Posted: November 7, 2018
This hand-harvested, single-vineyard wine has punchy aromas. Medium-bodied, it is vibrantly fruity, with good intensity of tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, threaded with appetising acidity. $22
Comments Off on Riwaka River Estate Resurgence Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Drinking well now, this single-vineyard red has a fragrant, savoury, slightly herbal bouquet. Deep ruby, it is full-bodied and smooth, with very satisfying depth of cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, showing good complexity. $35
Comments Off on Riwaka River Estate Resurgence Nelson Pinot Noir 2015 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A ‘full-on’ style, this Northland wine was hand-harvested and fermented and matured in French oak barriques. Pale straw, it is weighty and creamy-textured, with rich, peachy, buttery, toasty flavours. $40
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Black Rocks Chardonnay 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Full of drink-young charm, this single-vineyard wine was hand-picked and fermented to near dryness. Bright pink, it is very fresh and lively, with delicate plum and strawberry flavours, finely balanced and vivacious. $25
Comments Off on Maori Point Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Pungently aromatic, this is a tangy, medium-bodied wine with penetrating passionfruit and lime flavours. Vibrantly fruity and tightly structured, it’s still very youthful, but offers good drinking during 2019. (From Pegasus Bay). $21 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Main Divide North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
This fresh, vivacious rosé is a blend of pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Light pink, it is vibrantly fruity, with strawberry and spice flavours, threaded with appetising acidity, and a dry, lingering finish. (From Pegasus Bay). $21 (A)
Comments Off on Main Divide North Canterbury Rosé 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
This highly scented, vibrant wine was hand-picked at two Bannockburn sites. Pale lemon/green, it is light to medium-bodied, with grapefruit-like flavours, hints of apples and peaches, good intensity and a dryish finish. $25 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Domain Road The Water Race Central Otago Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Pale and perfumed, this youthful, single-vineyard wine was mostly handled in tanks; 14 per cent of the blend was barrel-fermented. Mouthfilling, with fresh pear and lychee aromas, it is vividly varietal, with very good delicacy, depth and harmony. Open mid-2019+….
Comments Off on Domain Road Defiance Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Gris 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Delicious from the start, this pinot noir-based rosé is freshly scented, with an inviting, light pink hue. Vibrantly fruity, it has gentle strawberry, peach, apricot and spice flavours, dryish and finely poised. $25 (A)
Comments Off on Domain Road Central Otago Bannockburn Rosé 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Still youthful, this North Canterbury wine is finely textured and perfumed. Weighty, with ripe, citrusy, spicy flavours, showing a touch of complexity, and excellent depth, it should be at its best 2020+. $26
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Gewurztraminer 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Certified organic, this highly attractive North Canterbury red was hand-picked, fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured for 11 months in French oak casks (25% new). Bright ruby, it is fragrant, full-bodied and sweet-fruited, with generous cherry, plum and spice flavours,…
Comments Off on Terrace Edge Waipara Valley Pinot Noir 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Instantly appealing, this tank-fermented wine is a blend of Bendigo (39%), Pisa (34%) and Gibbston (27%) grapes. Briefly lees-aged, it is intensely varietal, with mouthfilling body, vibrant, concentrated pear, peach and lychee flavours, fractional sweetness, finely balanced acidity and a…
Comments Off on Saddleback Central Otago Pinot Gris 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Still unfolding, this is a blend of Bendigo (62%) and Pisa (38%) fruit, hand-harvested and partly barrel-fermented (10%). Bright, light lemon/green, it is a mouthfilling, dryish wine with strong, fresh, peachy, spicy flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, and…
Comments Off on Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Gris 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Full of personality, this is a gently botrytis-influenced, medium style, drinking well now. Bright yellow, with a slightly honeyed fragrance, it is weighty, with concentrated, well-ripened peach and apricot flavours, spicy, honeyed notes and a rich, slightly sweet, very harmonious…
Comments Off on Main Divide North Canterbury Pinot Gris 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Delicious now, this is a medium style, hand-picked at two sites. Light lemon/green, with slightly toasty, bottle-aged notes emerging, it is vibrantly fruity, with penetrating, citrusy, appley, slightly sweet flavours, finely poised and long. $25 (A)
Comments Off on Domain Road Duffers Creek Central Otago Bannockburn Riesling 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Richly scented, with a citrusy, slightly honeyed bouquet, this is a medium-bodied, gently sweet style. Peachy and citrusy, with a hint of passionfruit, balanced acidity and excellent intensity, it should blossom with cellaring; open 2020+. $26
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Riesling 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Here’s proof that you can make excellent merlot in the South Island. Hand-picked from 20 year-old vines and barrel-aged for over a year, it has deep, moderately youthful colour. Sturdy, it’s a powerful wine with well-ripened plum, red berry and…
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Merlot 2015 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
This is a rare beast – a memorable sauvignon blanc from Central Otago. A single-vineyard wine, estate-grown at Parkburn and barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts, it is fragrant, weighty, concentrated and complex, with deep, ripely herbaceous flavours and a well-rounded, lasting…
Comments Off on Rockburn Central Otago Fume Blanc 2015 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Still very youthful, this refined red is a blend of Bendigo (45%), Pisa (47%) and Gibbston (8%) fruit. Barrel-aged for 10 months, it is deep ruby and attractively scented, with strong, vibrant cherry/plum flavours, oak complexity, impressive delicacy and a…
Comments Off on Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Delicious now, this single-vineyard wine was hand-harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts to full dryness in French oak barrels, and wood-aged for two years. Pink/pale orange, it is full-bodied, in a ‘serious’ style that is maturing very gracefully. Showing unusual complexity…
Comments Off on Maori Point Barrel Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Lovely ripe and bright berry fruit with excellent oak support and some funkiness adding interest. Needs time to soften. 3-5
Comments Off on Yarran A Few Words Hilltops Shiraz 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Fragrant strawberry fruit bouquet and simple cherry flavours with a tad heavy handed use of oak but a stylish palate none-the-less.
