh, berryish, spicy flavours, a touch of complexity and good depth. $25
Comments Off on Babydoll Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This highly drinkable North Canterbury red was barrel-aged for over a year. Full, bright ruby, it is full-bodied and supple, with berryish, spicy, nutty flavours, a hint of herbs, and very good complexity and depth. $32
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Syrah 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Still unfolding, this organically certified red was hand-picked and French oak-matured for a year. Full, bright ruby, it is lively and supple, with strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, hints of tamarillos and nuts, fresh acidity and good complexity. Best…
Comments Off on Terrace Edge North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Already very expressive, this Northland wine is a bold style. Bright, light yellow-green, it is weighty and fleshy, with generous, ripe stonefruit flavours, seasoned with toasty oak, and a creamy-textured finish. $28
Comments Off on Rogue Vine Debonair Bay of Islands Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Still unfolding, this generous wine was barrel-fermented (in oak barriques, hogsheads and 320-litre cigars). Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling and lively, with fresh acidity and strong, youthful, peachy, citrusy, toasty flavours, showing considerable complexity. Best drinking mid-2023+. $23
Comments Off on Montford Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This youthful, tightly structured, estate-grown wine was picked from young vines and fermented in French oak barriques (12.5% new). Bright, light yellow/green, it has strong, lemony scents, leading into a mouthfilling wine, citrusy and peachy, with good vigour, depth and…
Comments Off on Folding Hill Bendigo Central Otago Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This very youthful, crisp, single-vineyard wine was hand-harvested in the Waitaki Valley. Light lemon/green, it is tightly structured, with strong, vibrant, citrusy, slightly spicy flavours, gentle sweetness, and a finely poised, lingering finish. Best drinking mid-2024+. $28 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Wild Earth North Otago Riesling 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Already enjoyable, but well worth cellaring, this regional blend of Bendigo, Bannockburn and Pisa grapes was hand-picked and matured in French oak barrels (24% new). Deep, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, savoury and supple, with generous cherry, plum, spice and…
Comments Off on Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Certified organic, this fragrant, deeply coloured red was matured for over a year in French oak casks (25% new). Full of youthful energy, it is mouthfilling and boldly fruity, with strong, ripe dark berry, plum and spice flavours, supple tannins,…
Comments Off on Terrace Edge North Canterbury Syrah 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Certified organic, this characterful wine was mostly (60%) fermented in seasoned oak barriques. Bright, light lemon/green, it is fragrant and mouthfilling, with a gentle splash of sweetness and strong, vibrant peach, pear and spice flavours, showing excellent delicacy and complexity….
Comments Off on Terrace Edge North Canterbury Pinot Gris 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Certified organic, this is a distinctly medium style of riesling. It has a scented, slightly honeyed bouquet, leading into a rich palate with strong, peachy, gently sweet flavours, moderate acidity, and a smooth, very harmonious finish. It’s already drinking well….
Comments Off on Terrace Edge Liquid Geography North Canterbury Riesling 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Maturing well, this ripely scented, hand-picked wine was fermented and lees-aged for 11 months in French cigar oak barrels (320 litres). Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with strong, tropical fruit flavours, showing good vigour and complexity, balanced…
Comments Off on te Pa Oke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This youthful, fruit-packed red was hand-picked and matured for nearly a year in French oak barrels. Deep, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, with concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, fresh acidity, savoury notes adding complexity and a well-structured finish….
Comments Off on te Pa Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Still very youthful, this hand-harvested wine was fermented in French oak barrels (35% new). Bright, light yellow/green, with a slightly smoky bouquet, it is full-bodied, with strong, ripe, peachy flavours, showing excellent vibrancy and complexity, fresh acidity and a dry,…
Comments Off on te Pa Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Weighty and subtle, this partly barrel-fermented wine was estate-grown and hand-harvested at Northburn, in the Cromwell Basin. Light lemon/green, it is full-bodied, with fresh, youthful melon/lime flavours, woven with lively acidity, a distinct touch of complexity, and very good delicacy…
Comments Off on Te Kano Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Maturing very gracefully, this deep ruby red was estate-grown and hand-harvested at Northburn and Bannockburn, and matured for over a year in French oak barrels (24% new). Mouthfilling, it has strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing very good complexity,…
Comments Off on Te Kano Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Enjoyable young, but well worth cellaring, this vibrant wine was estate-grown and hand-picked at Northburn and Bannockburn, and fermented and lees-aged for nine months in oak barrels. Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with strong, fresh, peachy, citrusy flavours, oak…
Comments Off on Te Kano Central Otago Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Showing good aging potential, this deeply coloured red is vigorous and concentrated. Vibrantly fruity, it has strong blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, oak complexity and fresh acidity. Best drinking 2025+. $38
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Grown at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley, this youthful, vibrant wine is mouthfilling and complex. Offering good intensity of peach and grapefruit flavours, with biscuity, mealy notes, balanced acidity and a lingering finish, it should be at its…
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Cell Block Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Estate-grown at Fairhall, south-west of Blenheim, this elegant red is fresh and vigorous. Full, bright ruby, it has strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, finely balanced oak, savoury notes adding complexity and a lingering finish. Best drinking 2024+. $38 (A)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor’s Creek Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Grown in the lower Brancott Valley, this youthful, Mosel-like wine was stop-fermented in a medium-sweet style. Light and lively, it has strong, lemony, appley flavours, showing good delicacy and vigour. Best drinking 2025+. $27
