30 Under $30 – 5-star rated wines you can buy

24-Mar-2021

30 UNDER (3) - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

It's been a year since New Zealand closed its border to visitors, many of us had to adjust to situations with work and lifestyle choice, but, let's face it, once you've developed a palate for great wines, you can never settle for less. So, I'm here to help.

I've selected 30 5-star rated wines you can buy under $30 to get you through your everyday need and for your cellar. There's a good range of choices, I hope you will find something you like and try something new.

Don't forget to check out the special deals just for you, apply the code '30UNDER30' to get the special offers, valid until 8th April. See the full list here: 30 Under $30 Deals

You can also join me to taste these 30 Under $30 wines! Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/30-under-30-tickets-144541328003

For detailed reviews see below. 🥂🍷

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

Giesen Uncharted Chardonnay 2020, Marlborough
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 15-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale yellow with some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is soft and poise, aromas of citrus, pineapple entwined with barrel-fermented notes of flint and creamy lees nuances. Medium-full bodied, the palate is well-packed with pineapple, Meyer lemons and peaches; enriched by well-proportioned oak spices and flint. The palate is creamy with a lightness supported by lacy acidity and a fine spicy, phenolic textured-line, linger to a harmonious, sustained finish. Match with monkfish stew and chicken & corn over the next 3-5 years. Handpicked fruit from Southern and Wairau Valley, fermented and aged in French oak hogshead, puncheons and 1,000L German Fuder for 10 months, 10% new oak, 18% one-year-old oak with the balance older. 13.5% alc, 1.2g/l RS. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Dec 2020 RRP $29.99
Nga Waka Chardonnay 2019, Martinborough
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 29-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, light-yellow with a gold hue, slightly lighter edged. The nose is gently full, nuances of stonefruit, lemon sherbet entwined with buttery scent and subtle spices. Medium-full bodied, the palate is packed-full with aromas of ripe stonefruit interweave blanched almonds, buttery creaminess and subtle spices, linger with lemon sherbet and a hint of toffee on the finish. The ripe fruit is in harmony with the buttery palate and provides the body. The wine possessed an elegant, lacy acidity balance along a chalky phenolic line, leaves a satisfying finish. This is a harmonious Chardonnay with ripe stonefruit flavours, balanced lacy acid and a creamy mouthfeel. Match with fried chicken and sausage casserole over the next 5 years. 100% barrel fermented in French oak barriques to 13.3% alc, regular lees-stirred, aged 10 months in barrels, 20% new. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jan 2021 RRP $26
Paddy Borthwick Chardonnay 2019, Wairarapa
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 11-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale yellow with a green-gold hue and some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is fresh with clear layers aromas of citrus, lemon sherbet, white peach melded with creamy lees and a hint of hazelnut. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly presented, aromas of lemon sherbet, white peach have a good core, the palate broadens by well proportioned creamy lees, hazelnut and spices. Acidity is balanced and lacy, carries a subtle hint of minerality on a fine-textured line. The is an elegant Chardonnay with the purity of fruit and balanced oak and lees details. Match with white fish and poultry over the next 3-5 years. Fermented in French puncheons with solids to 13.5% alc. Minimal MLF, aged on lees in puncheons for 10 months, 20% new oak. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Dec 2020 RRP $24.95
Rapaura Springs Reserve Chardonnay 2019, Marlborough
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 28-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, light straw-yellow with some depth, slightly lighter edged. The nose is gently full; the glass is filled with stonefruit nuances and citrus accompanied by oak spices, almonds and a hint of creaminess. Full-bodied, peaches, nectarines and lemon peels have a concentrated core, enriched by toasted almonds, whipped butter and subtle spices. The flavours are rich; lacy acidity provides a lively palate and drive, carry flavours along with a rounded, creamy mouthfeel. This is a rich, concentrated, stonefruit-flavoured Chardonnay with toasty barrel details on a creamy mouthfeel. Match with roasted chicken and veal parmigiana over the next 4 years. 13.5% alc. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jan 2021 RRP $18.99
