Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 14-Aug-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, youthful pale-yellow. The nose is softly full with a good measure of passionfruit, mangoes, fresh-cut grass and herbs, melded with elderflower and subtle note of white pepper. Medium-bodied, dry to taste, the palate is fresh with passionfruit, lime, mango, along with freshly cut herbs and grass underlying savoury sea salt. The fruit is bright and vibrant with great concentration and intensity; ample acidity balance has a soft presence, flowing-smoothly on a savoury tone, finish with nuances of grapefruit pith, lingers to a long finish. The mouthfeel is smooth with a light phenolic grip. This is a fresh and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with flavours of passionfruit, lime and herbs, soft flowing on a savoury line. Match with shellfish over the next 2-3 years. Fermented in a mixture of stainless steel and a small portion in older barrels to 12.5% alc. Aged on light lees. 18.5/20 pts Aug 2020 RRP $22.99
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 03-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale salmon-orange, even colour throughout. The nose is gently soft, nuances of cantaloupe melon, mandarin, sweet pear melded with orange zest, underlying sweet florals. Medium-bodied, The palate is fresh and bright, aromas of mandarin has a good core, enriched by cantaloupe and sweet pear; along with subtle florals, spices and orange zest linger to a mineral, crisp finish. The fruit is ripe and juicy, support by mouthwatering acidity, zesty and vibrant, provides a good drive, flows along with a mineral, phenolic grip, added interest and texture. This is a refreshing Pinot Gris with flavours of mandarin, melon and orange zest on a mineral texture line, lingers to a crisp finish. Match with smoked duck breast and quail over the next 2-3 years. Fermented in tanks to 12.5% alc, 6.1 g/l RS. 18.5/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $22.99
Bright, youthful light yellow with some depth, even throughout. The nose is elegant with nuances of stonefruit, light cream, vanilla and oak spice element lifted by alcohol power. Medium-bodied, flavours of peaches, apricots, along with pink grapefruit hauling vanilla, nutmeg with lightly creamy MLF lingers to a sustained finish. Acid is lively and well-balanced, carries a savoury tone across the palate, poise and elegance. The mouthfeel has a poise presence of the oak element, which adds flavours and weight as well as a silky texture to the palate. This is an elegant Chardonnay with flavours of stonefruit and complimenting oak element and tension. Match with pork and chicken over the next 3 -4 years. Fermented in a mixture of barrels and stainless steel tanks to 13.5% alc. Aged on lees and partial MLF. 18/20 pts Aug 2020 RRP $22.99
Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 03-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, dark-purple with some depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is bright, elegantly-presented, vibrant cranberries, red cherries, entwined with fresh herbs, sweet florals and barrel spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is bright and youthful, aromas of cranberries, red cherries interweaved sweet hibiscus florals, fresh herbs and delicate spices. The fruit is vibrant and youthful with good depth of flavour. The mouthfeel is silky with fine-grained tannin extraction, support by a lacy acid drive on a fine-textured line. This is a bright, vibrant Pinot Noir with good depth of flavours and a silky fine-grained palate. Match with lamb loin and duck over the next 5 years. Fermented to 13.5% alc, aged in French oak for 12 months, 23% new. 18.5/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $39.99
Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 14-Aug-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, medium ruby-red with some depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is elegant, gently filled the glass with the richness of dark cherries, red plums, sweet florals, melded with an amalgam of oak spices, herbs and crushed rock mineral notes. Medium-full bodied, concentrated flavours of plums and cherries, along with herbs and floral detail, lingers with savoury detail, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper and rocky mineral to a sustained finish. The fruit is concentrated with a dense mouthfeel, packed full of fruit flavours and savoury notes of game meat, sea salt and crushed rocks; fine-grained tannin extraction is silky and smooth, contributed to the mouthfeel and weight. Lacy acidity gives balance and freshness to the palate, carries powdery spices and mineral to a lengthy finish. Match with venison loin and duck over the next 6-8 years. Clones 667, 5, 777 from their Home vineyard with extra care and low yield. Fermented to 13.5% alc, some whole-bunches. Aged in barrels for 12 months, 23% new. 18.5+/20 pts Aug 2020 RRP $46.99
Bright, even, deep rose-red with a neon-pink highlight. The nose is voluminous with an amalgam of red berries, cherries, strawberries, along with candied apple and creamy marshmallows. The palate is fresh and bright with flavours of red berries, cherries, strawberries and lime, melded with candy floss, citrus freshness and spice. The fruit flavours are intense and lush; balanced by mouthwatering acidity, flows smoothly with vibrance throughout the palate. Serve as an aperitif and spicy salami over the next 2 years. Pinot Noir fruit from Waipara, cool-fermented to 12.5% alc, 5 g/l RS. A small portion of fruit spent extended time on skins, saignée method. 17+/20 pts Aug 2020 RRP $19.99