Comments Off on Bangor Abel Tasman Tasmania Pinot Noir 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Flinty red apple bouquet with perfumed florals. A creamy sweet style of palate. Very pleasant quaffer.
Comments Off on Allandale Single Vineyard Hilltops Pinot Gris 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Prominent lychee nose with exotic floral. The sweet scented palate has nice elegance and delicacy about it with sharp acidity and subtle phenolics holding the fruit nicely.
Comments Off on Elysian Springs Pennies from Heaven Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Very lifted tropical/white nectarine aromas and a stylish palate with nice intensity of juicy fruit flavours. Great acid length.
Comments Off on Foxey’s Hangout Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Smells like red apple skins with a slight smokiness and a fragrant citrus lift. The zesty acid palate has delicate citrus blossom flavours supported by a nice acid line. 5+
Comments Off on Longview Iron Knob Adelaide Hills Riesling 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A simple but attractive riesling style with great concentration of citrus characters and chalky acidity. 5+
Comments Off on Foxey’s Hangout Mornington Peninsula Riesling 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Delicate pure citrus fragrances and a linear palate still looking extremely youthful with subtle lingering jasmine flavours and a salivating finish. Great potential.
Comments Off on Jacob’s Creek Steingarten Eden Valley Riesling 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Elegant Chablis style; light fruit and light palate, “But what is there is good,” said one judge.
Comments Off on Yarrawood Tall Tales Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A simple but well made varietal with bright fresh juicy red berry fruits showing a slight green edge.
Comments Off on Taylor Made Clare Valley Malbec 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
The oak works well here with the ripe berry fruit. High level of acidity and long lingering tannins. 5+
Comments Off on Taylor Made Clare Valley Shiraz 2015 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Estery red fruit fragrances and a lovely mouthful of fresh and elegant flavours.
Comments Off on Pauletts Watervale Clare Valley Grenache Rosé 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Light herbaceous nose with lantana-like hints and fruit power on the balanced palate. Great quaffer.
Comments Off on Oakover Wines Clockwork Western Australia Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Fresh floral aromatics and bright citrus flavours on a palate that shows some nice finesse.
Comments Off on Three Ponds Hunter Valley Fiano 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Very “approachable” wine. Young, clean and vibrant with fresh green apple aromas and lovely citrus hit to the long lingering palate. 3-5
Comments Off on Three Ponds Grosse Hunter Valley Semillon 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A very appealing wine with good varietal expression and some balanced confectionery sweetness.
Comments Off on Three Ponds Holman Hunter Valley Nero D’Avola 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Butterscotch bouquet with hints of honey and toast and lovely layers of complex aged varietal flavours. 3-5
Comments Off on Reillys Watervale Museum Release Clare Valley Riesling 2012 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Aromas of peaches and passionfruit lift off the nose and has mouthcoating spicy citrus flavours with hints of apricots. 5+
Comments Off on Reillys Watervale Clare Valley Riesling 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A subtle, dainty, delicate and understated beauty! Nose of limes and jasmine with gunflint elements. The palate has lime-like zestiness and fresh crunchy green apple flavours. 5+
Comments Off on Reillys Watervale Clare Valley Riesling 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Lovely finesse to both the nose and palate showing excellent fruit purity. Simple aromas and long lively mouthfilling varietal flavours.
Comments Off on Reillys Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A sound honest wine with a slight jammy nose and softly textured berry palate.
Comments Off on Greenock Estate Angas King McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A big complex wine but has a certain elegance. The nose is a mix of lifted sweet oak and spicy ripe fruits. The tight palate offers supple sweet fruit flavours with slight sour note.
Comments Off on Greenock Estate Angas King Clare Valley Shiraz 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A simple, bright and tight cherry/berry varietal nose and palate with a nice tannic edge.
Comments Off on Greenock Estate Angas King Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A huge and generous crowd pleaser. Has very ripe fruit and loads of well handled oak.
Comments Off on Greenock Estate Angas King Eden Valley Shiraz 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Lovely varietal expression here. Nice integration of mature fruit characters with a whiff of caramel oak and beautiful forward tannins.
Comments Off on Greenock Estate Denken D3 Victoria Shiraz Merlot 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Nice rich berry aromatics with a delicate spicy lift. More of the spice characters on the oak driven palate. Has both power and elegance.
Comments Off on Grampians Estate Mafeking Grampians Shiraz 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A classic durif with dense dark plum aromas and a ripe and powerful blackberry jam palate with solid oak. A good drink. 5+
Comments Off on Atze’s Corner The Giant Barossa Valley Durif 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A big wine; great colour, nice roasted characters to the nose. Generous palate with attractive secondary characters developing. 3-5
Comments Off on Atze’s Corner The Bachelor Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Bright spicy cherry berry fruit aromas follow straight onto the palate with its sweet oak notes.
Comments Off on Anderson Hill Maggie’s Feast Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Savoury and fleshy with earthy strawberry-like varietal expression laced with satin smooth tannins.
Comments Off on Anderson Hill Wheely Good Lenswood Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018