Saint Clair James Sinclair Chardonnay 2020, Marlborough
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 03-Mar-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale straw-yellow, slightly lighter edged. The nose is softly full, filling the glass with nuances of pineapple, stonefruit, citrus and herbs, interweave toasty oak and spice along with stony minerals. Full-bodied, the palate is mouth-filling with aromas of peach, green plums, pineapple and lemon melded with spicy herbs, buttered popcorn and toasted almonds. The mouthfeel is buttery and creamy, supported by a lively acidity balance. Toasty and nutty barrel element is growing in volume on the palate, lingering with barrel spices to a sustained bright finish. This is an elegant and lush Chardonnay with juicy fruit and toasty oak details on a creamy palate. Match with monkfish in curry and chicken over the next 5 years. Fruit from Awetere Valley, fermented with some solids, a portion was fermented in French oak barriques and ageing. Full MLF, left on lees for 7 months with regular stirring. No fining. Vegan friendly. 13% alc, 4.9 g/l RS. 18.5-/20 pts (92 pts) Mar 2021 RRP $24.90
Te Pa Chardonnay 2020, Marlborough
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 08-Mar-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, light straw-yellow with a gold hue, slightly lighter rim. The nose is voluminous and youthful, nuances of oyster shells, roasted cashews and cream, melded with ripe nectarines, lemon meringue and a fine dusting of barrel spice. Medium-full bodied, very elegantly presented, aromas of roasted cashew married lemon sherbet and peels, nectarines, delicate spices, followed by a mouthwatering saline, mineral acidity line, ended on a note of pineapple. The lemon-curd like texture is creamy and bright, supported by acid tension, persist on the palate with chalky mineral; subtle and fine notes of spices lifted the finish with poise and elegance. This is an elegant Chardonnay with flavours of citrus and nectarines, great tension and saline minerality. Match with crayfish and hard cheese over the next 5 years. Fruit from Cowley Family Vineyard in Southern Valleys and Rocky Vineyard from Awatere, handpicked, whole bunch pressed to barrels, 40%. Aged for 10 months approx with lees, full MLF. 13.5% alc. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Mar 2021 RRP $24.99
Main Divide Riesling 2018, North Canterbury
Riesling from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara
Review Date : 09-Feb-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, light yellow with a green hue, even colour throughout. The nose is gently full, penetrating citrus aroma, stonefruit, honey and a hint of kerosene added interest. Medium-full bodied, med-dry to taste, apricot, lime, mandarin have a strong core, entwined with zesty spice, honey and a hint of white spice. The palate is voluminous and generous, packed full with flavours; mouthwatering acidity and sweetness compliments and added depth to the palate and linger to an uncloying, refreshing juicy finish. This is a well-balanced Riesling, an over-achiever; packed full of ripe fruit components and complexity, a carnival on the palate. Match with Sichuan Mouth-watering chicken and spicy cuisine over the next 5 years. 12.5% alc. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Feb 2021 RRP $20.99
Paddy Borthwick Riesling 2020, Wairarapa
Riesling from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 11-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale yellow with a lime-green hue, slightly lighter on edge. The nose is delicate and soft, fragrances of lime blossoms, entwined with lime and zest, mandarin, white peach and mouthwatering minerals. Dry to taste, medium-bodied, the palate is fresh and focused with nuances of lime and mandarin, along with lime blossoms and white pepper. The mouthfeel is refined with a supple phenolic texture, supported by integrated electric acidity, fills the palate with tension and zesty vibrancy, linger to a long finish. This is a vibrant dry Riesling with perfect balance, flavours of lime and zest, mandarin and blossoms flow with supple phenolics and acid tension. Match with shellfish and whitefish sashimi over the next 4-6 years. Cool fermented to 12.5% alc, 5.6 g/l RS. 19-/20 pts (95 pts) Dec 2020 RRP $22.95
Terrace Edge Liquid Geography Riesling 2020, North Canterbury
Riesling from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara
