Posted: April 5, 2017
Fruit-driven style, partly oak-aged, with fresh, citrusy, slightly appley flavours to the fore and gentle biscuity, mealy notes adding a touch of complexity. Drinking well now. $21
Comments Off on Peter Yealands Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Pale ruby, estate-grown red, barrel-aged for 10 months. Lighter style, with ripe, cherryish, savoury, slightly nutty flavours, showing a touch of complexity, and good tannin support. Enjoyable now. $28 (US)
Comments Off on Cable Bay Marlborough Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Easy-drinking style from The Terraces Vineyard, in the Wairau Valley. Mouthfilling, with very good depth of tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, a smooth finish, and bottle-aged notes starting to emerge. $23 (US)
Comments Off on Tiki Estate Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Bright ruby, vibrantly fruity and supple, medium-bodied style. Tightly structured, distinctly cool-climate red with very good depth of fresh, plummy, spicy, peppery flavours. Worth cellaring. $50 (A, US)
Comments Off on Murdoch James Blue Rock Martinborough Syrah 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fruit-driven style, mostly handled in tanks; 10% of the blend was barrel-fermented. Fresh, lively and weighty, with citrusy, slightly appley flavours and a finely textured, slightly creamy finish. $25 (US)
Comments Off on Cable Bay Marlborough Awatere Valley Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Drinking well now, but still youthful, this finely balanced red was mostly barrel-aged. Ruby hued, it has excellent depth of ripe cherry/plum flavours, finely integrated oak, good complexity and a well-rounded finish. $27 (A, UK, US)
Comments Off on Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Marlborough Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Ruby hued, mouthfilling, supple red, with moderately rich, well-ripened cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours. Savoury and finely textured, with good complexity. Drink now or cellar. Certified organic. $33 (A, UK)
Comments Off on The Darling Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Showing good potential, this deeply coloured blend of merlot (88%) and cabernet sauvignon (12%) was hand-picked in the Gimblett Gravels and barrel-aged. Mouthfilling, it is still very youthful, with fresh, strong plum, blackcurrant and spice flavours, a subtle seasoning of…
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Halo Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Delicious young, but also worth cellaring. Bright ruby, floral and supple, with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours in a ‘feminine’ style with gentle tannins, good complexity and a smooth, harmonious finish. $50 (A, US)
Comments Off on Murdoch James Blue Rock Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
From hill-grown vines in the Omaka Valley, this youthful wine was hand-picked, fermented with indigenous yeasts and barrel-aged for 16 months. Showing excellent complexity, it is full-bodied, with ripe cherry, plum and nut flavours, complex and savoury, and a firmly…
Comments Off on Spy Valley Envoy Outpost Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Mouthfilling, ripely flavoured, savoury red, estate-grown in the Waihopai Valley and French oak-aged for 16 months. Slightly ‘masculine’ style, with good tannin backbone and strong plum, nut and spice flavours, showing excellent complexity. Built to last; best drinking 2018+. $55…
Comments Off on Spy Valley Envoy Johnson Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Sturdy, youthful, clearly varietal red, grown in the Elms Vineyard. Concentrated plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, earthy notes adding complexity, and good tannin backbone. Best drinking 2018+. $40 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Crossroads Winemakers Collection Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fragrant and supple, this is a top year of this single-vineyard red, grown at Te Muna. Deep ruby, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with a strong surge of well-ripened plum, cherry and spice flavours, showing good complexity, and a rich,…
Comments Off on The Elder Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
This refined wine was estate-grown at Mangatahi. Fragrant and mouthfilling, it is youthful and tightly structured, with strong, vibrant, citrusy, peachy flavours, finely integrated oak (French, 25% new), fresh acidity, and very impressive delicacy, complexity and harmony. $40
Comments Off on Crossroads Winemakers Collection Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Floral, graceful, very finely textured red, grown in the Elms Vineyard. Deeply coloured, with rich, ripe blackcurrant and spice flavours, hints of dark chocolate and licorice, and a long, slightly peppery finish. Already delicious, it should be at its best…
Comments Off on Crossroads Talisman Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dry nutty nose with toasty development and a rich, round and flavoursome palate.
Comments Off on Bisol Vigneti del Fol Superiore DOCG Extra Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Pleasant passionfruit aromas with persistent and tasty citrus driven flavours showing some nice aged characters developing.
Comments Off on Bisol Salis Superiore DOCG Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Very varietal with plenty of bead, an herbaceous nose and a light and lively palate.
Comments Off on Saddler’s Creek Bluegrass Langhorne Creek Sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
A classic Aussie sparkling shiraz showing lots of promise. Palate has layers of flavour with refreshing acidity.
Comments Off on Gartelmann Wines Hunter Valley Mudgee Sparkling Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Sweet oak nose with a coffee-like thread. Generous plum fruit palate with textured tannins.
Comments Off on Brick Kiln Single Vineyard McLaren Vale Sparkling Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Beautiful toasty yeasty development on the nose and a lovely harmony of slightly sweet creamy flavours.
Comments Off on Giesen Classic Cuvee Marlborough Sparkling Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fruity nose with floral esters and creamy palate with persistence of strawberry nuances.
Comments Off on Spring Vale Salute Tasmania Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Meunier 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Earthy musky aromas and an attractive lightly varietal palate with some Vegemite notes and showing lovely overall freshness.
Comments Off on Sutherland Estate Yarra Valley Sparkling Tempranillo 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
A pleasant slightly sweet but well balanced sparkling showing some ageing potential.
