Spade Oak – update - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

15-Jun-2021

Steve in barrel hall 1117x746 - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

Spade Oak is one of the most innovative and exciting wine labels emerging from Gisborne. The Spade Oak wines come from the 16-hectare vineyard of Steve and Eileen Voysey, who are key New Zealand wine industry people, Eileen as a grape grower for over 15 years, and Steve as a winemaker for over 20 years with Montana, Allied-Domecq, Pernod-Ricard and Indevin.

The Voyseys employ a combination of traditional and modern techniques to maximise the expression of the vines and the terroir of the site, such as low fruit zoning, wild yeasts, minimal fining and filtration and reductive handling.

Three tiers are made, the 'Reserve' wines are the epitome of classical styles, made from the home 'Spade Oak' vineyard. The production of these wines can be as low as 50 dozen of each and are truly limited release and exclusive. The 'Heart of Gold' range consists of wines that are innovative blends or from innovative and emerging varieties, also sourced from the home vineyard. The 'Voysey' range is the most affordable from Spade Oak, and are selections and blends made by Steve, and the fruit may be sourced from regions other than Gisborne. The 'Reserve' nomenclature is being phased out and will be replaced by 'Vigneron' which better represents the Voysey's role in making these wines.

'The Co-Ordinates' replaced the 'The Prospect' in June 2021 after they had been made aware of a Prospect Trademark owned by Prospect vineyard in the UK. To allow continued growth and diversification of the wine style and story, better match the wines vineyard origins as each variant shows 'the Co-Ordinates' of where the wine was sourced. The wine, label and winemaker remain the same it is only the brand name and bar code that changes. Steve Voysey at Spade Oak Wines has been growing, making, distributing, or owning The Prospect wine in New Zealand since 2010. However, Prospect was not Trademarked in New Zealand, but has been traded since 2012.

Not being bound by tradition, the Voyseys are open to new varieties, styles and technology. Spade Oak was the first New Zealand label to trial the German-designed ‘Vino-Lok' glass closure. Currently, most wines are under screwcap closure.

