From vines planted in 2009, hand-picked and WBP, stainless-steel fermented to 13.8% alc. and 4.5 g/L rs, the wine aged on lees. Bright, very pale straw-yellow with some green. The bouquet is soft and gently full, mellow and showing development with the pepper and stonefruit aromas melded harmoniously. Dryish to taste, the flavours are very gentle and smooth flowing, and the mouthfeel supple, soft and seamless. A little faded, there is still aromatic freshness enhanced by light, lacy acidity, and faint savouriness providing interest. This is a smooth, mature and very gentle wine with light flavours and some grace. 16.0+/20 Feb 2013
The interest in the Austrian white Gruner Veltliner varietal is gaining momentum, Coopers Creek being at the forefront in working with it in New Zealand. Brilliant, limpid straw-yellow colour, this has a well-concentrated nose of stonefruits, minerals, white pepper and exotic herbs. Dry to taste, this has depth to the flavours of ripe stonefruits, which are enhanced by subtle herb and gooseberry notes with a peppery element. There is a stylish restraint to the core of fruit and freshness is provided by good acidity. The wine finishes with long flavours of nectarines and herbs. Fruit from Paul and Jenny Tietjen's ‘Kawatiri' vineyard in Gisborne, whole bunch pressed and cool-fermented to 13.5% alc. and 4.5 g/L rs. Drink over 2-4 years with seafood and poultry. 17.5-/20 Feb 2011 RRP $21.00