Posted: December 2, 2021
Already drinking well, this single-vineyard wine is pale straw, with a fragrant, slightly biscuity bouquet. Weighty, it has ripe stone-fruit flavours, showing good complexity, balanced acidity and a slightly creamy texture. Certified organic. $25
Comments Off on Babich Family Estates Organic Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This attractive Wairau Valley wine is full-bodied and creamy-textured, with strong, fresh, citrusy, peachy flavours, gently seasoned with oak, and finely balanced acidity. Best drinking 2022+. $22
Comments Off on Ara Single Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Made in a powerful, ‘upfront’ style, this Omaka Valley wine has a nutty, biscuity bouquet. Full-bodied, with concentrated, peachy, citrusy flavours, strongly seasoned with oak, it is youthful, with a rich, creamy-smooth finish. Best drinking 2022+. $40 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still very youthful, this vibrant, medium-bodied wine was hand-harvested from mature vines at Rapaura, and fermented and matured in large (900 litres) French oak casks (30% new). Bright, light lemon/green, it has intense stonefruit flavours, seasoned with biscuity oak, very…
Comments Off on Hunter’s Offshoot Marlborough Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Offering fine value, this refined, generous wine was grown at Rapaura, Renwick and Omaka, and fermented and matured for 10 months in French oak puncheons (15% new). Fresh, vibrant and full-bodied, it has strong, ripe, citrusy, peachy flavours, showing excellent…
Comments Off on Hunter’s Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Instantly appealing, this wine was hand-picked in the Wairau Valley and Southern Valleys, and fermented in a combination of French oak hogsheads and puncheons, and large (1000 litres) German oak barrels. An elegant, lively wine with a slightly creamy bouquet,…
Comments Off on Giesen Uncharted Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This youthful, very ageworthy wine has a fragrant, complex, slightly biscuity bouquet. Weighty, with generous, peachy, citrusy, mealy flavours, it is complex and savoury, with a creamy-textured, very harmonious and lingering finish. Best drinking 2022+. $40
Comments Off on Giesen Organic Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Enjoyable young, this attractively perfumed wine was estate-grown in the lower Awatere Valley. Pale lemon/green, it is medium-bodied, with soft, gently sweet peach, pear, lychee and spice flavours, showing very good delicacy and depth. $22
Comments Off on Loveblock Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Grown in the lower Brancott Valley, this exotically perfumed, mouthfilling wine has rich, ripe flavours of peaches, lychees and spices, with a fresh, off-dry finish. Still very youthful, it should be at its best 2022+. $35
Comments Off on Saint Clair Godfrey’s Creek Reserve Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Showing unusual complexity for gewürztraminer, this estate-grown wine was harvested from mature, 20 to 40 year-old vines, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in seasoned French oak barriques. Bright, light lemon/green, with a youthful, highly perfumed bouquet, it is notably concentrated,…
Comments Off on Lawson’s Dry Hills The Pioneer Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Certified organic, this single-vineyard, Awatere Valley wine is medium-bodied, with very good depth of vibrant pear, lychee and spice flavours, a vague hint of sweetness, fresh acidity and a finely balanced finish. Best drinking 2022+. $22 (UK)
Comments Off on Loveblock Marlborough Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This refined young wine is medium-bodied, fresh and vibrantly fruity, with pear, lychee and spice flavours, showing very good delicacy and depth, and an off-dry, finely balanced finish. $22
Comments Off on Ara Single Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Drinking well now, this full-bodied, strongly varietal wine was grown in the lower Brancott Valley. Bright, light lemon/green, it is fresh and vigorous, with pear, lychee and spice flavours, showing excellent delicacy and depth, and a dry finish. $35
Comments Off on Saint Clair Godfrey’s Creek Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Probably at its peak, this pale gold, fleshy wine was hand-harvested in the Waihopai Valley and fermented in old French oak barriques. Weighty, it has rich stonefruit and vaguely honeyed flavours, showing good complexity, a slightly oily texture and an…
Comments Off on Lawson’s Dry Hills The Pioneer Marlborough Pinot Gris 2016 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Certified organic, this single-vineyard wine is weighty and dry, with ripe, tropical fruit flavours, showing very good depth. Sweet-fruited, with balanced acidity and a fresh, lingering finish, it should be at its best mid-2021+. $25
Comments Off on Babich Family Estates Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
From grapes estate-grown across the Wairau Valley, this is a medium to full-bodied wine, ripely herbaceous, with strong, vigorous melon and lime flavours, fresh, crisp and dry. Best drinking mid-2021+. $22
Comments Off on Ara Single Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This ripely scented wine was estate-grown at Rapaura, hand-picked and fermented in stainless steel tanks and a seasoned oak cuve. Full-bodied, it has good concentration of lively, tropical fruit flavours, a touch of complexity, balanced acidity and a dry finish….
