Posted: April 5, 2017
Generous red from the Gimblett Gravels, with plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing good complexity and harmony. Weighty, ripe and rich. $25 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Mission Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Weighty, generous red, estate-grown in the Esk Valley and French oak-matured. Savoury, with ripe plum/spice flavours, hints of licorice and tar, and good complexity and concentration. $48 (A)
Comments Off on Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Elegant, medium-bodied style with plenty of fresh, ripe berry, plum, spice and nut flavour, supple tannins, and a finely balanced, lingering finish. Good value. $20
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Finely textured, ageworthy, merlot-based red, with 10% malbec. Weighty, with strong, ripe plum and spice flavours, a hint of fruit cake, cedary oak in evidence, and good richness and roundness. $19
Comments Off on Clearview Cape Kidnappers Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Bargain-priced, dark blend of merlot (64%), cabernet sauvignon (25%), malbec (10%) and cabernet franc (1%), matured for 20 months in French oak barrels (25% new). Fragrant and youthful, with strong, ripe berry, plum, spice and dried herb flavours, and a…
Comments Off on Vidal Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot/ Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Powerful, fragrant, youthful red, estate-grown and matured in American oak (43% new). Deeply coloured, with red berry, plum, spice, licorice and nut flavours, gentle tannins, and excellent weight, ripeness and richness. “Lots to like”, enthused one judge. $38
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Powerful, concentrated blend of merlot (54%) with malbec (31%), cabernet franc (10%) and cabernet sauvignon (5%), estate-grown in the Gimblett Gravels and matured for 18 months in French oak barriques (40% new). Very full-bodied, with a strong surge of ripe…
Comments Off on Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot/Malbec/ Cabernet Franc 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Youthful, purple/black blend of merlot (77%) and malbec (23%). Concentrated plum and spice flavours, with a hint of licorice, a strong, sweet oak influence and a long, soft finish. Praised by one judge as “full-bored”. $25 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Coopers Creek SV Gravels and Metals Hawke’s Bay Merlot Malbec 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Finely poised, savoury red, grown in the Gimblett Gravels. Deep ruby, with concentrated, ripe flavours, showing very good complexity, and the structure to age well. (One judge scored it five stars). $30
Comments Off on Babich Winemakers Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dark, elegant blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, French oak-aged for 20 months. Rich blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, with savoury, earthy notes adding complexity and ripe, supple tannins. Well worth cellaring. $30
Comments Off on Te Awa Single Estate Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Maturing very gracefully and still youthful, this densely coloured red has concentrated, ripe, slightly nutty and leathery flavours, showing impressive complexity, and very fine-grained tannins. Weighty, rich and long, it should be long-lived. $60
Comments Off on Villa Maria Single Vineyard Braided Gravels Gimblett Gravels Organic Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Built for cellaring, this classy, dark, very youthful red is concentrated and firmly structured, with rich, beautifully ripe red and black berry fruit flavours, seasoned with spicy oak. Weighty, dense and complex, with obvious potential. $50 (UK)
Comments Off on Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dark, youthful blend of merlot (60%), cabernet sauvignon (32%) and cabernet franc (8%), matured for 20 months in French oak barriques (15% new). Vibrantly fruity, with strong, very pure plum/spice flavours, silky tannins and a lasting finish. Finely balanced and…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Full-coloured, youthful blend of cabernet sauvignon (54%), merlot (42%) and cabernet franc (4%), French oak-aged (50% new) for 18 months. Strong plum, spice and herb flavours, with firm, slightly drying tannins. $85
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Helmsman 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Boldly coloured blend of cabernet sauvignon (84%) and merlot (16%), partly American oak-aged. Concentrated blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, with a firm finish. Fresh and youthful. $27
Comments Off on Saint Clair Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Concentrated, ripe, slightly earthy, 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, grown at Maraekakaho. Some slightly herby and gamey notes, but fleshy, rich and complex. $60
