Posted: May 12, 2022
This charming, very easy-drinking red was estate-grown and barrel-aged. Bright ruby, with a fresh, slightly spicy bouquet, it is mouthfilling and supple, with gentle, ripe fruit flavours, a touch of complexity and a very smooth finish. $28
Comments Off on Palliser Estate The Luminary Martinborough Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Drinking well now, but also worth cellaring, this strongly varietal red was matured for 10 months in French oak casks (25% new). Ruby hued, it is graceful and supple, with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, nutty oak adding complexity,…
Comments Off on Pencarrow Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This full-coloured, purple-flushed Northland red is a blend of chambourcin (50%), merlot (30%) and pinotage (20%), matured in French oak casks (30% new). Still very youthful, it has a fresh, spicy bouquet, strong, plummy, spicy flavours, lively acidity and good…
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Cavalli 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Probably at its peak, this lively, characterful red is from a variety cultivated in the north of Italy. Estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle, it was matured for 14 months in French oak casks (21% new). Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling,…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Marzemino 2018 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Drinking well now, this full-coloured red was grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle. Mouthfilling, fleshy and savoury, it has good concentration of ripe red berry and spice flavours, oak complexity, supple tannins and a well-rounded finish. $40
Comments Off on Sileni Pacemaker Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2018 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This elegant, ageworthy Northland red was matured for a year in French oak barriques (30% new). Full-coloured and fragrant, it is mouthfilling, with youthful, berryish, spicy flavours, very fresh, ripe and strong, savoury notes adding complexity, and obvious potential. Best…
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Tempranillo 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
From a highly rated French hybrid, this Northland red was matured for 16 months in French and American oak casks (30% new). Full-coloured, it is still very fresh and lively, with strong plum and spice flavours, a hint of liquorice,…
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Chambourcin 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Maturing well, this savoury, supple red was estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and aged for 14 months in French oak barrels (25% new). Full-coloured, it is sweet-fruited, with generous, ripe berry, spice and nut flavours, oak complexity and supple…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Tempranillo 2018 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This classy, concentrated red avoids the rusticity often seen in New Zealand malbecs. Matured in French oak casks (41% new), it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant, with dense, purple-flushed colour, it is mouthfilling and vibrant, with very youthful blackcurrant,…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Malbec 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Already delicious, this is a refined, youthful red. Matured for nine months in old French oak barrels, it is deeply coloured and full-bodied, with concentrated, vibrant plum/spice flavours, showing intense varietal character, supple tannins and a long, well-spiced finish. Best…
Comments Off on Te Puna Northland Syrah 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Delicious now, but also very ageworthy, this Northland red was co-fermented with viognier skins and French oak-matured (30% new). Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling and supple, with strong, vibrant blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, and savoury notes adding complexity. Best drinking…
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Vigot Syrah 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Maturing well, this powerful red was grown in the Gimblett Gravels (principally) and the Bridge Pa Triangle, blended with malbec (14%), and matured for 18 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels (22% new). Dark and invitingly fragrant, it is…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This highly fragrant, powerful, savoury red was estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle. Deeply coloured and still purple-flushed, it is mouthfilling, sweet-fruited and supple, with concentrated plum and spice flavours, oak complexity, and a finely textured, long, spicy finish. Drink…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This delicious young red is perfumed and graceful. Estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle, it was matured in French oak casks (28% new). Dark and rich, it has lush blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of liquorice, nutty oak…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Syrah 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This powerful red (15.5% alc/vol) was made by ‘cutting the bunch canes, allowing the fruit to shrivel prior to harvest [which] concentrated the juice within’. Dark and robust, it is very ripe-tasting, with bold, vibrant, berryish, plummy flavours, a hint…
Comments Off on Sileni Cut Cane Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Well worth cellaring, this deeply coloured blend of merlot (46%), cabernet franc (29%), cabernet sauvignon (24%) and a splash of malbec was matured in oak barrels (35% new). Full-bodied, it has generous, ripe, plummy, spicy flavours, showing good complexity, supple…
Comments Off on Askerne Reserve Merlot/Cabernet Franc/ Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Developing a Bordeaux-like complexity with age, this deeply coloured, elegant, harmonious red is drinking well now. Full-bodied and fleshy, it has ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, fresh acidity, savoury notes adding complexity, supple tannins and a long finish. Fine…
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2017 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This powerful, lush wine is already delicious. Dark and youthful, it is concentrated, with vibrant blackcurrant, plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing excellent ripeness and complexity, good tannin backbone and a long, very harmonious finish. Best drinking 2024+. $40
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This powerful, weighty, lush red was estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and matured in French oak casks (41% new). Boldly coloured, it is a robust, very ripe style, with bold berry, plum and spice flavours, a hint of liquorice,…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Redstone Merlot 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle, this full-coloured, generous red is mouthfilling, with deep, ripe plum and spice flavours to the fore, hints of blackcurrants and herbs, and a smooth finish. Drink now onwards. $28
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This stylish red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (41%), cabernet franc (38%), merlot (20%) and malbec (1%), barrel-aged for a year (50% new). Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling, youthful and savoury, with rich, well-ripened blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, and…