Comments Off on Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Very fresh and lively, this medium to full-bodied wine was grown in the Awatere and Wairau valleys and mostly handled in tanks; 10% of the blend was fermented in old oak barrels. Ripely herbaceous, it shows very good intensity, with…
Comments Off on Lawson’s Dry Hills Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still very youthful, this punchy wine was principally handled in tanks, but 5% of the blend was fermented with indigenous yeasts in old oak barrels. Light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with vigorous passionfruit, lime and green capsicum flavours, showing excellent…
Comments Off on Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still very youthful, this single-vineyard wine was grown at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley, and 40% of the blend was matured in seasoned French oak barriques. Mouthfilling, with good weight, it has vibrant, ripely herbaceous flavours, showing a…
Comments Off on Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This classy, very youthful wine was grown at Dillons Point. Light lemon/green, it is full-bodied, with vibrant tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, a vague salty note, and impressive delicacy, depth and harmony. Showing obvious potential, it should break into full…
Comments Off on Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still very youthful, this single-vineyard, Dillons Point wine is weighty, with intense flavours of passionfruit, melons and green capsicums, fresh, appetising acidity and a lasting finish. $29 (UK, US)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block Cash Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This punchy, youthful wine was grown at Dillons Point. Highly aromatic, it is medium-bodied and zesty, with vibrant tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, a salty streak, and excellent intensity and length. Best drinking mid-2021+. $29 (A, UK, US)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
A classic Dillons Point style, this single-vineyard wine is intensely varietal, notably fresh and vibrant, with deep, pure melon and green capsicum flavours, a slightly salty note, and a dry, lasting finish. $29 (A, UK, US)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Certified organic, this is a top vintage of this single-vineyard, Awatere Valley wine. Showing excellent complexity (one-third of the blend was aged in a mix of clay amphorae, barrels and concrete eggs), it is mouthfilling, fleshy, sweet-fruited and dry, with…
Comments Off on Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This intensely aromatic, notably fresh and vibrant wine was grown at Dillons Point, in the lower Wairau Valley. Bright, light lemon/green, it has penetrating, pure melon, lime and green capsicum flavours, showing excellent delicacy, a distinct touch of complexity, and…
Comments Off on Lake Chalice The Raptor Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Full of personality, this intensely varietal wine was handled without oak. Full-bodied and fleshy, with concentrated, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, good acid spine and a long, dry finish, it’s drinking well now. $29
Comments Off on Jackson Estate Somerset Block 2 Single Vineyard Waihopai Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still youthful, this refined, complex, single-vineyard wine was hand-picked from vines planted in 1988 and fermented with indigenous yeasts in seasoned French oak barriques. Bright, light lemon/green, it is medium to full-bodied, with vigorous, ripely herbaceous, tropical fruit flavours, finely…
Comments Off on Jackson Estate Grey Ghost Barrique Wairau Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This powerful, distinctive wine was hand-picked, barrel-fermented and lees-aged. Weighty and fleshy, it has concentrated, tropical fruit flavours, showing excellent complexity, and a dry, rounded finish. Drink now or cellar. $40
Comments Off on Giesen The August 1888 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Pale gold, this distinctive, weighty, single-vineyard wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured for 10 months in French oak barriques (10% new). Probably at its peak, it has rich, tropical fruit flavours, gentle toasty notes adding complexity, balanced acidity…
Comments Off on Blind River Tekau Barrel Fermented Marlborough Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Showing excellent intensity, this single-vineyard wine was partly (10%) barrel-fermented. Very fresh and lively, it is full-bodied, with penetrating melon, passionfruit and green capsicum flavours, showing good complexity, and a dry, lasting finish. Best drinking mid-2021+. $30 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Blind River Marlborough Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Designed for on-premise consumption, this classy, tightly structured, youthful wine is fresh and full-bodied, with generous, ripe, tropical fruit flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, moderate acidity and a finely poised, dry, lingering finish. $25
Comments Off on Babich Black Label Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Offering delicious drinking from now onwards, this is a single-vineyard, partly barrel-fermented wine. Bright, light yellow/green, with a complex bouquet, it is weighty, ripe and rounded, with concentrated, tropical fruit flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, and a very…
Comments Off on Ara Resolute Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This very approachable, medium-bodied red was estate-grown at Okahu Estate, in Northland, and French and American oak-aged. Lightish in colour, it is fresh and distinctly spicy, with finely balanced tannins and some savoury complexity.