Review Date : 13-Oct-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, straw-yellow with some depth. The nose is elegant, and poise, mouthwatering minerals, citrus fill the glass, along with an array of calming florals. Med-sweet to taste, medium-bodied, bright aromas of lime, mandarin has a taut core and mouthwatering; lime flowers unveil along with delicate spice, and crunchy minerals flow with tension to a long, lingering finish. The fruit is gentle and aromatic, grows in concentration; thirst-quenching taut acid cut provides balance to the sweetness and drives to a sustained finish. This is a medium-sweet, fragrant Riesling with a tight core of citrus, floral details and lengthy mineral tension. Match with crispy pork belly and classic fish & chips over the next 5 years. 0.5% botrytis, fermented in stainless steel to 12.5% alc. 18.5/20 pts Oct 2020 RRP $24
Matawhero Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2020, Gisborne
Gewurztraminer from New Zealand - Gisborn
Review Date : 12-Oct-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, straw-yellow with a gold hue, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is elegantly presented, shows fragrant aromas of exotic lychee, Nashi pear, melded incredibly charming rose water nuances and young ginger. Dry to taste, medium-light bodied, refreshing and pure flavours of Nashi pear and lychee are focused, enlivened by freshly-squeezed lime, interwoven rose water and lifted young ginger notes on the close. The wine is well-packed with the purity of fruit; well-proportioned rose water and spicy ginger elements. Brilliant flavour intensity supported by fresh acidity, provide balance and a lingering refreshing finish. This is a well-balanced Gewurztraminer packed with the purity of exotic fruit, rose water and fresh ginger details on a dry and refreshing palate. Fruit from dry-farmed Matawhero Vineyard in the Riverpoint, fermented to 12.9% alc, 7.1 g/l RS. Aged on lees. Vegan friendly. 18.5/20 pts Oct RRP $23.99
Pegasus Bay Gewurztraminer 2019, Waipara
Gewurztraminer from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara
Review Date : 25-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale yellow with a green hue and some depth, faintly lighter on edge. The nose is softly aromatic, fragrances of white blossoms, melded with lychees, citrus and white spice, underlying discreet barrel flint. Off-dry, medium-bodied, lychee, pear puree intermix rosewater and white rose petals, along with ginger, nutmeg linger on the finish. An oily, beeswax mouthfeel and pure fruit and floral expression contribute to the palate's weight and substance. Varietal characters are expressive and lingering, enriched by older barrel-fermentation details. This is an off-dry, textural Gewurztraminer shines with varietal characters and barrel-fermented complexities. Match with Thai green curry and deep-fried wontons over the next 5+ years. Fruit with a small amount of botrytis, crushed then left on skins for a short period, pressed to fermented in old oak puncheons to 13.5% alc, aged in barrels for 6 months. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jan 2021 RRP $30
Clark Estate Upper Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 10-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale straw-yellow, even colour throughout. The nose is vibrant and youthful, soft aromas of blackcurrants leading the bouquet, melded with blackcurrant leaves, lime, along with seaweed and stony minerals. Medium-light bodied, dry to taste, fresh aromas of lime, blackcurrants have a taut core, subtle blackcurrant leaves and white pepper growing more prominent lingers with crisp, stony minerals to a refreshing finish. The acidity is electric and seamless, flows along a round-edged palate with subtle phenolic textured-line with ease. This is a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with flavours of blackcurrants and lime, savoury and mineral details with brilliant acidity. Match with mussels and shellfish over the next 2-3 years. Cool fermented to 13% alc, 1.5 g/l RS and left on lees to mature. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Nov 2020 RRP $23
Delta Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 13-Oct-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale lemon with a green hue, even colour throughout. The nose is vibrantly full, a whiff of herbaceous fresh-cut herbs, gooseberries lead the bouquet, interweave spiced pineapple and juicy lime. Dry to taste, medium-bodied, the palate has an elegantly concentrated heart of tropical fruit, passionfruit, gooseberry and pineapple, flows along a saline mineral drive, lively and thirst-quenching. A fine-textured phenolic line carries white pepper across the palate, entwine with fragrances of white florals, linger to a satisfying finish. This is a beautifully herbaceous, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of tropical fruit, spice and floral scents on a saline mineral drive. Match with storm clams and prawn cocktails over the next 3-4 years. Fruit from a single vineyard in Dillons Point. Fermented in stainless steel to 13% alc. 18.5+/20 pts Oct 2020 RRP $20