Comments Off on Osawa Prestige Collection Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Deeply coloured blend of cabernet sauvignon (49%), merlot (45%) and cabernet franc (6%), French oak-aged for 15 months. Sweet-fruited, with firm, berryish flavours, hint of thyme and leather, and good density. $25 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Mission Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Generous, supple Gimblett Gravels blend. Elegant, medium to full-bodied style with ripe berry, plum and spice flavours, tightly structured and youthful. $37
Comments Off on Babich Irongate Cabernet Merlot Franc 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dark, concentrated blend of cabernet sauvignon (71%) and merlot (29%), American oak-aged (50% new). Slightly green-edged, but weighty, ripe and rich, with impressive density and length. $38
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Bold, youthful, Hawke’s Bay blend of cabernet sauvignon (73%), merlot (21%) and malbec (6%). Blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of herbs, and excellent density and structure. Well worth cellaring. $36
Comments Off on Clearview Old Olive Block 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dark, sturdy, concentrated blend of Gimblett Gravels cabernet sauvignon, malbec and merlot. Rich array of blackcurrant, plum, spice and herb flavours, sweet-fruited and tightly structured, with a lingering finish. $75 (A)
Comments Off on Babich The Patriarch 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dark, dense blend of cabernet sauvignon (75%) and merlot (25%), matured for 18 months in French oak barriques (40% new). Highly concentrated, with pure blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, showing lovely weight, ripeness and structure. Full of cellaring potential. $50…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Full-coloured, highly concentrated red, estate-grown in the Omahu Gravels vineyard and matured for 20 months in French oak barriques (50% new). Rich blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, with the delights of ripe, sweet fruit, firm, structured tannins and a lasting…
Comments Off on Vidal Legacy Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Generous, supple wine, deep ruby in hue, with very satisfying depth of vibrant, plummy, slightly herbal flavours. $18 (US)
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Pale pink, off-dry style, made principally from merlot. Easy-drinking, medium-bodied wine, with fresh, delicate plum, watermelon and spice flavours and a finely balanced, smooth finish. $16 (UK, US)
Comments Off on Villa Maria Private Bin Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Attractive, bright pink blend, based on merlot (55%), with smaller amounts of syrah, malbec, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Fresh, light, berryish and smooth, with drink-young charm. $18
Comments Off on Mission Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Bright pink, tasty, merlot-based rosé, vibrantly fruity, with red berry, watermelon and spice flavours and a fresh, crisp, almost bone-dry finish. $20 (UK)
Comments Off on Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Instantly appealing Hawke’s Bay wine, with chambourcin, a well-regarded French hybrid, contributing bright pink/pale red colour. Fleshy and vibrantly fruity, with fresh, berryish, plummy flavours and a smooth, long finish. $21
Comments Off on Clearview Black Reef Blush Rosé 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Bright pink, full-bodied wine, fragrant and fresh, with vibrant berry and spice flavours, a hint of watermelon and a dryish finish. $20
Comments Off on Church Road Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Gold, with a hint of amber, this soft, sweet wine was grown at Maraekakaho, in Hawke’s Bay. Drinking well now, it is floral, peachy and spicy, with bottle-aged complexity and a rich, well-rounded finish. $29
Comments Off on Osawa Prestige Collection Late Harvest (375ml) Gewurztraminer 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Delicious now, this elegant, gold/amber wine was hand-picked in late May and partly barrel-fermented. Rich, peachy and honeyed, it is sweet (204 grams/litre residual sugar), with balanced acidity and a fragrant, inviting bouquet of apricot and raisins. $30
Comments Off on Esk Valley Late Harvest (375ml) Hawke’s Bay Chenin Blanc 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
This pale gold beauty is from sémillon, grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and mostly harvested at 45-47 brix. Fresh, lively and crisp, it is full-bodied (although only 10% alc/vol), with rich, ripe flavours, showing good complexity, plentiful sweetness (248…
Comments Off on Alpha Domus AD Noble Selection Noble (375ml) 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Lively, aromatic, strongly varietal wine with good intensity of fresh, tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, dry, persistent finish. Good value. $18
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Arneis 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Mouthfilling, dry wine (4.6 grams/litre residual sugar), with ripe, citrusy, limey flavours to the fore, fresh and lively, and a very subtle oak influence (40 per cent barrel-fermented). Worth cellaring. $20 (UK).