Comments Off on Shipwreck Bay Syrah 2015 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Estate-grown at Okahu Estate, in Northland, this freshly scented wine is from the flora variety (a rare crossing of gewürztraminer and semillon). Enjoyable young, it is full-bodied, with good depth of peachy, citrusy, spicy flavours, balanced acidity and a slightly…
Comments Off on Shipwreck Bay Flora 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still unfolding, this very pale pink, crisp and lively wine was made from a “unique assemblage of varieties”. It has delicate peach, strawberry and spice flavours, with a basically dry finish. Best drinking mid-2021+.
Comments Off on Main Divide North Canterbury Rosé 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This punchy wine is still very youthful and lively, in a medium to full-bodied style with good intensity of fresh passionfruit/lime flavours, crisp and dry. Best drinking mid-2021+.
Comments Off on Main Divide North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Already enjoyable, this ruby hued, fragrant red was matured for a year in French oak barriques (27% new). Showing excellent complexity, it is savoury and nutty, with fresh acidity, finely balanced tannins and very good flavour depth.
Comments Off on Bald Hills 3 Acres Central Otago Already enjoyable, this ruby hued, fragrant red was matured for a year in French oak barriques (27% new). Showing excellent complexity, it is savoury and nutty, with fresh acidity, finely balanced tan Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Offering great value, this sturdy red was hand-picked in Moutere clay soils and on the Waimea Plains, and matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (25% new). Deep ruby, it is full-bodied and sweet-fruited, with rich, vibrant cherry, plum…
Comments Off on Renato Nelson Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This powerful wine was grown in Moutere clay soils, hand-harvested and fermented in French oak barriques (20% new). Pale straw, it is fragrant, weighty and fleshy, with strong, ripe stone-fruit flavours, toasty oak adding complexity, a hint of butterscotch, balanced…
Comments Off on Renato Nelson Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This distinctive, estate-grown Northland red was barrel-aged, transferred to stainless steel tanks, and bottled recently. It has deep, still moderately youthful colour and a fragrant, spicy bouquet. Mouthfilling, with concentrated, plummy, spicy flavours, it is savoury and complex, with fresh…
Comments Off on Okahu Syrah 2013 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This deeply coloured red was estate-grown at Okahu Estate, in Northland, matured for a year in American and French oak barrels, stored at length in stainless steel tanks, then bottled recently. Still moderately youthful, it is sturdy, with the distinctive,…
Comments Off on Okahu Chambourcin 2013 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
From vines over 30 years old, this is a powerful, lush riesling. Bright, light yellow/green, with a gently honeyed bouquet, it is full-bodied, with concentrated, ripe stone-fruit flavours, enriched by botrytis, gentle sweetness and good acid spine.
Comments Off on Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley North Canterbury Riesling 2017 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This powerful, youthful wine was hand-picked and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak puncheons (30% new). Bright, light yellow/green, it has a rich, slightly smoky bouquet. Weighty, it has concentrated stone-fruit flavours, finely integrated oak, and excellent complexity and…
Comments Off on Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley North Canterbury Chardonnay 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Bright, light pink, this fresh, powerful rosé was made from hand-picked pinot noir. Attractively scented, it has substantial body, with concentrated, vibrant strawberry, watermelon and spice flavours, a hint of apricot and a basically dry finish.
Comments Off on Bald Hills Friends and Lovers Single Vineyard Central Otago Bannockburn Rosé 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Dark purple wine with aromas and flavours reminiscent of chocolate coated blueberries seamlessly integrated with the oak and tannins.
Comments Off on BVWC Gravel Track Barossa Tempranillo 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
A lot of oak here sitting on top of some slightly jammy blackberry fruit characters with loads of wood tannins. Finishes well.
Comments Off on Wine by Sam Single Vineyard Series By Sam Plunkett Strathbogie Ranges Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
An elegant wine with subdued red fruit aromas and good length and balance to the palate.
Comments Off on Wine by Sam The Victorian Heathcote Shiraz 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Bright purple wine with spicy floral fragrances and firm vibrant red fruit flavours.
Comments Off on Wine by Sam The Victorian Strathbogie Ranges Primitivo 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
A youthful easy drinking style with fresh citrus fruit and good oak expression.
Comments Off on Wine by Sam Stardust & Muscle Strathbogie Ranges Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021