Posted: November 30, 2021
Amber/brown, this lightly fortified (16% alc/vol) blend of muscat, merlot and cabernet was made from the 1999 and 2004 vintages. Barrel-aged for over 15 years, it is mouthfilling, with a perfumed, muscat-like bouquet and sweet flavours of apricots, raisins and…
Comments Off on Mission Barrique Reserve Fine Old Tawny NV / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Ready to roll, this hand-harvested red was partly barrel-aged. It has lightish, developed colour and moderately rich flavours, slightly herbal, nutty, savoury and supple. $28 (UK, US)
Comments Off on Lime Rock Kota Central Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2016 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This moderately concentrated red was hand-picked on the Takapau Plains and matured for 18 months in French oak barrels (30% new). Ruby hued, with a hint of development, it has good depth of cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing considerable…
Comments Off on Junction Possession Central Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
From the star grape of Rioja, this attractive red was estate-grown in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and matured for 14 months in French oak barrels (25% new). Full-coloured, it is fragrant and mouthfilling, with generous plum/spice…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Tempranillo 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
From a variety cultivated in northern Italy, this deeply coloured, easy-drinking red was estate-grown in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and matured for 14 months in French oak casks (21% new). Fresh and full-bodied, it has strong,…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Marzemino 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This youthful, ageworthy red was estate-grown and matured for a year in French oak barrels (30% new). Fragrant and full-coloured, it is mouthfilling, with fresh berryish, herbal, spicy flavours, showing good concentration and complexity, and a smooth finish. Best drinking…
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
More elegant, less gutsy than many malbecs, this powerful red was matured in French (80%) and Hungarian (20%) oak casks (38% new). Deeply coloured, it is mouthfilling and youthful, with fresh, dense, plummy, spicy flavours and firm, but not grippy,…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Malbec 2017 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Priced right, this blend of cabernet sauvignon (86%) and merlot (14%) was partly barrel-aged. Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling and vibrantly fruity, with good depth of blackcurrant, herb and spice flavours, and a well-rounded finish. $16
Comments Off on Mission Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Enjoyable young, this deeply coloured red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (59%) and merlot (41% ), matured in tanks and French oak barrels (partly new). It has a fresh, vibrantly fruity bouquet, leading into a full-bodied wine with very…
Comments Off on Saint Clair James Sinclair Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Priced right, this vibrant blend of cabernet sauvignon (68%) and merlot (32%) was matured for 15 months in French oak hogsheads (36% new). Full-bodied and deeply coloured, it has strong, ripe blackcurrant and plum flavours, gently seasoned with nutty oak,…
Comments Off on Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This very youthful, ageworthy red was grown at two sites and matured for 20 months in French oak barriques. Full-coloured, it is fresh and full-bodied, with vibrant blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a herbal thread, and good concentration. Best drinking…
Comments Off on Vidal Soler Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Still unfolding, this is a single-vineyard, Gimblett Gravels blend of cabernet sauvignon (55%), merlot (41%) and malbec (4%), matured for 10 months in French oak casks (35% new). Deeply coloured, with a fragrant, fresh, slightly herbal bouquet, it is mouthfilling,…
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Cabernet Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This powerful, very ageworthy red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (62%), merlot (24%) and cabernet franc (14%), matured for a year in French oak barriques. Deeply coloured, it is fragrant, with strong, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours and…
Comments Off on Mission Barrique Reserve Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Maturing very gracefully, this full-bodied red was hand-harvested from 21-year-old vines in the Mere Road Vineyard. Full-coloured, it is fleshy, with concentrated, vibrant blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, and a smooth, harmonious finish. Best drinking 2022+….