www.spadeoak.co.nz

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

Spade Oak Vineyard Vosey Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Gisborne
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 05-Sep-2022
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, pale straw yellow. This has a soft, full expression of gooseberry, green mango, elderflower and green herb underlay. Medium-light bodied, intense aromas of gooseberry melded with green bell pepper, green mango, unfolding elderflower and white spice. The flavours are expressive and aromatic, with a clean and crunchy palate. Acidity is soft, carries subtle phenolics and a hint of savouriness to a moreish finish. This is a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with balanced acidity, fleshy fruit and weight, lead a savoury finish. Match with salted cod and green-lipped mussels over the next 3 years. 12.5% alc. 18+/20 (91 pts) Sep 2022 RRP $23
Spade Oak The Co-Ordinates Hexton Rosé 2020, Gisborne
Rosé from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 11-Jun-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Brilliant, rose-gold with some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is softly full and welcoming, aromas of creamed strawberries melded with quice and stonefruit, followed by white floral fragrances. Medium-bodied, nuances of pear, quince and strawberries have a fragranced core, interweave white floral and subtle spices. Creaminess broadens the palate, supported by balanced acidity with crunchy freshness, flows along with fine-textured phenolics. This is an elegant rosé with juicy fruit and a creamy flow. Match with spicy salami and spring rolls over the next 3 years. 100% clone 777 Pinot Noir, machine picked, destemmed, cool-fermented to 12% alc, 4 g/l RS. 18+/20 pts (91 pts) June 2021 RRP $28
Spade Oak The Co-Ordinates Makauri Gewurztraminer 2021, Gisborne
Gewurztraminer from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 01-Dec-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, pale lemon with a slight hint of green. The nose is softly full and harmonious, with enticing aromas of lychees, mandarin and its zest, interweave rose water, a delicate and well-proportion of ginger dusting. Medium-bodied, dry-ish to taste, the fragranced rose water adorned by lychees, mandarin, along with zesty spice and ginger, gracefully linger to a sustained closing. Balanced and lacy acidity provide a cleansing sensation. This fragranced, well-proportioned Gewurztraminer shows varietal characters with purity and a refreshing acid line. Match with light curry and dim sum over the next 4+ years. Machine picked, destemmed, crushed and cold-soaked for 6 hours, then cool-fermented to 13.5% alc, 9.9g/l RS. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Nov 2021 RRP $28
Spade Oak The Co-Ordinates Ormond Chardonnay 2021, Gisborne
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 01-Dec-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale straw-yellow with some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is brightly elegant and voluminous, a spice dusting overlying lemon curd, pineapple, raw almonds and a hint of toast. Medium-bodied, aromas of grilled pineapple, lemon curd interweave almond and barrel spice, and apricot acid line lends a moreish finish. The fruit is ripe and has good concentration, complemented by toasty oak, elegantly presented. dThe creamy mouthfeel flows with fine-textured phenolics, linger with nutty details. This is a youthful, elegantly presented Chardonnay with ripe fruit, bright acid and a refined mouthfeel. Match with salt-baked snapper and chicken ballotine over the next 5+ years. 100% Mendoza Chardonnay, gently pressed, fermented in large oak cuves and a mix of new & older barrels with fire toasted French oak staves, has an average 35% new oak barrel and 45% MLF. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Dec 2021 RRP $28
Spade Oak The Co-Ordinates Ormond Pinot Gris 2020, Gisborne
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 11-Jun-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, medium straw-yellow, even colour throughout. The nose is voluminous, layered aromas of lifted five-spice intermix ripe Nashi pear, quince, a whiff of white floral, honeysuckles followed. Medium-full bodied, dry-ish to taste, ripe Nashi pear, quince along with lemon and zest melded with five-spice dusting and florals hints. The wine has intense fruit aromas; delicate spices added interest; brilliant acidity brings freshness and drive to the palate, along with fine-textured phenolics that provides a textural flow. This is a refined Pinot Gris with generous fruit, acid freshness and a fine-textured palate. Match with Vietnamese pork spring rolls and lemongrass fish over the next 5 years. Machine picked, destemmed, short cold-soaked, barrel-fermented in neutral French barrels (75%), the balance stop fermented and aged on light lees in 2500 litre oval for 7 months. 13.5% alc, 6 g/l RS. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) June 2021 RRP $28
Spade Oak Voysey Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Gisborne
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Gisborn
Review Date : 01-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, very pale straw-yellow. The nose is very fresh, fills with gentle aromas of passionfruit, melded with florals, nettle, fresh-cut-grass elements. Medium-light bodied, dry to taste, mouthwatering flavours of passionfruit, fresh florals, green botanicals along with green capsicum and salty sea-spray. The wine has a subtle phenolic line, and mouthwatering acidity flows smoothly with a crispness and herb-nuanced finish. This is a thirst-quenching, crisp Sauvignon Balc with flavours of passionfruit, florals and green botanical elements on a fine-textured mouthfeel. Match with salads and seafood over the next 2-3 years. 12.4% alc, 4.4 g/l RS. 17.5/20 pts Aug 2020 RRP $20
Spade Oak Voysey Pinot Gris 2021, Gisborne
