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…
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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,…
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November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Bargain-priced, this is a full-coloured blend of merlot (49%), cabernet sauvignon (33%), malbec (16%) and a splash of cabernet franc, aged for a year in French oak barriques. Already highly approachable, it is mouthfilling, with generous, ripe, berryish, spicy flavours,…
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November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Already delicious, but also very ageworthy, this single-vineyard wine was hand-harvested at Maraekakaho, fermented in tanks and large French oak casks, and matured for 10 months on its yeast lees. Bright, light lemon/green, it is full-bodied, with vibrant, ripe, tropical…
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November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
How’s this for a bargain? Pale straw, this delicious, partly barrel-fermented wine is fragrant and fleshy, with generous pear, lychee and spice flavours, a slightly oily texture and a long, dryish finish. Showing excellent weight, vibrancy, complexity and harmony, it’s…
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November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Bargain-priced, this wine was predominantly (92%) fermented in French oak barriques. Bright, light yellow/green, with a complex bouquet, it is weighty and sweet-fruited, with vigorous, ripe stonefruit and spice flavours, oak complexity, slightly smoky notes and a dry finish. Best…
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November 30, 2021
Posted: November 30, 2021
Full of potential, this single-vineyard wine was hand-harvested at Bay View and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barriques (40% new). Concentrated, vigorous and youthful, with a slightly smoky bouquet, it has concentrated, ripe stonefruit flavours and a tightly…
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November 30, 2021
Posted: December 10, 2019
Built for the long haul, this beautifully structured red was hand-picked in the Cornerstone Vineyard and matured for 15 months in French oak barriques. Dark and concentrated, it is fragrant and sturdy, with deep, youthful blackcurrant, plum and black pepper…
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December 10, 2019
Posted: December 10, 2019
A refined, very ‘complete’ wine, this dark, fragrant red is mouthfilling, rich and supple, with lovely depth of blackcurrant, plum, red berry and spice flavours, finely integrated oak and a very harmonious, lasting finish. Already delicious, but full of potential,…
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December 10, 2019
Posted: December 10, 2019
Bright, pale pink, this merlot-based rosé is fragrant and vibrantly fruity, in a medium-bodied style with very good depth of fresh strawberry and spice flavours, a hint of peaches, and a smooth, dry finish. Good drinking for the summer of…
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December 10, 2019
Posted: December 10, 2019
Already hard to resist, this pale gold wine has an intense, honeyed fragrance. Showing lovely depth and harmony, it has concentrated, vibrant, peachy, botrytis-enriched flavours, abundant sweetness, finely poised acidity, and excellent vigour and richness. $30 (375ml)
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December 10, 2019
Posted: December 10, 2019
Showing strong personality, this finely poised wine was partly barrel-fermented. Invitingly scented, it is full-bodied, with strong, vibrant, pear-like flavours, hints of lychees and spices, a touch of complexity, balanced acidity and a dryish, lingering finish. Enjoyable from the start,…
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December 10, 2019
Posted: December 10, 2019
Partly barrel-fermented, this wine is priced sharply. Mouthfilling, with generous, stonefruit flavours to the fore, slightly spicy and smoky notes adding complexity, and a fresh, finely balanced finish, it should be at its best 2021+. $20
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December 10, 2019
Posted: September 4, 2019
A flavoursome mix of classic shiraz fruit and classy oak. Still quite fresh.Complex mature aromas and well integrated oak/fruit flavours with balancing tannins.
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September 4, 2019
Posted: March 7, 2019
This fragrant, youthful red was grown in the Omaka Valley. Bright ruby, it has strong, ripe plum/spice flavours, with nutty, savoury notes adding complexity, and a structured, finely balanced finish. Best drinking 2020+. $27
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March 7, 2019
Posted: March 7, 2019
This freshly scented, finely balanced wine is medium-bodied, with citrusy, slightly sweet flavours that linger well. Showing very good intensity, vigour and harmony, it’s already enjoyable, but well worth cellaring. $20
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March 7, 2019
Posted: March 7, 2019
This aromatic, punchy wine is a blend of Awatere Valley (60%) and Wairau Valley (40%) grapes. It has good intensity of lively passionfruit, lime and green capsicum flavours, tangy, dry and lasting. $20
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March 7, 2019
Posted: March 7, 2019
A pleasant uncomplicated wine with pungent tropical aromas, some spiciness and slight earthiness with a flavoursome palate and dominant acid making it a great food wine.
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March 7, 2019
Posted: November 7, 2018
This classy young red was grown in the Cornerstone Vineyard, hand-picked, fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured for 15 months in French oak barriques. Dark and purple-flushed, with fragrant plum and spice aromas, it is sturdy and well structured, with…
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November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Still a baby, this is a very elegant red, set for a long life. Dark and purple-flushed, it is mouthfilling, with vibrant, well-ripened blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent density, and a seamless, persistent finish. Open 2021+. $60
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November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Partly barrel-fermented, this wine is already drinking well. Light lemon/green, with a fragrant, slightly smoky bouquet, it is mouthfilling, with generous, vibrant, peachy flavours, a hint of butterscotch and good complexity. Fine value. $20
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November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A classic regional style, this sturdy, rich wine was hand-picked and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barriques. Bright, light lemon/green, it is fragrant, with a hint of gunflint. The flavours are deep, ripe and peachy, with excellent complexity…
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November 7, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Nice example of a cool climate syrah with peppery herbaceous bouquet and an elegant, spicy, peppery palate with slightly green tannins. 5+
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October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Big, warm and complex with powerful tertiary characters, lots of grip and persistence.
