Desert Heart – Archive

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Desert Heart Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 30-Jun-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Full, dark, deep ruby-red colour. The bouquet is full, concentrated and voluminous with lifted red berry fruit and florals, unfolding waves of savoury secondary nuances of dried herbs, game and nuances of undergrowth. This has complex whole bunch notes melding with the beginnings of secondary development. Medium-full bodied, lusciously rich and ripe fruit flavours of dark red berry fruits are interwoven with spicy oak, game and undergrowth interest The complexity of flavour is the feature. Fine-grained tannin extraction forms a smooth backbone and the mouthfeel is lively with acid tension that carries the flavours to a very long, sustained and elegant finish showing an array of fruit, game and spicy herb nuances. This is a rich, lush and layered Pinot Noir with complex flavours, secondary interest and a lively mouthfeel. Serve with wild duck and pork, or with Mediterranean cuisine over the next 5-6 years. Fruit from the company’s Felton Road vineyards, given a cold soak and fermented with a portion of whole clusters to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 11 months in 33% new French oak. Winemaker: Jane Docherty. 18.5/20 Sep 2013 RRP $39.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 06-Jul-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep ruby colour with a black-red heart and lighter garnet hues on the rim. The bouquet is up-front and powerful, with firm and densely packed aromas of savoury dark red berry and plum fruit harmoniously melded with layers of whole cluster dried herbs, earth and secondary undergrowth notes. With aeration, complexing dark herb, soy sauce, spice and cedary oak elements emerge. Medium-full bodied, rich and vibrantly lively fruit flavours of dark plums, dark berry fruit, dark herbs and undergrowth feature on the palate. The fruit is complexed by waves of savoury secondary undergrowth, spice and cedary oak that grow to fill the mouth. The palate is sweet and juicy with fine acidity and an integrating line of fine-grained tannins that carry the wine to a long, lingering dry finish with complex dried herb and cedar nuances. This is a full, rich and vibrant Pinot Noir with the beginnings of complex secondary development. Match with casseroles and slow-cooked game meat dishes over the next 5-6+ years. Clones 115 and 667 from the ‘Desert Heart’ ‘BGILL’ block, fermented with 33% whole bunches to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 33% new French oak. Wine made by Alan Brady. 18.5/20 Jul 2015 RRP $42.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart Central Otago Pinot Gris 2012
  Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 10-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Brilliant, pale straw colour with light green hues, near colourless on rim. The nose is very fine, tightly bound and elegantly presented with pure aromas of white stonefruits and flowers, delicate nuances of herbs and honeysuckle, and mineral elements. Off-dry to taste, delicate flavours of white stonefruits, pears and honeysuckle are supported by a very fine textural line. The acidity is fresh and lacy, enhancing the subtle fruit sweetness, and the mouthfeel is one of balance and harmony. The flavours are carried to a light, nuanced, off-dry finish with lingering minerally notes. This is a delicate, off-dry Pinot Gris with an attractive harmony and freshness. Serve as an aperitif or match with fine Asian cuisine over the next 3+ years. Cromwell Basin fruit from a biodynamic site, WBP and indigenous yeast fermented in stainless-steel to 13.5% alc. and 7.0 g/L RS. Winemaker: Peter Bartle. 17.0/20 Aug 2013 RRP $27.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Freedom’ Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 06-Jul-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even ruby-red colour with garnet hues, lighter on edge. This has a full and voluminous bouquet with ethereal aromas of dark red berry fruits and lifted red florals interwoven with subtle earth, undergrowth and mushroom notes, some volatility and spicy oak. With aeration, a deep core of black fruits becomes revealed and grows in intensity with complexing dark herb and cedary oak detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate features rich and lusciously ripe, juicy black berried fruits, dark plums, liquorice and spices, the flavours enlivened by bright acidity, providing a vibrant, energetic palate line. Complex layers of undergrowth, dried herbs and Asian sauces unfold, along with fine-grained, powdery tannins lending structure and line. The wine flows to long, succulently sweet, fine-textured finish. This is a rich, concentrated, lively and ripe black-fruited Pinot Noir with secondary interest and fine structure. Match with lamb, beef, venison over the next 6-8+ years. Fruit given a cold soak and indigenous yeast fermented with 10-15% whole clusters to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 30% new French oak barrels followed by another 6 months in seasoned oak. 50 cases made. 18.5+/20 Jul 2015 RRP $62.