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 01-Dec-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, pale straw-yellow with a peach hue. The nose is softly full, with power, nuances of pickled ginger, fennel seeds melded with Nashi pear, lemon sherbet and a hint of floral. Medium-bodied, dry-ish to taste, a fresh acid line carries pear, apple, lemon with ginger and white spice, along with white floral details. An oily mouthfeel adorned by spices; bright acidity flow with ease. This is a bright and juicy Pinot Gris with excellent balanced acidity and spice appeal. Match with fish taco and dim sum over the next 2-3 years. 13% alc. Fruit from Ashwood Estate Vineyards, 5% Gewurztraminer, machine harvested, cool-fermented to 13% alc, 6 g/l RS, left on lees for 5 months. 18/20 pts (90 pts) Dec 2021 RRP $18.5
Spade Oak Voysey Syrah 2020, Gisborne
Syrah from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 01-Dec-2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, moderately full ruby-red with a black hue, slightly lighter edged. The nose is gentle, slowly penetrating savoury aroma of meat, earthy soil, underlying raspberries, red plums, and herbs. Medium-bodied, sweet fruit aromas of raspberries, plums entwined with black pepper, savoury cured meat and a hint of dark herbs. The fruit is bright and juicy with the support of lacy acidity; powdery, sandy tannin contribute to the structure and a silky mouthfeel. This is a vibrant Syrah with succulent fruit, pepper and savoury details on a soft powdery tannin palate. Match with lamb sausages and tomato base pasta over the next 3-5 years. Fruit from Ngatarawa Triangle, 89% syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon 3.5 % and Merlot, fermented to 13.2% alc. 20% staved in tank, full MLF, short maceration on skins. 18+/20 pts (91 pts) Dec 2021 RRP $20
Spade Oak Voysey Chardonnay 2021, Gisborne
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Gisborne
Review Date : 14-Feb-2022
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, pale straw yellow. The nose is gently full, filled the glass with ripe stonefruit, melon, and citrus, interweave citrus blossom and zest along with vanillin. Medium-bodied, succulent aromas of ripe apricot, lemon and melon interweave citrus blossom, followed by subtle spice and vanilla oak. The fruit is ripe with a good balance of acidity, leaving a juicy closing. A hint of grapefruit zest linger with subtle oak elements enriched the palate. This is an approachable Chardonnay with flashy fruit, excellent acid balance and subtle oak detail. Match with chicken satay and grilled fish over the next 3-5 years. 13% alc. 18/20 pts (90 pts) Feb 2022 RRP $22
Spade Oak Vigneron Chardonnay 2018, Gisborne
Chardonnay from New Zealand - Gisborn
Review Date : 01-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, even, medium yellow with some depth. The nose is upfront and generous, aromas of toasted hazelnuts, almonds melded with brown butter and grilled peaches and citrus. Full-bodied, bright, vibrant flavours of peach, apricot and citrus, interweaved buttery and nutty oak elements. The fruit is bright and abundance supported by mouthwatering acidity and provides freshness. Nutty oak flavours of toasted hazelnuts and almonds are rich and prominent, provides body and weight, shows in good intensity, lingers to a lengthy finish. This is an upfront Chardonnay with generous flavours of stonefruit, citrus, nutty oak elements on a buttery texture line. Match with roasted chicken and crispy potatoes over the next 2-4 years. 13.5% alc. 17.5/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $30
Spade Oak Vigneron Syrah 2013, Gisborne
Syrah from New Zealand - Gisborn
Review Date : 01-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, purple-ruby with some depth, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is gently-full and robust, nuances of meaty, dried herbs, plums and spices all melded together, underlying liquorice, eucalyptus and violet. Full-bodied, there is good intensity of dried plums and blackberries, entwined with developed flavours of medicinal herbs, dried meat notes and pencil shavings, along with some smokiness. The aromas are with good concentration and intensity, integrated with developments, displaying complexity range of flavours. The mouthfeel is full with a good grip; ripe tannin extraction coated the palate with a fragrant, strong black tea, lingers with a touch of smokiness. This is a developed Syrah with good intensity, complexing flavours of dried plums, medicinal herbs and dried meat on a black tea tannin structure line. Match with Moroccan lamb and charred ribeye over the next 5 years. 13% alc. 19-/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $30
Spade Oak Heart of Gold St Laurent 2017, Gisborne
St Laurent from New Zealand - Gisborn
Review Date : 01-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, ruby-black with some transparency, faintly lighter on the rim. The nose is bright and softly-full, aromas of blackberries, cherries, underlying gamey notes and subtle spices. Medium-light bodied, flavours of wild berries, cherries are light and fresh, entwined with subtle peppery spice and a brisk gamey note. The mouthfeel is light and fresh, enlivened by medium tannin, coating the palate with smooth, ripe tannin extraction. The fruit is ripe with good intensity, lingers with peppery spice to a sustained finish. This is a straight forward red made from St Laurant with flavours of wild berries, black pepper on a ripe tannin extract. Match with venison stir-fried and beef carpaccio over the next 2-3 years. 17.5/20 pts Sept 2020 RRP $25
Spade Oak Heart of Gold Tempranillo 2017, Gisborne
Tempranillo from New Zealand - Gisborn
Review Date : 01-Sep-2020
☆☆☆☆☆
Deep, medium ruby-red with a dark-garnet hue, slightly lighter on edge. The nose is aromatic with nuances of dark florals, smoky notes, along with red berries and cherries, unfolding spicy cigar box. Full-bodied, the palate has dark notes and bright, lively aromatics of red berries, cherries, melded with red florals. A whiff of a smoky note possessed the wine, unveiling meaty elements, savoury Kalamata olives and spices. The fruit is juicy and bright, supported by a dark chocolate rich tannin texture. Acidity is lively and balances, providing a lift to the smoky and mealy meat, olive elements. This is a moderately complex Tempranillo with red fruit and floral fragrance, smoky, meaty, savoury notes on a dark chocolate texture palate. Match with Brazillian meat roast and barbeque lamb over the next 3-5 years. 18+/20 pts Aug 2020 RRP $20

Spade Oak – update

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