Bell Bird Bay ‘Reserve’ 2014 Chardonnay and Syrah, and 2011 Merlot Cabernets

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Bell Bird Bay ‘Reserve’ Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014
  Chardonnay from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 13-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Brilliant light golden-hued yellow colour, paler on rim. The nose is full, solid and up-front with aromas of yellow stonefruits and citrus fruits along with savoury nutty oak showing barrel-ferment roundness and some toasty detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate is full, open and broad with mouthfilling and near robust flavours of yellow stonefruits, citrus fruits and savoury nutty oak. The mouthfeel is rounded and underlined by some alcoholic power and light phenolic textures with integrated acidity providing good balance. The fruit sweetness carries the palate to a rounded, nutty finish with toasty oak nuances. This is a full, up-front, rounded and solid Chardonnay with citrussy and nutty flavours. Match with most white meat dishes over the next 2-3 years. Fruit from the Bridge Pa Triangle, oak fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 10 months on lees in barrel. 16.5+/20 Nov 2015 RRP $27.99
• Bell Bird Bay ‘Reserve’ Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014
  Syrah from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 13-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark ruby-red colour with good depth, showing some black and purple hues, lighter edged. The nose is softly full and even, with light aromas of soft red berry fruits entwined with earth and cedary elements, spices and pepper. A little eucalypt and camphor unfolds in the glass. Medium-full bodied, plush and juicy dark red and black fruit flavours are lifted by black pepper and spice elements forming a soft-textured core. The extraction lends a little dryness to the mouthfeel, but integrated acidity provides liveness and energy. As the wine flows, spice, cedar and camphor nuances unfold and carry through to a dry line with black and red fruits and spice elements. This is a fresh, juicy, even Syrah with spice and cedar flavours and light, dry extraction. Match with Middle Eastern fare over the next 3+ years. Fruit from the Bridge Pa Triangle destemmed and fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine spending 10-14 days on skins post ferment and aged in French oak barriques. 16.5+/20 Nov 2015 RRP $27.99
• Bell Bird Bay ‘Reserve’ Hawke’s Bay Merlot/Cabernets 2011
  Blended Red from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 13-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  A blend of 58% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bridge Pa Triangle, fermented to 13.0% alc, the wine aged in oak barrels. Even ruby-red colour with garnet hues, lighter on edge. This has a soft and gently full bouquet of redcurrant and plum fruit entwined with savoury, secondary earth and game notes and dried herb detail. The nose reveals density and presence unfolding subtle cedary hints in the glass. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft, open and easily accessible with soft, savoury dark red berry and plum fruit flavours melded with earth, dried herbs and tobacco. The fruit sweetness is up-front and balanced by supple tannins which grow in presence. The harmonious savoury flavours are carried by the extraction to a soft, dry finish. This is a soft, savoury secondary flavoured Merlot/Cabernet blend which finishes dry. Match with casseroles and semi-hard cheeses over the next 3+ years. (Lot 2) 16.0+/20 Nov 2015 RRP $27.99