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Mackenzies Run’ ‘Reserve’ Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 06-Jul-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even, dark ruby-red colour, lighter on the rim. The nose is elegant and fragrant with aromatic soft red berry and dark red cherry fruit entwined with subtle thyme herb and red floral notes. Subtle nuances of spice, perfume and cedary oak emerge and are refined and detailed in expression. Medium-bodied and elegantly presented, the palate has fine intensity of soft red berry and cherry fruit melded with plum, spice and cedary oak flavours. The fruit is supported by flowery tannins extraction and smooth textured grip. The acidity is balanced and lends good energy. This is fine in flow, quite satin-like, and with concentration, the flavours carrying through to an elegant, long lingering finish of dark herbs and oak. This is an elegant, red-fruited Pinot Noir with subtle spice and cedary notes and flowery, flowing tannin structure. Serve with poultry and pork over the next 5-6+ years. Fruit from the ‘Desert Heart Felton Road’ vineyard, given a cold soak and indigenous yeast fermented with a portion of whole bunches to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 30% new French oak. Wine made by Francis Hutt. 18.0+/20 Jul 2015 RRP $47.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Mackenzies Run’ ‘Reserve’ Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 06-Jul-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep ruby-red colour with slight black hues, lighter purple on rim. This has a fulsome, near robust nose with ripe, dark red berry and cherry fruit interwoven with plum notes and complexing oak spices, thyme herbs, earthy minerals and subtle, savoury, stalky whole bunch elements. Some game-like nuances emerge with aeration. Medium-full bodied, full flavours of ripe black berry and plum flavours show with spices, florals, herbs and earth. The fruit richness is supported by plenty of structure, the tannins fine-grained and powdery. Soft acidity enhances the fruit brightness and liveliness of the mouthfeel, which carries the wine to a long, juicy, spicy and refreshing finish. This is an archetypical Bannockburn Pinot Noir with ripe and spicy black fruits, thyme herb and significant fine-grained structure. Match with roast beef, lamb and venison over the next 7-8+ years. Fruit from the ‘Desert Heart’ Felton Road vineyard, given a cold soak and indigenous yeast fermented with a portion of whole bunches to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 30% new French oak. Winemaker: Francis Hutt. 18.5+/20 Dec 2014 RRP $47.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Mackenzies Run’ ‘Reserve’ Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 17-Oct-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even ruby-red colour, a little lighter edged. The nose is full, open and voluminous with aromas of dark-red berry and cherry fruit harmoniously interwoven with thyme herbs and subtle, complexing nuances of stalk notes, suggestion some whole bunches. The nose unfolds red liquorice and fragrant red floral elements in the glass. Medium-full bodied, the palate is softly presented with integrated, but intense flavours of dark-red berry fruits entwined with dark and fresh herbs, stalk elements and red florals. The mouthfeel is fine-textured and slippery in flow with powdery tannin extraction lacy acidity which enlivens the palate. The complex flavours of fruit, herbs and stalk softly recede to a light and harmonious finish. This is a soft and harmonious red cherry and cherry-fruited Pinot Noir with complexing thyme herb and stalk notes on a slippery, smooth-flowing, lively palate. Match with duck and pork dishes over the next 5+ years. Fruit from the ‘Kingsmill’ vineyard, fermented with a portion of whole bunches to 13.5% alc., the wine pending approx. 27 days on skins and aged 11 months in 28% new French oak. Winemaker: Francis Hutt. 18.0+/20 Oct 2016 RRP $42.