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October 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
A big buxom chardonnay that’s showing great presence. Has some funkiness to the zesty peach/citrus nose and full-on powerful fruit on the very flavoursome palate.
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July 4, 2018
Posted: March 2, 2018
Lovely bright cut grass, capsicum and snowpea on the nose. Vivid and lifted, not especially concentrated but with a really vibrant and succulent juicy palate. Excellent value for money. $20.00
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March 2, 2018
Posted: March 2, 2018
Muted wet stone and chalk on the nose. Some bright floral aromas with a citrus and lime. A touch of sweetness but balanced by red grapefruit, citrussy acidity. $20.00
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March 2, 2018
Posted: November 9, 2017
Very pretty and peppery. Plenty of blackberry and plum fruit but attractive, expansive nose allows hints of lavender and violets to peep through. Definite note of warmth from alcohol, a powerfully fruited wine that has excellent concentration and length. $25.00
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November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Pale pink. Pretty summer pudding aroma of raspberry, strawberry and rose petal. Dry and satisfying with a lovely thread of freshness. Super appealing, clean and crisp. $20.00
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November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Gently aromatic with an edge of nutmeg and cinnamon spice. Creamy and concentrated, oak comes through alongside a mealy, leesy note. Not a big wine but lovely persistence of flavour. $20.00
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November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
A more restrained take on the reductive style of Chardonnay. Charming aromas of melting butter, toasted cashew and nougat with a touch of flinty struck match underneath. Plenty of citrus and just-ripe stone fruit on the palate with a beautiful…
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November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Lightly fragrant with baked red apple and poached pear on the nose. Some sweetness at first that then leads to a medium dry textural palate. $20.00
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November 9, 2017
Posted: November 9, 2017
Vivid aromas of lemon and lime with some quinine too. Almost like drinking gin and tonic. A delightful textural wine with a strong acid spine that keeps the flavours pristine and focussed. Really attractive. $20.00
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November 9, 2017
Posted: September 6, 2017
Obvious but very interesting intense oaky Rhone-like style that needs more time. Lifted peppery spicy aromas and flavours.
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September 6, 2017
Posted: September 6, 2017
The attractive fragrant nose is aromatic and perfumed. The palate has a robust spicy sour cherry flavour profile and apple-like acidity. 5+
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September 6, 2017
Posted: June 30, 2017
Great colour; deep crimson red. Gentle nose – all dark briary fruit. Rich sweet palate with long lingering flavour persistence, mocha notes and grainy tannins.
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June 30, 2017
Posted: June 16, 2017
Floral and sweet-fruited, with vibrant plum and spice flavours, good harmony and potential. Fresh, elegant wine that lingers well.
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June 16, 2017
Posted: June 16, 2017
Lively, with ripely herbaceous flavours of melons and green capsicums, showing very good varietal character and depth. Enjoyed by all judges.
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June 16, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Ruby hued, fresh and smooth, in a medium-bodied style with youthful, cherryish, plummy flavours, showing considerable complexity, and good length. $25 (UK)
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April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Energetic, full-bodied, ripely herbaceous blend of Wairau Valley (75%) and Awatere Valley (25%) fruit. Crisp, dry and lingering. $20 (UK, US)
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April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Boldly coloured, sweet-fruited red, with dense plum and black pepper flavours, and savoury, toasty notes adding complexity. Described by one judge as “a burly, ripe style, more shiraz than syrah.” $25
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April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Dense, youthful red, grown in the Cornerstone Vineyard and matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (55% new). Richly varietal and vibrantly fruity, with deep plum, blackcurrant and spice flavours, and a firm, tightly structured, long finish. $60
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April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Easy-drinking blend of merlot (44%), cabernet sauvignon (30%), malbec (22%) and cabernet franc (4%). Full-coloured and vibrantly fruity, with fresh, plummy, slightly herbal flavours, a gentle seasoning of biscuity oak (40% new), and very good balance and depth. $20 (UK,…
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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…
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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)
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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
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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).
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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)
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April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
This generous, sweet-fruited wine offers great value. Fully barrel-fermented (15% new), it is mouthfilling, with grapefruit and peach flavours, a subtle seasoning of oak, fresh acidity and a slightly mealy, finely textured finish. $20 (UK)
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April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Highly fragrant, with a hint of ‘struck match’, this classy wine was grown at two sites in northern Hawke’s Bay (including the Esk Valley home block), and fermented and matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (30% new). Elegant…
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April 5, 2017