Comments Off on Askerne Dr John Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This powerful, very ageworthy red was grown at Ohiti and matured for a year in French oak barriques. Deeply coloured, with a fragrant, spicy, slightly herbal bouquet, it is sturdy, with concentrated blackcurrant, plum, herb and spice flavours and a…
Comments Off on Linden Destination Series Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This powerful, youthful red was estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and matured in French oak barriques (55% new). Dark, sturdy and savoury, it is a bold style of cabernet sauvignon, with dense blackcurrant, plum, spice, liquorice and nut flavours,…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Light pink, with a hint of orange, this merlot-based rosé is still fresh and lively. Probably at its peak, it is medium-bodied, with very good depth of peachy, spicy, slightly strawberryish flavours, and a dry finish. $25
Comments Off on Church Road Gwen Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This vivacious, distinctive rosé is a blend of mourvedre (48%), carmenere (44%) and petit verdot (8%), partly (28%) barrel-fermented. Bright pink, it is fragrant, fresh, full-bodied and vibrantly fruity, with strong, yet delicate strawberry, watermelon and spice flavours, and a…
Comments Off on Askerne Sérieux Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This seductive, delicious, amber hued dessert wine was matured for eight months in barrels (25% new). Full of personality, with a richly honeyed, complex bouquet, it is mouthfilling, with strong peach, apricot and honey flavours, finely integrated oak and a…
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Noble Semillon (375ml) 2018 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Fresh, youthful and intensely varietal, this richly perfumed wine was aged on its yeast lees for six months. Bright, light lemon/green, it is softly mouthfilling, with concentrated lychee and peach flavours, hints of ginger and spices, and an off-dry, well-rounded…
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Gewurztraminer 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This classy wine is sturdy, with deep, peachy, spicy flavours, showing impressive delicacy and concentration, a slightly oily texture, and a gently sweet, well-spiced, lasting finish. Still youthful, but already delicious, it’s a drink now or cellaring proposition. $30
Comments Off on Askerne Reserve Hawke’s Bay Gewurztraminer 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This powerful, vibrantly fruity wine was hand-picked and aged in seasoned oak barrels. Bright, light yellow/green, it is full-bodied and sweet-fruited, with concentrated, peachy flavours, oak-derived complexity, balanced acidity and a dry finish. Worth cellaring. $25
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Viognier 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Already drinking well, this fragrant, weighty wine was hand-picked and fermented in French oak casks (25% new). Bright, light lemon/green, it is fleshy and sweet-fruited, with rich, vibrant stonefruit flavours, gently seasoned with toasty oak, and a smooth finish. $25…
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Delicious young, this Northland wine was partly (40%) barrel-aged. Bright, light lemon/green, with a fragrant, gently spicy bouquet, it is mouthfilling and generous, with fresh, lively peach, pear, lychee and spice flavours, a hint of oak adding depth and complexity,…
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Pinot Gris 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Full of personality, this is a weighty, fleshy, Alsace-style wine. Estate-grown and partly (20%) barrel-fermented, it is already delicious, with rich, ripe, peachy, spicy, slightly gingery flavours, showing good complexity, and a long, off-dry, rounded finish. Fine value. $23 (A,…
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Enjoyable young, this barrel-fermented wine is fresh and full-bodied. It has generous, ripe, peachy fruit flavours to the fore, with hints of toasty oak, a slightly creamy texture and a rounded finish. (From Palliser Estate). $28
Comments Off on Pencarrow Martinborough Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Fragrant and full-bodied, this hand-picked wine has very good depth of ripe stonefruit flavours, fresh, lively acidity, and toasty, buttery notes adding complexity. Still very youthful, it should open out well from mid-2023 onwards. $25
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Still unfolding, this hand-harvested, barrel-fermented wine is mouthfilling and savoury. Bright, light yellow/green, it has concentrated, vigorous stonefruit flavours, seasoned with toasty oak, fresh acidity and a persistent finish. Best drinking 2023+. $35
Comments Off on Sileni Lodge Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Unfolding well, this rich, elegant, hand-picked wine was fermented and lees-aged for 10 months in French oak casks. Fragrant, with slightly smoky aromas, it is fleshy, with deep, ripe stonefruit flavours, finely balanced toasty oak adding complexity, fresh acidity and…
Comments Off on Palliser Estate Martinborough Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
This distinctive wine was hand-harvested in the Esk Valley and matured for over a year in French oak casks. It has a fragrant, slightly biscuity and creamy bouquet, leading into a full-bodied, sweet-fruited palate, with grapefruit and peach flavours, well-integrated…
Comments Off on Linden Destination Series Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Still youthful, this powerful, yet elegant and tightly structured wine was grown in the lower Tuki Tuki Valley and fermented and matured in French oak casks (27% new). Bright, light yellow/green, with a fragrant, slightly smoky, complex bouquet, it is…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Terraces Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Freshly aromatic, this full-bodied wine is punchy, with good intensity of vibrant tropical fruit flavours and a herbaceous undercurrent. Crisp, dry and lingering, it’s enjoyable now. (From Palliser Estate.) $23 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Handled entirely in tanks, this full-bodied wine includes 5% sauvignon gris. Light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with good intensity of fresh, ripe, peach and passionfruit-like flavours, finely balanced acidity and a dry, smooth finish. $22 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Full of youthful vigour, this highly aromatic wine is full-bodied, with intense tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, slightly leesy notes adding complexity, and a crisp, sustained finish. Best drinking mid-2022+. $30 (A, UK, US)
Comments Off on Palliser Estate Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
A classic example of the region’s wood-aged sauvignon blancs, this wine was hand-harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in seasoned oak barrels. Ripely scented and mouthfilling, it has rich, tropical fruit flavours, gently seasoned with oak, good complexity, balanced…
Comments Off on Church Road Road McDonald Series Barrel Fermented Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022
Posted: May 12, 2022
Still unfolding, this wine was estate-grown, mostly in the Bridge Pa Triangle, hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels (20% new). Fragrant, it is a bright, light yellow/green, weighty, sweet-fruited and complex wine, with rich, ripe, tropical…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Barrel Fermented Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019 / 0 View / May 12, 2022