Comments Off on Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This very ageworthy, harmonious red was grown mostly in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and matured for 18 months in French (principally) and Hungarian oak barrels (30% new). Dark and youthful, it is mouthfilling, with concentrated blackcurrant,…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This lovely young red was blended from cabernet sauvignon (78%), merlot (14%) and malbec (8%), and matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (35% new). Dark and dense, it is full-bodied, with a fragrant, fresh bouquet and highly concentrated,…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This refined red was hand-picked in the Omahu and Vidal vineyards, and matured for 20 months in French oak casks. Deeply coloured, it is fragrant, mouthfilling, rich and supple, with deep blackcurrant and herb flavours, fine-grained tannins and a long,…
Comments Off on Vidal Legacy Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This is a great buy. From two sites in the Gimblett Gravels, it was matured for a year in French oak casks (25% new). Deeply coloured, with a fragrant bouquet, it is full-bodied, with generous, ripe flavours of blackcurrants and…
Comments Off on Mission Barrique Reserve Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This powerful blend of cabernet sauvignon (38%), merlot (28%), malbec (19%) and cabernet franc (15%) was hand-picked and matured in French oak barriques. Deeply coloured, with a fragrant, slightly spicy bouquet, it is weighty and bold, with a rich array…
Comments Off on Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels /Malbec/Cabernet Franc Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This deep ruby, medium to full-bodied red has fresh, peppery aromas. Vibrantly fruity, with plummy, spicy flavours, fresh acidity and a smooth finish, it’s enjoyable young. $16
Comments Off on Mission Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Fresh and youthful, this single-vineyard red was grown at Maraekakaho and matured for a year in French oak casks (25% new). Medium-bodied, it is vibrantly fruity and supple, with plum and spice flavours, gently seasoned with oak, and very good…
Comments Off on Volcanic Hills Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Delicious in its youth, this mouthfilling, supple red was grown principally (80%) at sites near Gimblett Road and matured in French oak barriques (18% new). Skilfully crafted, it is full-coloured, with good concentration of ripe, plummy, spicy flavours and a…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Enjoyable young, this deep ruby red is fresh, medium to full-bodied, savoury and supple. Grown mostly in the Bridge Pa Triangle and matured for a year in Hungarian and French oak casks (20% new), it has generous, vibrant plum, spice…
Comments Off on Church Road Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Still unfolding, this single-vineyard red was matured for 20 months in French oak barriques. Full-coloured, it is vibrant and supple, in a youthful, medium-bodied style with plum, spice and black pepper flavours showing excellent depth. Strongly varietal, with fresh acidity,…
Comments Off on Vidal Soler Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Bright ruby, this vibrant red was grown at two sites and matured for a year in French oak barrels (14% new). A refined, medium-bodied wine, it has plummy, spicy, slightly peppery flavours, showing good complexity, finely balanced tannins and a…
Comments Off on Vidal Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Still a baby, this medium to full-bodied red was matured for 20 months in French oak barriques. Deep ruby, it is very vibrant, with strong plum and spice flavours, some earthy, rustic notes and savoury characters adding complexity. Best drinking…
Comments Off on Vidal Legacy Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This is a great buy. Oak-aged for 10 months, it is full-coloured, very fresh, vibrant and supple, with generous, plummy, spicy flavours, nutty notes adding complexity, and a very harmonious finish. As an affordable, drink-young style, it’s hard to beat….
Comments Off on Ngatarawa Stables Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This very youthful red was grown in the Gimblett Gravels and partly barrel-aged. Full-coloured, with a fresh, strong, peppery bouquet, it is full-bodied and vibrantly fruity, with a slightly earthy streak and good intensity of plum, spice and black pepper…
Comments Off on Lake Chalice The Raptor Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Highly approachable in its youth, but also worth cellaring, this mouthfilling, sweet-fruited red was matured for over a year in French oak casks (38% new). Full-coloured, it has generous, ripe, berryish, spicy flavours, with finely integrated oak adding complexity and…
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Already delicious, this deeply coloured, fragrant red was hand-picked on the Takapau Plains and matured for nine months in French oak barrels (33% new). Full-bodied, with a spicy bouquet, showing good complexity, it has concentrated, plummy, spicy flavours, a hint…
Comments Off on Junction Offside Central Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Delicious young, this vibrant, supple red was harvested from mature vines and matured for over a year in French oak puncheons and barriques (15% new). Full-coloured, it is medium to full-bodied, with concentrated, ripe, plummy, spicy flavours, showing good complexity,…
Comments Off on Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Already delicious, this floral, spicy red was grown in the Gimblett Gravels (principally) and the Bridge Pa Triangle, and matured for 18 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels (22% new). Deeply coloured, it is fragrant, mouthfilling, rich and supple,…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This classy red was estate-grown at two sites and matured for a year in French oak barriques (30% new). Deeply coloured, with a fragrant bouquet of spices and liquorice, it is mouthfilling and clearly varietal, with dense plum and spice…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Combining power and grace, this dark, single-vineyard red was hand-harvested and matured for 20 months in French oak barrels (33% new). Fragrant and finely textured, with blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of liquorice, and ripe, supple tannins, it’s…
Comments Off on Squawking Magpie Gimblett Gravels Stoned Crow Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Full of potential, this deeply coloured, finely structured red was estate-grown principally in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, but also in the Gimblett Gravels, and matured for 20 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels (33% new)….