Domain Road Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Central Otago
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki
Review Date : 08-Feb-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale yellow with a light green hue, even colour throughout. The nose is soft and fresh, with nuances of nettle, lime, lemongrass, and controlled nuances of ripe stonefruit and guava. Medium-light bodied, the palate is mouthwatering, aromas of lime, guava, has an elegant core, unfolding nettle, lemongrass and white spice on the finish. The wine has excellent acid tension; delicate fine-textured phenolic adorn the mouthfeel, along with a lightly rounded texture, flows with great energy to a juicy, concentrated, dry finish. This is an elegant Sauvignon Blanc with restrained fruit portion, nettle and lemongrass; exemplary acid tension on a fine-textured palate. Match with calamari and clams over the next 4 years. Fruit from Domain Road and Defiance vineyards, a portion was whole bunch pressed with the rest destemmed. Fermented in 81% stainless steel, 19% fermented in French oak barriques with one new barrel; the barrel portion was lees stirred weekly. 13% alc, 3.4 g/l RS. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Feb 2021 RRP $23
Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 15-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale straw-yellow, lighter watery on the rim. The nose is well-packed with exotic fruit aromas of pineapple, green guava along with cut grass and aromatic white spice dusting. Medium-bodied, the fruit possesses good intensity, the palate is salivating with aromas of pineapple, green guava, kaffir lime, along with a dusting of fine white pepper. The wine has vibrant tropical fruit and grassy details show varietal and classic Marlborough quality. Acidity is lively, provides vitality and freshness to a long finish. Match with mussels and crustacean over the next 2-3 years. 35% handpicked fruit, fermented in concrete egg, amphorae and older old barrels; 65% machine picked fruit fermented in stainless steel. 13.5% alc, 6.8 g/l RS. BioGro organic certified, vegan friendly. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Dec 2020 RRP $21.99
Te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 23-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, golden-straw-yellow, even colour throughout. The nose is gently full and complex, nuances of nectarines, citrus, underlined nettles melded with nougat and barrel flint. Medium-full bodied, the palate is with depth and intensity, aromas of grilled lemon, pineapple, lemon curd have a good core, unveiling prickly spices, hazelnut nougat. The mouthfeel is creamy and broad, well-proportioned aromas of barrel flint, nut and spices entwined with the intense tropical fruit; acid tension lengthens the palate with the essence of lemon sherbet, lend a long, lifted finish. This is a well-balanced barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc with flavours of tropical fruit, citrus and flinty barrel details. Match with grilled fish and tempura over the next 5+ years. Fruit from Redwood Hills, Awatere Valley. Handpicked, whole bunch pressed, no settling, indigenous fermentation in 320L French Oak Cigars to 13% alc, 1.5 g/l RS. The wine was left on gross lees for 9 months. 18.5+/20 (94 pts) Dec 2020 RRP $24.99
Paddy Borthwick Pinot Gris 2020, Wairarapa
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 11-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, straw-golden-yellow with some depth, slightly lighter edged. The nose is well-proportioned with lush aromas of William pear, baked apple; honeysuckles intermix white florals, along with citrus and vanilla spices. Medium-full bodied, the palate is bright with fresh nuances of pear and apple, along with citrus crunch. Lively acidity provides an excellent balance to the body, lighten up the honeysuckles and white floral element; flow with good energy and minerals. The finish is crisp with lifting florals and aromatics. The wine is with precision, vibrant, and fruit-forward yet with subtle details and weight added depth to the palate. This is a fresh and elegant Pinot Gris with flavours of apple and pear, floral and depth with a fresh palate. Match with slightly spice aromatic Asian cuisine over the next 3-5 years. Partial fermented in stainless steel, partial fermented in old French oak barrels, aged on lees for 9 months. 13.4% alc, 5.1 g/l RS. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Dec 2020 RRP $22.95
