Posted: June 9, 2017
Deeply coloured, this single-vineyard, Cromwell Basin red is mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with strong, youthful, plummy, spicy flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and fine-grained tannins. Delicious young, it’s also well worth cellaring.
Comments Off on Two Degrees Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Deep, purple-flushed blend of merlot (95%) and a splash of cabernet sauvignon, grown in the Gimblett Gravels and barrel-aged. Full-bodied and fleshy, with warm red berry and spice flavours, gentle tannins and good density. Enjoyable now; best drinking 2016+.
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Halo Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Fleshy, ripe Gisborne red from vines planted in 1985 at Bridge Estate, barrel-matured for 18 months. Fresh and vibrantly fruity, with ripe, blackcurrant and plum flavours, an earthy streak, a gentle oak influence and excellent depth.
Comments Off on Poverty Bay Merlot Cabernet 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Single vineyard Nelson wine, barrel-matured for 18 months, with a fragrant, toasty, buttery bouquet. Powerful, ‘full-on’ style with concentrated, peachy, toasty, slightly gingery and honeyed flavours, good complexity and strong personality. Ready to roll.
Comments Off on Moutere Hills Sarau Reserve Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Floral, berry and spice aromas lead into a ruby hued, full-bodied, savoury red with generous, well-ripened cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, showing good complexity. Best drinking 2016+.
Comments Off on Moutere Hills Nelson Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Rich, vibrantly fruity Hawke’s Bay blend of malbec and cabernet franc, estate-grown on the coast, at Te Awanga, and matured in seasoned French and American barriques. Full-coloured, with fresh, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, firm tannins and good density….
Comments Off on Clearview Two Pinnacles Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Powerful, youthful blend of merlot (86%), cabernet sauvignon (9%) and malbec (5%), oak-aged for a year. Deep, bright colour, with substantial body (14.5% alc/vol) and bold, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, showing some complexity. Best drinking 2017+. A top…
Comments Off on Church Road Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
This is a mouthfilling, supple, savoury red with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent complexity and depth. It’s worth cellaring, but already drinking well.
Comments Off on Aurum Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Fragrant, full-coloured, sweet-fruited red with cherry, spice, dried herb and nut flavours, showing excellent ripeness, complexity and depth. Powerful, complex wine with good density. Youthful, but already drinking well.
Comments Off on Terra Sancta Estate Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Tight, elegant, very youthful wine, estate-grown in the Waihopai Valley, hand-picked and barrel-aged for 20 months. Fresh, complex bouquet, leading into a very refined wine with delicate, citrusy, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, seasoned with toasty oak, and good acid spine….
Comments Off on Spy Valley Envoy Marlborough Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Perfumed, weighty, Waihopai Valley red with generous, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent concentration and complexity, fine-grained tannins and a lengthy finish. Best drinking 2016+.
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 15 Strip Block Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Youthful, very ageworthy blend of sauvignon blanc (70%) and semillon (30%), grown at the eastern end of Waiheke Island and partly barrel-fermented. Mouthfilling, with fresh, ripely herbaceous flavours, a hint of toasty oak, and excellent concentration, drive and complexity. Best…
Comments Off on Man O’ War Gravestone Gewurztraminer 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Fragrant, mouthfilling, supple red from the Gibbston sub-region. Deeply coloured, with good weight and generous, youthful, well-ripened cherry, plum and spice flavours. Savoury, complex wine, likely to be at its best 2016+.
Comments Off on Coal Pit Tiwha Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
From vines nearly 30 years old, this Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay red is dark and full-bodied, with rich blackcurrant, plum, spice and herb flavours, fresh acidity, toasty oak adding complexity and a good backbone of tannin. Best drinking 2017+.
Comments Off on Clearview Reserve Cabernet Franc 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Youthful, generous Hawke’s Bay blend of cabernet sauvignon (46%), merlot (38%), cabernet franc (11%) and malbec (5%), grown at Te Awanga (mostly) and in the Gimblett Gravels. Deeply coloured, mouthfilling and smooth, with strong, ripe blackcurrant, plum, herb and spice…
Comments Off on Clearview Old Olive Block Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Smoky bouquet, leading into a mouthfilling wine with deep, vibrant, grapefruit-like flavours, a subtle seasoning of oak, and a long, harmonious finish. Rich, elegant and sweet-fruited, with excellent freshness, delicacy and depth. Drink now or cellar.