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This very graceful, supple red was matured for 18 months in French oak barriques (41% new). From a vintage that yielded no syrah under the prestige Tom label, it’s a beautiful young red, full-coloured and floral, with intense plum and…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2017 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Bargain-priced, this is a sturdy, generous wine, matured in tanks to highlight its vibrant, ripe fruit flavours of blackcurrants, plums and spices, which show very good depth. Deeply coloured, it offers fine value. $16
Comments Off on Mission Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Priced right, this is a full-coloured, mouthfilling, youthful red with ripe, plummy, spicy, slightly nutty flavours, fresh acidity and very good depth. Best drinking 2021+. $19
Comments Off on Lake Chalice The Falcon Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Priced sharply, this generous red is a blend of merlot (63%) and cabernet sauvignon (25%), with smaller amounts of malbec and cabernet franc. Matured for a year in French, American and Hungarian oak barriques, it is deeply coloured and full-bodied,…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Skilfully crafted for early enjoyment, this is a blend of merlot (70%) and cabernet sauvignon (28%), with splashes of malbec and cabernet franc. Partly matured in seasoned French oak barrels, it is full-coloured, mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with very good depth…
Comments Off on Vidal Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Grown in the Gimblett Gravels, this is a youthful red, full-coloured, with mouthfilling body and good concentration of ripe, berryish, spicy flavours. A well-structured, ageworthy wine, it should break into full stride 2022+. $25 (UK)
Comments Off on Saint Clair Origin Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Still fresh and youthful, this blend of merlot (52%), malbec (28%) and cabernet sauvignon (20%) was grown in the Gimblett Gravels. Matured for 14 months in American oak casks (50% new), it has a fragrant, spicy bouquet, leading into a…
Comments Off on Pask Small Batch Trilliant Merlot Cabernet Malbec 2016 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Still fresh and youthful, this vibrant red was hand-picked and matured for a year in French oak casks (25% new). Deeply coloured, it is full-bodied, with strong red berry, plum and spice flavours, a hint of herbs, finely balanced tannins…
Comments Off on Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Offering good value, this is a sturdy, full-coloured red with strong, ripe berry, plum and spice flavours, savoury notes adding complexity and finely balanced tannins. Already drinking well, it’s also well worth cellaring. $22
Comments Off on Leveret Estate Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Matured in tanks and seasoned French oak casks, this youthful, deeply coloured red is fresh, full-bodied and vibrantly fruity, with good density of ripe, plummy, spicy flavours and fine-grained, supple tannins. $20
Comments Off on Delta Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2019 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Drinking well in its youth, this is a blend of principally merlot (34%), cabernet franc (28%) and malbec (28%), with minor amounts of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Matured for over a year in oak barrels (43% new), it is…
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc Malbec 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This sturdy, surprisingly youthful red is a single-vineyard blend of merlot (86%), malbec (10%) and cabernet franc (4%), matured for 20 months in French oak casks (33% new). It has bold, bright colour and a fragrant, fresh bouquet, with a…
Comments Off on Squawking Magpie The Nest Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
This deeply coloured, vibrant, single-vineyard red was matured for 10 months in French oak casks (33% new). Fleshy and full-bodied, it has concentrated, ripe, plummy, spicy, nutty flavours, showing good freshness and complexity, and a smooth finish. Well worth cellaring….
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2018 / 0 View / November 30, 2021