Comments Off on Esk Valley Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Verdelho 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Scented, citrusy wine, grown at altitude in Central Hawke’s Bay. Crisp and refreshing, with clearcut varietal characters, a sliver of sweetness and appetising acidity. $22
Comments Off on Junction Runaway Riesling 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Single-vineyard wine, showing good intensity. Aromatic, with strong, ripe, citrusy flavours and a finely balanced, off-dry, lingering finish. Fine value. $18 (UK)
Comments Off on Mission Hawke’s Bay Riesling 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Pale, with a fresh, limey bouquet. Medium-bodied, with good depth of ripely herbaceous flavours and a well-rounded finish. $19
Comments Off on Clearview Estate Te Awanga Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fresh and light, with strong, passionfruit-like aromas (described by one judge as ‘slightly sweaty’. Lively, with ripely herbaceous flavours, moderate acidity and plenty of easy-drinking appeal. $20
Comments Off on Sileni Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Gently perfumed, mouthfilling, well-rounded wine, in an easy-drinking style with a gentle splash of sweetness (11 grams/litre residual sugar), plenty of ripe, citrusy, spicy flavour, and excellent harmony. $22
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Gewurztraminer 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Mouthfilling, medium-dry style (15 grams/litre residual sugar), with fresh, youthful, well-spiced flavours, lively acidity and a richly perfumed bouquet. Bargain-priced. $18 (UK)
Comments Off on Mission Hawke’s Bay Gewurztraminer 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fully dry style, made with some use of oak. Mouthfilling and smooth, with ripe stonefruit and spice flavours, a touch of complexity and good freshness and length. $26 (A, UK, US)
Comments Off on Alpha Domus The Wingwalker Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Youthful, finely balanced wine, with moderately concentrated, ripe flavours, a hint of apricot, a touch of complexity from barrel fermentation (60 per cent), gentle acidity and a fully dry finish. Worth cellaring. $18
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Pale, youthful wine with subtle, citrusy flavours, showing good delicacy and length, a hint of almond and a floral bouquet. $25
Comments Off on Sileni Estate Selection Hedonist Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Rich, weighty, complex wine, fully barrel-fermented (20 per cent new.) Fragrant bouquet, with concentrated stonefruit flavours, gently seasoned with toasty oak, and a slightly creamy texture. $22
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Rich, creamy textured, fully barrel-fermented wine, weighty and complex. Light yellow, with concentrated, ripe apricot and spice flavours, showing excellent depth and harmony, gentle acidity, slight toastiness and a well-rounded, dryish finish. $25
Comments Off on Linden Estate Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Full-bodied, with a lightly fragrant bouquet and fresh acidity woven through ripe, peachy, spicy flavours. $18 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Mission Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Ripely scented, with mouthfilling body and good depth of fresh, slightly sweet, peachy, spicy flavours. $22
Comments Off on Junction Pastime Central Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Softly mouthfilling style with a spicy bouquet. Fresh, peachy flavours, with a touch of oak adding complexity (30 per cent of the blend was fermented in seasoned barriques), gentle acidity and a dry finish (3.7 grams/litre residual sugar). $20 (UK)
Comments Off on Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Lively, crisp, slightly minerally style with a splash of sweetness and strong, citrusy, slightly peachy flavours. $19
Comments Off on Clearview Haumoana Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fleshy and smooth, in a mouthfilling style with gentle sweetness, a slightly oily texture and ripe, stonefruit and spice flavours. $20
Comments Off on Church Road Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2016 / 0 View / April 5, 2017