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Paint it Black’ Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 17-Oct-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Moderately dark red colour with garnet hues and showing some bricking on the rim. The bouquet is full and deep with bold and solid aromas of rich, savoury dark-red berry fruit overlaid by complexing layers of game, dried herbs, mushrooms and undergrowth, the aromatics in the secondary development spectrum with tertiary notes appearing. Medium-full bodied, this has a fulsome and rounded palate with sweetly ripened and lush flavours of savoury dark-red berry fruits entwined with dried herbs, game, undergrowth and mushrooms. The mouthfeel is rich and lush, revealing sweet plum and liquorice notes and slight cedar suggestions, and is balanced by fine, grainy extraction and structure, the acidity quite integrated, but providing energy. This has drive and power that carries the wine to a fine-textured finish with ethereal game, undergrowth and cedary layers. This is a rich, juicy, sweet fruited Pinot Noir with complexing secondary and tertiary development on a fine, grainy palate with plenty of drive. Match with slow-cooked game meat and casseroles over the next 5-6 years. Fruit from a selected parcel known as the ‘Beagle Block’, named after Jane Gill’s brother, in the ‘Desert Heart’ vineyard. Predominantly clone 115 with some 667, fermented with a portion of whole bunches to 14.0% alc., the wine aged one year in 33% new French oak. Winemaker: Alan Brady. 19.0-/20 Oct 2016 RRP $75.00 Cellar Door Only Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Seduction’ Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 10-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very dark, deep, black-ruby colour with garnet hues. The bouquet is full and evenly expressed with well-integrated aromas of dark red berry fruits, earthy spices and dark herbs. Medium-full bodied, rich and lusciously sweet fruit flavours of dark red berries are entwined with sweet earth and savoury spice elements. The mouthfeel is smooth and seamless with fine, silky tannins and fresh, lacy, underlying acidity harmoniously integrated. The fruit has depth and a rounded core that forms a positive backbone and the flavours flow effortlessly to a long, lively, smooth finish with lingering savoury red cherry and berry nuances. This is a smooth and seamless Pinot Noir with savoury red berry fruit flavours and a racy mouthfeel. Serve with Asian and Middle Eastern fare over the next 4- years. Fruit from the company’s two Felton Road vineyards, hand-picked and indigenous yeast fermented to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 11 months in French oak barriques. Winemaker: Francis Hutt. 17.0+/20 Sep 2013 RRP $29.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Untamed Heart’ Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 10-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  An alternative blend at the same level as the premium ‘Desert Heart’ wine. Fruit from the company’s Felton Road vineyard given a cold soak and fermented with a portion of whole bunches to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 11 months in approx. 30% new French oak barriques. Winemaker: Francis Hutt. Dark, deep, ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues on edge. The nose is softly full with intense and solidly presented aromas of ripe, dark berry fruits and subtle savoury whole bunch dried herb and earthy complexities. Medium-full bodied, lusciously up-front flavours of ripe, dark berried fruits unfold layers of game meat, savoury dried herbs, filling the palate with sweetness. The fruit is underscored by lively acidity and the mouthfeel has vitality. Fine, supple tannins provide good backbone and soft textures, adding to the fulsome mid-palate. The flavours fade to a clean, soft and dry finish. This is a rich and succulent, up-front Pinot Noir with complex savoury flavours. Serve with slow cooked game meats and casseroles over the next 4-5 years. 18.0/20 Sep 2013 RRP $34.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Untamed Heart’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 11-May-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Moderately deep garnet-red with some brick hues on the edge. The bouquet is very soft, full and gently voluminous with an array of complex savoury red berry fruits entwined with dark herbs, lifted red florals and secondary nuances of earth and game, along with oak cedar. The aromatics are integrated and harmoniously interwoven, and bloom ethereally. Medium-full bodied, the palate is elegantly proportioned with a soft and rich heart, of well-packed flavours of savoury red berry and plum fruits, dried herbs, earth and cedar, unfolding lifted red floral notes. The mouthfeel possesses a fine-grained tannin line along with piquant acidity with provides energy and vibrant flow. The textures grow to provide a dry, long lingering finish od dried herbs, spices and cedar. This is a softly concentrated, sweetly rich Pinot Noir with layers of ethereal savoury red fruits, dried herbs and cedary flavours, and a fine-grained, dry, textural finish. Match with coq au vin and casseroles over the next 4-5+ years. Fruit from the ‘Desert Heart’ vineyard on Felton Road, fermented with a portion of whole clusters to 14.0% alc., the wine aged a year in 30% new French oak barrels. Winemaker: Francis Hutt. 18.0/20 May 2016 RRP $34.