Hawkshead 2014 Riesling and Bannockburn Pinot Noir, and 2013 First Vines Pinot Noir

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Hawkshead Central Otago Riesling 2014
  Riesling from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 27-Jan-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, light straw-yellow colour with slight green hues on the rim. The nose is firmly bound with mouthwatering aromas of limes and white florals entwined with subtle flinty notes and steely minerals, unfolding apple and delicate toasty elements in the glass. Medium-dry to taste, the palate features harmoniously melded flavours of limes, white florals, honeysuckle and toast. The mouthfeel is soft, with a rounded core and line, and the wine flows smoothly. Integrated acidity lends a gentle energy, adding to the mellow textures. The wine carries easily to a sustained finish of limes, toast and honey. This is a soft-textured, smooth-flowing off-dry Riesling with lime, honeysuckle and delicate toasty flavours. Serve as an aperitif and with Chinese cuisine over the next 4+ years. Hand-picked fruit from Lowburn, WBP and cool-fermented to 12.5% alc., 10 g/L RS, TA 7.8 g/L and pH 2.90. 17.5/20 Jan 2016 RRP $23.50
• Hawkshead ‘Bannockburn Single Vineyard’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 26-Jan-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dijon clones 115 and 667 from a Bannockburn single vineyard fermented with 33% whole bunches to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 11 months in 30% new French oak barrels. Dark, deep, ruby-red colour with purple hues, lighter on the edge. This has a softly full nose with good depth and density, the fruit aromas of dark red berry fruits, plums and liquorice harmoniously melded with complexing dark herb notes and nuances of spice. The aromatics are stylishly restrained in expression. Medium-full bodied, rich and juicy flavours of dark red berry fruits, sour cherries and dark plums form an amalgam with dark herb and liquorice elements. The mouthfeel is soft textured with supple tannins and enlivened by lacy acidity. The flavours are carried with good drive to a long and sustained finish of dark berry fruit and dark herbs. This is a lively and juicy Pinot Noir with flavours of dark red berry fruit, plums and herbs, and a supple palate. Match with wild duck and pork dishes over the next 5+ years. 18.0/20 Jan 2016 RRP $49.65
• Hawkshead ‘First Vines’ ‘Gibbston Single Estate Vineyard’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 26-Jan-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark ruby-red colour with garnet hues on the rim. The bouquet is elegantly presented with aromas of dark red berry fruits, thyme herbs and complex, fragrant whole bunch stalk and dried herb layers that unfold in volume, and build in intensity. Medium-bodied, the flavours of dark red berry fruits and complex fresh herbs, savoury whole bunch stalk elements and dried thyme herb notes are intense and penetrating, forming a fine, firm core. The palate features fine-grained tannin structure with linearity, and brisk, refreshing acidity providing energy and drive. The wine carries to a lively, juicy, long lingering finish of dark berry fruits and dark herbs. This is an elegant and intensely flavoured Pinot Noir with lively mouthfeel and complex flavours of dark red fruits entwined with complex savoury herb notes. Match with casseroles and slow-cooked game dishes over the next 5-6 years. Predominantly clone 115 with clones 5 and 6, the oldest vines from the ‘Hawkshead’ vineyard, indigenous yeast fermented with 33% whole bunches to 13.0% alc., the wine aged 11 months in 30% new French oak. 18.5/20 Jan 2016 RRP $49.65