Soho Jagger Pinot Gris 2020, Marlborough
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 29-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, straw-yellow with some depth, slightly watery clear on the rim. The bouquet is elegantly full, fragrant aromas of Nashi pear, quince, entwined with mouthwatering minerals and delicate white florals. Medium-bodied, dry-ish to taste, Nashi pear, quince and apple skins form a good core. Fragrant white florals unfolding, along with spices and mouthwatering minerals lingers to a satisfying dry finish. Fine-textured phenolic added to the slightly unctuous palate provided breath and body. Fresh acidity contributed good energy and balance, drive the wine to a lingering textural finish. This is an elegantly full-flavoured Pinot Gris with good acid balance and a textural mouthfeel. Match with pulled pork and smoked duck breast over the next 3-4 years. Fruit from Wairau and Awetere Valley. 13% alc. Vegan friendly. 18.5/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $25
Terrace Edge Pinot Gris 2020, Waipara
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara
Review Date : 12-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, medium straw-yellow with some depth and gold hue, lighter edged. The nose is full of generosity, aromas of white floral perfume, ripe Peckham pears, nectarines underlying lemon and honey essence. Medium-full bodied, dry-ish to taste, voluminous aromas of pears and nectarines, uplifted by lemon crispiness, follow by floral perfume, honey and five-spice lingers to a long finish. The palate is round with weight, entwined with the generous fruit; lemon lifting the finish with brightness and liveliness. Complexing five-spice and honey added interest to the flavours and mouthfeel. This is a complex and voluminous Pinot Gris with ripe flavours of pear and nectarines, along with honey and spices on a smooth, round palate. Match with roast duck and pigeon over the next 5+ years. 60% Barrel fermented in seasoned oak, 40% in stainless steel to 13.5% alc. Regular lees stirring. BioGro organic certified. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jan 2021 RRP $26
Wild Earth Pinot Gris 2019, Central Otago
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki
Review Date : 23-Nov-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale straw-yellow, even colour throughout. The nose is fresh and accessible, aromas of stonefruit, pear, unfolding white lilies and ginger, along with some creamy lees details. Dry to taste, medium-bodied, the palate is fresh, nuances of succulent Nashi pear, apricot rushing in along with a touch of sherbet. A very clean mouthfeel with the purity of fruit enlivened by subtle ginger spices and lily blossoms. Fresh minerals and crunch supported by fresh acidity, flows effortlessly to a refreshing finish. Match with five-spice pork chop and fish cakes over the next 2-4 years. Fruit sourced from Gibbston 75%, Cromwell 25%, fermented and settling in stainless steel 75% and older oak barrels 25% to 13% alc. 18.5/20 pts Nov 2020 RRP $30
Pegasus Bay Vergence White MK1, Waipara
Blended White from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara
Review Date : 15-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Brilliantly bright, straw-yellow with a lime hue, even colour throughout. The nose is inviting, well-packed aromas of chamomile, orange blossom and gunflint, melded with zesty citrus fruit, honey nuanced and a dusting of spices. Medium-bodied, flavours of an amalgam of citrus zest, interweave honey, jasmine tea, along with fragrant floral notes, lingers with gunflint details. The wine has lovely intensity and concentration, providing both weight and breath to the palate. The mouthfeel is unctuous and textural, flows smoothly with positive energy and drive, supported by lacy acidity, lingers to a long, sustained finish. This is a textural white blend with intense flavour concentration, a complex range of interest on a positive flow with flinty details. Match with Chinese crispy pork belly and smoked warehou over the next 3-5 years. Predominant ultra-ripe old vines Semillon, blended with Muscat, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. Different fermentation and maturation techniques applied, including skin contact and lees ageing for some portions. 13.5% alc. 19-/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $27
Nga Waka Rosé 2020, Martinborough