Comments Off on Wolf Blass Gold Label Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
“Big, rich, ripe fruit,” said one judge. The use of oak slightly dominant on the nose and palate, but overall a sound wine.
Comments Off on Sirromet Wines Signature Collection Granite Belt Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
The nose has aromas of ripe red and dark fruits with a sprinkling of spice. The flavoursome palate is “rich, integrated and long” wrapped up with “velvet” tannins – enjoyed by all the judges.
Comments Off on Karrawatta Joseph Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Blackberry and red currant with hints of cedary oak. One judge enjoyed the tight but generous palate, summing it up as “classy.”
Comments Off on Karrawatta Christo’s Paddock Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fresh, complex fruit aromas with a hint of cashew nuts. A clean and fairly simple palate with generous flavours.
Comments Off on Millon Estate The Impressionist Eden Valley Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Subtle nose that indicates quality cool climate fruit. Elegant varietal characteristics supported by “classy” oak with a hint of cashew nuts.
Comments Off on Millon Estate The Royal Eden Valley Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Has what one judge called a “tight” palate, but with good varietal fruit flavours and textural element that speaks of lees stirring. Bigger style.
Comments Off on Krackerjack Margaret River Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fresh, light fruit flavours and aromas of ripe melon and citrus, a hint of roasted nuts. Complex and full, yet fine and restrained.
Comments Off on Palmer Wines Reserve Margaret River Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Complex nose showing some yeasty lees characteristics along with citrus and marmalade. Has what one judge described as a “clean and fresh palate” of good length.
Comments Off on Warner Vineyard Beechworth Roussanne Marsanne 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
The colour shows early development, with some tarry hints on the cherry nose. Predominantly ripe cherry flavours on a well-balanced palate.
Comments Off on Millbrook Winery Regional Geographe Sangiovese 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Aromas of dark, stewed plums and a fairly “big” palate, but one that gets your attention. Described by one judge as a “well thought out wine” having good weight, texture and structure rounded out by well integrated tannins.
Comments Off on Kings of Kangaroo Ground Heathcote Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
The intense nose promises rich, ripe plums and blackberries and the palate follows suit – an opulent array of dark fruit flavours.
Comments Off on Tenafeate Creek Wines Basket Press One Tree Hill Montepulciano 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
“A bright and attractive drink,” was how one judge summed it up. Herbal notes and some toasty oak on the nose, with ripe red berry fruits flowing on to a slightly sweet palate that has flavours of cherry cola, liquorice,…
Comments Off on Tenafeate Creek Wines Basket Press One Tree Hill Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
“Spicy and herbal” showing some “cherry ripe” fruit flavours observed one judge. The flavoursome palate is supported by lively acidity and fine tannin.
Comments Off on Satyr Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
“Good freshness of fruit” showing aromas of mulberry, boysenberry and blackberry. Judicious use of oak and reliance on natural tannin has kept this wine “textural and fresh” said one judge.
Comments Off on Deep Woods Estate Ebony Margaret River Cabernet Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Complex nose of red and dark fruits with a lift of spice and rosemary, earthy undertones and dusty oak. A lovely, fresh varietal blend displaying rich cassis flavours, described by one judge as a “Well put together wine.”
Comments Off on Deep Woods Estate Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Predominantly ripe, red fruits with “meaty” aromas and flavours, a touch of coffee bean. A full, round and ripe palate.
Comments Off on Yarrawood Estate Tall Tales Yarra Valley Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Some advanced development here, but the majority liked it. Mainly dark fruit aromas and flavours with some tobacco notes.
Comments Off on Water Wheel Bendigo Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
“Very bright” said one judge, with pronounced “choc mint” aroma and flavour – perhaps some viognier? A “pretty” wine that has nuances of stone fruit and spice.
Comments Off on Water Wheel Bendigo Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
“Excellent use of oak,” said one judge. A well-structured, elegant and stylish wine that is “creamy, textured, fine and long.” Enjoyed by all judges.
Comments Off on Landaire Handpicked Single Vineyard Padthaway Chardonnay 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Intriguing nose of nettles, cheese cloth and coriander with herbal lift. Citrus and lemon sorbet on the palate which is carried along nicely with some lively acidity.
Comments Off on Drakesbrook Wines Wild Bird Peel Savagnin 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
“Polished dark cherry fruit,” said one judge, with a “supple and long palate.” Balance is the key here, along with some lifted aromatics.
Comments Off on Rockcliffe Third Reef Great Southern Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Ripe plums with hints of spice, coffee and tar. An intense and rich wine, but one with “beautiful balance”, poise and length. “All class” said one judge.
Comments Off on Rockcliffe Single Site Great Southern Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
A cornucopia of lifted mint, chocolate, raspberry and red fruits, with a nod to vanillin oak. “Good freshness, great line and persistence, excellent attention to extraction,” noted one judge. “Full and juicy with fine tannins,” said another.
Comments Off on Beresford Limited Release McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Ripe plums, wood spices, earthy notes and a hint of confection. An easy, approachable style with some depth and complexity.
Comments Off on The Wishing Tree Adelaide Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
A well balanced wine with good thought given to the fruit use and nice wrap of sweet oak. Enjoyable old school style.
Comments Off on Totino Estate Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Spicy fruit and dusty oak on the nose and nice varietal characters on the lightweight palate. Good drinking here. 3-5
Comments Off on James Busby Rich & Spicy Australia Shiraz Cabernet 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017