Mills Reef ‘Reserve 2015 Chardonnay and 2014 Merlot

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Mills Reef ‘Reserve’ Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015
  Chardonnay from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 11-Oct-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Full, light golden-yellow colour with some depth, a little lighter on the rim. The bouquet is full, soft and broad with aromas of ripe, savoury citrus and yellow stonefruits harmoniously melded with layers of creamy barrel-ferment and nutty oak, and subtle, complexing oxidative elements. Medium-full bodied, the palate is full and flavoursome with concentrated flavours of ripe, savoury citrus and stonefruits integrated with mealy and creamy oak, and nutty, oxidative complexities. The mouthfeel is solid, but rounded with soft acidity lending some dryness. The wine carries with some underlying alcohol drive to a soft, deep, lingering finish of stonefruits and nutty complexities. This is a full, solid, but rounded, complex layered Chardonnay with savoury citrus fruit flavours and nutty, oxidative notes. Match with grilled and roaster poultry and pork dishes over the next 3+ years. Fruit from the Meeanee, Crownthorpe, Maraekakaho and Gimblett Gravels districts, 93% barrel-fermented to 13.5% alc., the oaked portion aged 6 months in 24% new oak, of which 76% was French and 24% American, and 40% undergoing MLF. 18.0/20 Oct 2016 RRP $24.95 Bright, light golden-hued straw-yellow colour with some depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is elegantly proportioned and well-concentrated with aromas of ripe, savoury, yellow stonefruits and citrus fruits along with a subtle amalgam of mealy, nutty notes and flinty detail. Medium-bodied, the palate is moderately rich and lush with ripe yellow stonefruit and citrus fruit flavours entwined with subtle mealy, nutty and flinty detail. The flavours build in depth and presence and the wine follows a very fine phenolic line, with enlivening lacy acidity. The palate carries to a light, dry, lingering finish with mealy and stonefruit nuances. This is an elegantly rich Chardonnay with stonefruit, citrus, mealy and flinty detail, and a dry finish. Match with poultry and pork over the next 4 years. Fruit from the Meeanee, Crownthorpe, Maraekakaho and Gimblett Gravels districts, 93% barrel-fermented to 13.5% alc., the oaked portion aged 6 months in 24% new oak, of which 76% was French and 24% American, and 40% undergoing MLF. 18.0/20 Feb 2016 RRP $24.95
• Mills Reef ‘Reserve’ Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014
  Merlot from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 23-Feb-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep, ruby-red colour, a little lighter on edge, youthful in appearance. This has a softly full and moderately deep nose of ripe black plum and black berried fruits harmoniously melded with iron-earth minerals, nuances of spicy oak and dark herbal elements. The aromatics build in depth and density in the glass. Medium-full bodied and well-proportioned, the fruit flavours of ripe black and dark red berry fruit and plums show with a gentle lusciousness. The fruit unfolds layers of dark herbs and iron-earth adding interest and detail. Ripe tannins support the fruit, providing a firm line, with balanced acidity lending energy and drive. The palate carries to a long, lingering, fine-textured, dry finish. This is an elegant, sweet-fruited Merlot with a fine, firm structure and line. Match with roasted red meats and semi-hard cheeses over the next 5-6 years. 100% Merlot from the ‘Mere Road’ vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, fermented with some whole berries to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 14 months in French and American 300 L hogsheads, of which 24% was new French oak. 18.0+/20 Feb 2016 RRP $24.95