Rosé from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 29-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, salmon-pink with some depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is softly full and lush, packed full with aromas of strawberries, melded with basil and wet stone. Medium-light bodied, dry to taste, flavours of strawberries accompanied by raspberries lemonade, faint herbs linger to a lightly spicy finish. The fruit is bright with good intensity. The mouthfeel is delicate with a fine-textured chalky phenolic line, mouthwatering acidity flow to a refreshing, dry, crisp finish. Match with tuna crudo and sushi over the next 2-3 years. Grape pressed with minimal skin contact, cool-fermented to 13.5% alc, 0 g/l RS. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jan 2021 RRP $20
Outside The Box Wines Rosé 3-Way 2020, Marlborough
Rosé from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 03-Mar-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Slightly hazy, pale coral-pink, even colour throughout. The nose is vibrant and fresh with a floral softness, nuances of strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, spices, melded with stonefruit, ginger and some tropical fruit, along with a creamy veil and a slight hint of VA added interest. Medium-full bodied, a lush palate filled with aromas of stonefruit, lychee, ginger and red fruit backbone; delicate spices linger on the closing. The mouthfeel is round and lush, adorned by subtle fine-textured phenolic; lively acidity provides energy and freshness. A complex range of flavours and texture tickles the palate and mind, in between an orange wine and a rosé; overall, a lovely wine with excellent flavour intensity and texture. Match with beef carpaccio with rocket and parmesan shavings over the next 2 years. A combination of three winemaking styles made from Pinot Noir: a Chardonnay style, oak contact, lees stirred, MLF, warm ferment; a carbonic maceration; and a cold ferment with a splash of Gewurztraminer co-fermented. The resulting wine is partial MLF, with very subtle oak influence. 13% alc. 800 750ml bottles and 80 330ml bottles produced. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Mar 2021 RRP $30
Sama Rosé 2020, Wairarapa
Rosé from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 05-Feb-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Brilliant, even, bright jewel pink with some depth. The nose is soft with good intensity of rose petals, orange blossoms entwined with raspberries, cherries, citrus and a little pepper dust. Medium-bodied, dry to taste, aromas of raspberries, cherries and tangerine have an elegant core, adorn by orange blossoms and rose petals, linger to a refreshing, lifted white pepper finish. Taut acidity shows vitality, persist on the palate along a fine phenolic line. The wine has a poised structure and excellent flavour intensity. Match with Wagyu bresaola and Spanish octopus & chorizo over the next 3 years. 100% dry grown Pinot Noir from Maggie's Vineyard in Masterton, whole bunch pressed with a short skin contact, fermented to 12.5% alc and aged on light lees for 3 months, unfined, coarsely filtered. Only 350 bottles produced. 18.5/20 pts (93pts) Feb 2021 RRP $27
Summerhouse Pinot Rosé 2020, Marlborough
Rosé from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 28-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale peach-pink with a rose-gold hue, lighter edged, light effervescent in the glass. The nose is softly full, elegantly presented, nuances of rose petals melded with peach, raspberries and a very light dusting white spice. Medium-light bodied, dryish to taste, soft nuances of strawberries, raspberries along with a hint of peach are fresh, entwined with rose petals and delicate white pepper, lighter to a refreshing finish. The fruit has good ripeness, softly presented without overly overt; supported by lively acidity and a touch of sugar sweetness, leaves a rounded, fine-textured palate. Match with cold smoked salmon and sushi over the next 2 years. Fruit from near the Blind River and lower Wairau Valley, a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir spent 12 hours on skins, then cool-fermented in stainless steel tanks to 13.5% alc. 18.5/20 pts Jan 2021 RRP $18.99
Giesen Uncharted Pinot Noir 2019, Marlborough
Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 15-Dec-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, purple-hued ruby-red with some transparency, lighter on edge. The nose is soft and fragrant, nuances of dark shaded plums, cherries, melded with earth, deep florals, spices and an alluring bonfire smokiness. Medium-full bodied, the palate is clean with a sense of purity, aromas of black cherries, plums have a good core, unfolding thyme, violet, black pepper. The fruit is succulent, nuances of earth, liquorice provide a savoury balance and interest, broaden the palate. The finish is bright with vitality, supported by integrated acid. Fine-grained, velvety tannin form a fine structure, along with subtle barrel smokiness, lends an elegant, sustained finish. This is a dark-fruited Pinot Nor with complexing details on a fine structured velvety palate. Match with venison sausages and boar over the next 3-5 years. Fruit from Southern Valley, fermented with a portion of whole bunches to 13.2% alc, aged in French oak barrels, 24% new oak. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Dec 2020 RRP $29.99