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Powerful wine, with accentuated smoke and ‘gunflint’ notes in the bouquet. Weighty, with bold, ripe stonefruit and toast flavours, impressive complexity, faintly buttery notes and excellent harmony. Best drinking 2017+.
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Fragrant, concentrated, youthful Gisborne blend, from vines planted in 1985, oak-matured for 18 months. Deeply coloured, with rich, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of dark chocolate, and fine-grained tannins. Stylish, harmonious wine, well worth cellaring.
Comments Off on Bridge Estate Cabernet Merlot 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Weighty, fleshy and smooth, with strong, vibrant peach, melon and spice flavours, a herbal undercurrent, and a subtle seasoning of oak adding complexity. Stylish wine, still youthful; best drinking 2016+.
Comments Off on Brancott Estate Letter Series R Marlborough Sauvignon Gris 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Savoury and earthy, rather than fruit-packed, this is a distinctive Cromwell Valley red. Full-bodied, it is an ageworthy style with rich, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, good tannin support and excellent complexity.
Comments Off on Aurum Madeleine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Finely scented, powerful, weighty red, from a site overlooking Te Muna Valley. Youthful, dense, spicy and savoury, with good tannin support and excellent ripeness, complexity and harmony. Best drinking 2017+.
Comments Off on The Elder Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Dense, classy Hawke’s Bay blend of merlot (80%), malbec (10%) and cabernet franc (10%), grown at Te Awanga and matured in French and American oak barriques. A powerful, sturdy (14.5% alc/vol) wine, it has bold, youthful blackcurrant, plum and spice…
Comments Off on Clearview Enigma Pinot Gris 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Highly refined, beautifully scented and supple red, estate-grown in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and French oak-matured for 18 months. Boldly coloured, with dense, very ripe plum and black pepper flavours, silky tannins and a lasting, finely…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Very powerful, rich, youthful wine, estate-grown in the Redstone Vineyard, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, hand-picked and barrel-fermented. Strong, ripe, peachy, spicy and slightly toasty flavours, with hints of fig and quince, impressive concentration and complexity, and a rounded finish….
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Finely balanced, mouthfilling red with fullish colour, well-integrated toasty oak, and fresh, moderately concentrated plum, spice and pepper flavours.
Comments Off on Kainui Road Northland Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Deeply coloured, floral, very fresh and vibrant Matakana red with blackberry, plum and spice flavours, ripe, supple tannins and a savoury oak influence (French, 65% new.)
Comments Off on Mahurangi River Reserve Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Dark and fleshy, with strong plum and spice flavours, hints of herbs, olives and licorice, and ripe, chewy tannins. (From Awaroa.)
Comments Off on Waiheke Road Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Fragrant and deeply coloured, with good weight and ripe, plum and black pepper flavours, strong and smooth. Youthful, strongly varietal style that lingers well.
Comments Off on Awaroa Waiheke Island Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Powerful, rich, vibrant Waiheke Island red with good weight, strong, fresh, plum and spice flavours and supple tannins. Well worth cellaring.
Comments Off on Goldie Reserve Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Highly fragrant, deeply coloured Waiheke Island red. ‘Serious’ but delicious red with lovely weight and depth of plum and spice flavours, youthful and lasting. Should be long-lived.
Comments Off on Awaroa Melba Peach Syrah 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Deeply coloured, full-bodied red with very good depth of ripe, spicy flavours and gentle tannins. Fresh, easy drinking.
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands Chambourcin 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Lively, medium-bodied, buoyantly fruity red, estate-grown in west Auckland, with fresh, ripe, berryish, slightly spicy flavours, gentle tannins and good concentration.