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Marlborough Riesling 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Grown in the Southern Valleys, this very ageworthy red was French oak-matured for 10 months. Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, and supple tannins. Best drinking 2024+. $44
Comments Off on Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Grown ‘predominantly’ in the Omaka Valley, this youthful wine is bright, light lemon/green, with mouthfilling body. Vibrantly fruity, it has strong, citrusy, peachy flavours, savoury and complex, and a slightly creamy finish. Best drinking mid-2023+. $38 (A)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This is one of the best Hawke’s Bay reds I’ve tasted from a Marlborough-based producer (te P?). Grown in the Gimblett Gravels, it is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (44%), cabernet franc (29%), merlot (24%) and tempranillo (3%). Full-coloured, with…
Comments Off on Montford Estate Manny Red Hawke’s Bay 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This powerful, sturdy, savoury red is still unfolding. Hand-picked from 30 year-old vines, it was matured in French oak casks (35% new). Full-coloured, it has strong, ripe plum, red berry and spice flavours, a hint of liquorice, leathery and nutty…
Comments Off on Longview Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Northland Merlot 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Drinking well from now onwards, this single-vineyard wine was grown at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley. Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling and vigorous, with very good intensity of tropical fruit flavours, a herbaceous undercurrent, a touch of…
Comments Off on Lake Chalice The Raptor Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This stylish young wine was grown in the central Wairau Valley, and fermented and matured for eight months in French oak barriques (partly new). Full-bodied, it has very good intensity of vibrant, peachy, citrusy flavours, gentle mealy and biscuity notes…
Comments Off on Lake Chalice The Raptor Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Designed for cellaring, this deeply coloured red was estate-grown in the Delta Vineyard, in the Southern Valleys. A bold, fruit-packed, very youthful wine, it is fresh and vigorous, with concentrated, berryish, spicy flavours, showing considerable complexity, and good tannin backbone….
Comments Off on Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This fragrant wine was grown ‘predominantly’ at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley, and fermented in French oak barriques. Bright, light lemon/green, it is elegant and vibrantly fruity, with generous, youthful, citrusy, peachy flavours, a subtle oak influence, slightly…
Comments Off on Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Delicious young, this is a full-bodied riesling. Bright, light yellow/green, with a vaguely honeyed bouquet, it has rich peach and passionfruit flavours, in a medium style with fresh, appetising acidity, and excellent depth and harmony. $28
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Riesling 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Still youthful, this hand-harvested red was matured for 10 months in seasoned oak barrels. Deep ruby, it is mouthfilling, savoury and supple, with fresh, strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent complexity. Best drinking 2024+. $40
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This distinctive, ageworthy wine was estate-grown, and fermented and lees-aged for six months in a 50/50 split of tanks and old oak casks. Bright, light lemon/green, it is full-bodied, vibrantly fruity and complex, with vigorous, peachy, spicy, slightly biscuity flavours…
Comments Off on The Elder Martinborough Pinot Gris 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This elegant, very youthful red should be long-lived. Full, bright ruby, with a fragrant bouquet, it is mouthfilling, with fresh acidity and concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, complex and savoury. Best drinking 2024+. $50
Comments Off on Terrace Edge Chosen Barrel North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This vivacious rosé was made from pinot noir, hand-picked at Northburn, in the Cromwell Basin. Bright, light pink, it is currently delicious, with fresh strawberry, watermelon and spice flavours, and a finely poised, lengthy finish. $30 (A,UK)
Comments Off on Te Kano Central Otago Rosé 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Showing obvious potential, this deeply coloured red has a fragrant, spicy bouquet. Full-bodied, it has concentrated blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, fresh acidity, and excellent ripeness and complexity. Savoury and supple, it’s still youthful and well worth cellaring to 2025+….
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Already delicious, this strongly varietal wine has mouthfilling body. Bright, light lemon/green, it has fresh, deep citrusy, peachy, spicy flavours, balanced acidity, a slightly salty streak, and a finely poised, dry, lingering finish. Best drinking 2023+. $27
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 Bull Block Marlborough Gruner Veltliner 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This classy, distinctive red was picked from 30 year-old vines and matured in French oak casks (25% new). Deeply coloured, it is mouthfilling, with dense, vibrant blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, enriched with finely integrated, nutty oak, and good tannin…
Comments Off on Longview Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Northland Malbec 2019 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Full of personality, this golden wine was harvested in May with raisining and a 20% ‘noble rot’ infection. Fermented in old oak barrels, it is weighty, concentrated and complex, with sweet, peachy, spicy, gently honeyed flavours, showing a slightly oily…
Comments Off on Ataahua Late Harvest Waipara Gewurztraminer 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
This finely crafted wine is already delicious, but ageworthy too. Hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts in seasoned oak barrels, it is fragrant and full-bodied, with lovely vigour and depth of fresh, peachy, citrusy flavours, complex and savoury, and a…
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Toasty oak driven wine with some sweetish porty fruit showing through. Drinking well now.
Comments Off on Reillys Dry Land Clare Shiraz 2017 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
A thick dark purple wine that is a rich, full-bodied and flavoursome “butcher shop” of a style with a high level of tannins and nice long acid backbone.
Comments Off on Kirrihill Partner Series Clare Valley Shiraz 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Intense and complex dark fruit aromas with a slight herbal edge and a good concentration of rhubarb/plum fruit characters on the long palate and tight line of acid.
Comments Off on Millon Wines The Estate Barossa Shiraz 2020 / 0 View / September 3, 2022
Posted: September 3, 2022
Slight menthol lift to the nose with an inviting strawberry sorbet-like palate.
Comments Off on Zonte’s Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Fleurieu Rosé 2022 / 0 View / September 3, 2022