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Renaissance’ Bannockburn Central Otago Chardonnay 2012
  Chardonnay from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 10-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Mendoza and clone 6 fruit from Bannockburn, hand-picked and WBP, fully barrel-fermented to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 10% new French oak barriques, undergoing batonnage and 100% MLF. Bright, pale straw-yellow colour, pale on rim. The bouquet is full, with deep and complex aromas of citrus fruits, nutty barrel-ferment and spicy oak elements, flinty lees work and smoke. Medium-full bodied, bright and fresh flavours of citrus fruit are intermixed with spicy, toasty oak and nutty elements. The mouthfeel is creamy and rich from the barrel-ferment, balanced by fresh, racy acidity. The wine is still youthful, and yet to integrate. Waves of toasty oak and reductive, flinty lees work emerge and feature on a crisp, sustained finish. This is a bold, citrussy Chardonnay with spicy oak and flinty complexities and a youthful mouthfeel that will come together over the next 4-5 years. Serve with poultry and pork dishes. Winemaker: Francis Hutt. 18.0+/20 Sep 2013 RRP $29.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Untamed Heart’ Chardonnay 2015
  Chardonnay from New Zealand - Marlborough

  Review Date : 15-Sep-2017

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, light straw-yellow colour with slight green hues, paler on the rim. The nose is elegantly concentrated and tightly bound with a concentrated core of fresh citrus fruit and white and yellow stonefruits, entwined with subtle notes of nutty and spicy oak, and suggestions of creamy lemon-curd MLF. Medium-bodied, the palate has an elegant and harmoniously concentrated heart with flavours of citrus fruit and stonefruits intermingling with spicy oak and hints of lemon-curd MLF. The mouthfeel has good presence and freshness with lively, lacy acidity, and the wine flows with energy and drive along a fine-textured line, leading to a lingering finish of stonefruits and nutty, spicy oak. This is an elegant, harmoniously concentrated Chardonnay with stonefruit, citrus fruit and spicy, nutty oak on a fresh, linear palate. Serve with seafood, poultry and pork over the next 4 years. Marlborough fruit, clones Mendoza, 6 and 15 fermented in tank and seasoned oak to 13.0% alc. the wine undergoing batonnage and MLF. 17.5/20 Sep 2017 RRP $25.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart Central Otago Riesling 2008
  Riesling from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 28-Dec-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Full, light straw colour with some depth. This has a full, even and soft nose with open and broad aromas of savoury citrus fruits with secondary toast and honey notes and a little tertiary nutty, slightly oxidative complexities. Medium-dry to medium in taste, full and open flavours flow softly across the palate. Savoury lime, honey, toast and nutty flavours meld harmoniously into each other. This has richness and some lusciousness to the mouthfeel, with good underlying acidity, the palate displaying a little ‘sweet and sour’ character. The toasty development flavours prevail and carry through to a soft, mellow finish. This is a soft, honied medium Riesling with toasty and nutty development characters. This is fully mature. Drink now and over the next 2-3 years with Asian fare. Fruit from the company’s ‘Felton Road’ vineyard, hand-picked, WBP and cool-fermented to 11.5% alc. and 14.5 g/L RS, with TA 8.1 g/L and 3.01 pH. Winemaker: Jane Docherty. 17.5/20 Dec 2013 RRP $N/A Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart Central Otago Riesling 2009
