Gladstone Vineyard 2015 Rosé, and 2014 Sauvignon and Sophie’s Choice

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Gladstone Vineyard Gladstone Rosé 2015
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 23-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  A blend of 36% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot from the ‘Dakins Road’ site with 29% Pinot Noir contract grown, given 8 hours skin contact and cool-fermented to 13.0% alc. and 2.3 g/L RS. Bright, pale salmon-pink with peach hues, lighter on the rim. The nose is softly concentrated and delicately nuanced with aromas of soft-red berry fruits, red florals, quince and subtle confectionary elements. The aromatics ae harmoniously entwined and gently presented. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the elegant palate is crisp and mouthwatering, with fresh lacy acidity enlivening the delicate flavours of red strawberries, quince and peaches. Floral elements provide lift, along with some fruit pastille hints. The mouthfeel is harmoniously fresh and balanced with good drive and a fine textured line, along with thirst quenching acidity leading to a dry finish with peach, quince and floral flavours. This is an elegantly crisp and mouthwatering rosé with delicate strawberry, quince and peach flavours. Serve as an aperitif and with Asian cuisine over the next 2 years. 18.0-/20 Nov 2015 RRP $25.00
• Gladstone Vineyard Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2014
  Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 23-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Full, even, light straw-yellow colour with lemon-green hues, lighter on edge. The nose is softly full, up-front and open with easy aromas of ripe gooseberries, tropical fruits and harmoniously interwoven savoury herbal elements. Some lifted floral and grassy elements emerge with a gentle, thirst quenching hint of minerals. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate is soft, open and accessible with light flavours of green stonefruits, tropical fruits and herbs. The mouthfeel is rounded and smooth-flowing and follows a subtle textural line, enlivened by light, lacy acidity. The acidity carries the flavours to a lingering brisk, dry finish. This is a light, accessible Sauvignon Blanc with gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours and an easy flowing palate. Serve with Pacific Rim and Asian fare over the next 2 years. Fruit from the ‘Carters’, ‘Dakins Road’ and ‘Home’ blocks, the hand-picked portion WBP and the machine-harvested portion given skin contact, and fermented in stainless-steel, with 10% in barrels, to 13.0% alc. and 1.6 g/L RS, the wine aged on lees with batonnage. 16.5/20 Nov 2015 RRP $25.00
• Gladstone Vineyard ‘Sophie’s Choice’ Gladstone Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2014
  Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 23-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Named after the Kernohan’s beloved golden retriever. Fruit from the ‘Carters’, ‘Dakins Road’ and ‘Home’ blocks, 76% barrel-fermented, blended with 24% tank-fermented wine to 12.5% alc. and 1.62 g/L RS, the wine aged 5 months in tank, with approx. 5% MLF. Light straw-yellow colour with a suggestion of light gold, with some depth, lighter bon the edge. This has a softly full nose with vibrant and refreshing aromas of green stonefruits, cut grass and piquant fresh herbs. Subtle layers of passionfruit, nettles and spices unfold, with a hint of nuts lending intricate detail. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate is elegant in presentation, with a gently concentrated core of spicy, nutty, green stonefruits and nuances of creamy barrel-fermentation. The palate core is supported by soft textures and flows with good acidity and energy to a soft, dry, gently flavoured finish of stonefruits, spices and nutty oak. This is an elegantly concentrated, oak-influenced Sauvignon Blanc with fresh green stonefruits and nutty, spicy notes. Match with herb-marinated poultry, pork and veal dishes over the next 2-3 years. 130 cases made. 17.5/20 Nov 2015 RRP $35.00