Soho Pink Sheep Pinot Noir 2019, Marlborough
Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 29-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Brilliant ruby-red with some depth and transparency, slightly lighter on edge. The bouquet is fragrant and pretty, penetrating nuances of deep florals, sweet cherries, melded with red berries and red plums, along with subtle earth and crushed herbs. Medium-bodied, juicy core of cherries, red berries and plums aromas have lovely concentration, black pepper unfolding, alongside crushed herbs and deep florals nuances. Powdery tannin extraction provides the substance for the sweet fruit, enliven by lacy acidity. Spices lifted the palate to a brighter mouthfeel, added interest. This is a harmonious, elegant Pinot Noir with sweet red fruit and positive details on a fine tannin structure. Match with wagyu bresaola and venison carpaccio over the next 3-4 years. Fruit from Wairau & Awatere Valleys. 13% alc. 18.5-/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $27
Paritua Stone Paddock Scarlet 2018, Hawke’s Bay
Blended Red from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay
Review Date : 19-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, ruby-black with some transparency, lighter ruby-red on the rim. The bouquet is gentle and fragrant, aromas of violet, red fruit with a hint of herbaceous melded with smoke and cedar. Full-bodied, flavours are elegantly presented with concentration, the nuance of plums, a little cassis, and red berries, which are succulent; unfolding sweet vanilla, cedar and nutmeg interweave rosemary and mint. Complexity and concentration on the palate, lengthy and breadth palate supported by fine-grained tannin extraction and integrated acidity, lends a sustained cedary finish. This is a complex and harmonious red blend with a breadth palate and fine-grained structure. Match with roasted meat, tomahawk over the next 6+ years. Fruit from Bridge Pa, a blend of Merlot 37%, Cabernet Franc 32%, Cabernet Sauvignon 22% and Malbec 9%. Destemmed, fermented in closed fermenters to 14% alc, aged in barrels for up to 12 months. 18.5-/20 pts (92 pts) Jan 2021 RRP $25
Paritua Stone Paddock Syrah 2019, Hawke’s Bay
Syrah from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay
Review Date : 19-Jan-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep ruby-red with some transparency, slightly lighter edged. The nose is intensely fragranced with pine, violet, dark herbs and liquorice, melded with black plums and woodfire nuance. Medium-bodied, mealy palate, savoury, meaty notes, succulent plums have an elegant core, thyme, pine and black peppercorns and vanilla cedar interwoven, lends a long, mildly smoky finish. The fruit has ripeness balance and intensity; complexing herbs adorn the plush fruit, supported by grainy tannin, added spices and structure. This is a harmonious Syrah with ample complexity and intensity. Match with herb-crusted lamb and venison over the next 5 years. Fruit from Bridge Pa, destemmed, sorted, partially crushed to tank, fermented to 13% alc. Aged in French oak barriques for 12 months, 20% new oak, unfined. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Jan 2021 RRP $25
Spade Oak Vigneron Syrah 2013, Gisborne
Syrah from New Zealand - Gisborn
Review Date : 01-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, purple-ruby with some depth, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is gently-full and robust, nuances of meaty, dried herbs, plums and spices all melded together, underlying liquorice, eucalyptus and violet. Full-bodied, there is good intensity of dried plums and blackberries, entwined with developed flavours of medicinal herbs, dried meat notes and pencil shavings, along with some smokiness. The aromas are with good concentration and intensity, integrated with developments, displaying complexity range of flavours. The mouthfeel is full with a good grip; ripe tannin extraction coated the palate with a fragrant, strong black tea, lingers with a touch of smokiness. This is a developed Syrah with good intensity, complexing flavours of dried plums, medicinal herbs and dried meat on a black tea tannin structure line. Match with Moroccan lamb and charred ribeye over the next 5 years. 13% alc. 19-/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $30

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