Comments Off on Coopers Creek SV Huapai Guido in Velvet Pants Montepulciano 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Concentrated, youthful Northland blend of cabernet franc (51%), cabernet sauvignon (38%) and malbec (11%). Strong, ripe blackcurrant, spice and red berry flavours, with toast and cigar box notes adding complexity. Well worth cellaring.
Comments Off on Paroa Bay Bay of Islands CMC Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Full-coloured Waiheke Island blend of cabernet sauvignon (65%), merlot (25%) and malbec (10%). Strong, plummy, spicy, slightly herbal flavours, with well-handled oak and ripe tannins.
Comments Off on Awaroa Requiem Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Firmly structured Waiheke Island blend of cabernet sauvignon (63%), cabernet franc (26%) and malbec (11%). Strong, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, with hints of herbs, and good cellaring potential.
Comments Off on Peacock Sky Le Coté de la Colline Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Dark, youthful Matakana red with concentrated, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours. Savoury and complex, with a seasoning of toasty, nutty French oak (85% new) and good cellaring potential.
Comments Off on Mahurangi River Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Dark, rich blend of merlot (84%) and Malbec (16%). Weighty and firmly structured, with concentrated blackcurrant and plum flavours, hints of dried herbs and spices, and obvious cellaring potential.
Comments Off on Peacock Sky Waiheke Island Merlot Malbec 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Deeply coloured Northland red, mouthfilling and firm, with strong blackberry, plum and spice flavours, good complexity and a perfumed bouquet.
Comments Off on Marsden Bay of Islands The Winemakers Daughter Merlot 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Full-coloured Auckland red with fresh, strong, plummy flavours, showing good ripeness, fine-grained tannins, and well-integrated oak (French and American).
Comments Off on Mahurangi River Matakana Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Full-bodied style with a gentle splash of sweetness, ripe, peachy flavours, a slightly oily texture and a rounded finish. Drinking well now.
Comments Off on Ashwood Estate Late Harvest Gisborne Pinot Gris (375ml) 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Aromatic, slightly spicy bouquet. Mouthfilling, crisp and lively, with youthful, ripe, citrusy flavours and a powerful, dry finish.
Comments Off on Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Verdelho 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Pale straw, with a spicy bouquet, mouthfilling body, a slightly oily texture and ripe, peachy flavours, showing good depth. Fermented in large, 2500-litre oak ovals. Ready.
Comments Off on Ashwood Estate Gisborne Pinot Gris 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Restrainted, youthful wine, estate-grown at Mangere, in Auckland, and barrel-fermented. Fresh, citrusy, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, showing very good balance and depth, with gentle, nutty, mealy notes adding complexity.
Comments Off on Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Upfront style from Northland with sweet-fruit characters and citrusy, slightly oaky flavours, showing very good depth.
Comments Off on Paroa Bay Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Full-bodied and creamy-textured, with fresh, concentrated, peachy fruit flavours and finely integrated oak (20 per cent new.)
Comments Off on Mahurangi River Field of Grace Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Fragrant, complex bouquet. Mouthfilling, with youthful, ripe stonefruit flavours and buttery, toasty notes adding richness. Barrel-fermented style, with good weight and concentration. Smoky bouquet, with a distinct hint of ‘burnt match’, leading into a weighty, rich palate with vibrant grapefruit,…
Comments Off on Villa Maria Reserve Barrique Fermented Gisborne Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Fragrant, complex bouquet. Mouthfilling, with youthful, ripe stonefruit flavours and buttery, toasty notes adding richness. Barrel-fermented style, with good weight and concentration.
Comments Off on Ashwood Estate Gisborne Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Stylish Matakana wine, mouthfilling, complex and savoury. Concentrated and sweet-fruited, with grapefruit-like flavours and a finely structured, lasting finish. Ageworthy style, rated highly by all judges.
Comments Off on Mahurangi River Field of Grace Reserve Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
A confectionery nose of black jubes with an intense jammy fruit palate.
Comments Off on Brash Vineyard Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017
Posted: June 9, 2017
Good marriage of oak and fruit here. The wine is complex and intense with gorgeous peach/melon fruit and excellent, subtle, oak use on the long and seamless balance.
Comments Off on Paringa Estate The Estate Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2013 / 0 View / June 9, 2017