  Riesling from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 28-Dec-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very pale straw-yellow colour with slight green hues, very pale on rim. The bouquet is very tightly bound, still fresh with pure lime fruit along with minerally notes and hints of toastiness. The aromatics are expressed with great clarity, delicacy and finesse. Off-dry to taste, the palate is very fine and elegant, with firmly held lime fruit flavours, subtle toasty interest and mouthwatering wet stone minerality. The mouthfeel is lively, fresh and zesty from bright, youthful acidity, near austere with its dryness, and fine phenolic line. The textures are from fruit extract, which carry the flavours to a very attractively poised and lingering finish with sweet lime notes showing. This a very refined, elegant and fresh, dryish Riesling with some subtle toasty complexities appearing. Serve as an aperitif and with seafood over the next 4-5 years. Fruit from the company’s ‘Felton Road’ vineyard, hand-picked, WBP and cool-fermented to 12.0% alc. and 8.5 g/L RS, with TA 7.4 g.L and 3.08 pH. Winemaker: Carol Bunn. 19.0-/20 Dec 2013 RRP $N/A Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart Central Otago Riesling 2010
  Riesling from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 10-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Hand-picked fruit from the company’s Felton Road vineyard, WBP and cool-fermented with indigenous yeasts to 13.0% alc. and 7.2 g/L RS. Bright, pale straw-yellow colour, pale on rim. The bouquet is softly full and rich with attractively lifted lime and lemon fruit entwined with honeysuckle and minerally notes and a delicate toasty element. Off-dry to taste and elegantly proportioned, bright, bold and lively lime and yellow floral fruit flavours are enriched by honied notes. Nuances of citrus zest, minerals and a toasty layer add detail. The palate features a fine, textural thread and crisp acidity, providing a phenolic-based line that leads to a very long, dry finish showing toast, honey and flowers. This is an attractive floral and honey flavoured off-dry Riesling with some textures, just beginning to develop some toasty development notes. Serve as an aperitif and with Asian influenced cuisine over the next 4+ years. Winemaker: Jane Docherty. 17.5+/20 Sep 2013 RRP $24.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart Central Otago Riesling 2011
  Riesling from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 12-Dec-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Brilliant, pale lemon-straw colour with lighter green hues on rim. The nose is elegantly expressed with delicately interwoven aromas of lime fruit, minerals and secondary toasty development and a suggestion of honey. The mouthwatering minerally elements build in intensity and concentration. Dry to off-dry in taste and light-medium bodied, this has a tight core of toasty limes and minerals. The mouthfeel is crisp, lively and lively with lemony acidity. Some dry phenolics provide good texture and line, the acidity lending balance. The wine carries through to a light, crisp, dry, thirst-quenching finish of limes and toast. This is an elegant and tight, crisp and dry Riesling developing some secondary toastiness. Serve as an aperitif and with seafood over the next 3-4+ years. Fruit from the ‘Desert Heart’ Felton Road vineyard, hand-picked and WBP, and cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 12.0% alc. and 9 g/L RS, TA 7.3 g/L and pH 3.05. Winemaker: Peter Bartle. 17.5/20 Dec 2014 RRP $24.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Desert Heart ‘Magic Moments’ Central Otago Rosé 2015
  Rose from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 21-Aug-2017

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Light strawberry peach-pink colour with some depth, lighter on the rim. The bouquet is softly full and densely packed with aromas of savoury, cooked strawberries, quince and peach, and an amalgam of red florals with nutty suggestions. Dry to taste and medium-full bodied, the palate possesses rich, lush and juicy flavours of savoury strawberries, quince and peach fruit, with lifted red florals and subtle nutty notes. The palate has good weight and presence, and mouthfilling flavours. The wine flows smoothly, with light, background acidity, along with a little unctuousness and roundness, to a gently concentrated finish of strawberries and peaches. This is a mature rich and luscious dry rosé with mouthfilling flavours of savoury strawberries, quince and peaches on a rounded palate with balancing freshness. Serve with antipasto, poultry and pork dishes over the next 18 months. 100% Pinot Noir fruit from Bannockburn, saigneed, the wine spending 24 hours on skins and fermented in seasoned French oak to 13.5% alc. and 2.5 g/L RS, the wine aged on lees. Winemaker: Francis Hutt. 17.0/20 Aug 2017 RRP $23.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates.