Volcanic Hills 2015 Pinot Gris and Rosé, and 2014 Pinot Noirs

21-Dec-2015

The ‘Volcanic Hills’ brand of winemakers Sean Beer and Brent Park is unusually based in Rotorua where they have their winery and operate a tasting room facility at the ‘Skyline’ gondola. Originally working for Delegats, they envisaged operating a ‘virtual winery’ sourcing fruit from around the country and having it made at custom crush facilities. However the opportunity of setting up in a large urban site has brought them closer to a captive market, and allowed their families live closer to ‘civilisation’. They have now completed three full harvests at the Rotorua winery and the current annual production is 4,500 cases. Besides the cellar door, their wines are sold mail order and on-premise. Here, I review the new Volcanic Hills summer releases. www.volcanichills.co.nz

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

Volcanic Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 19-Dec-2015
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale straw-yellow colour, lighter on edge. The nose is gently full and voluminous with lifted aromas of bright white and yellow stonefruits, pears and florals, building in depth and density in the glass. Some youthful fermentation esters add to the fragrance. Off-dry to taste and medium-bodied, the flavours of pears and white stonefruits are tightly bound, but unfold floral elements as the wine flow. This has a soft-textured core and positive line, the palate showing good vinosity and presence. The acidity is integrated, and the wine carries to a light, lingering finish with light pear flavours. This is a soft, aromatic, off-dry Pinot Gris with good mouthfeel. Serve as an aperitif and with Asian fare over the next 2+ years. Marlborough fruit cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.0% alc. and 6.25 g/L RS. 16.5/20 Dec 2015 RRP $23.95
Volcanic Hills Martinborough Rosé 2015
Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 19-Dec-2015
☆☆☆☆☆
Pinot Noir fruit from the ‘Ashwell’ vineyard, Martinborough, cool-fermented in tank with 25% indigenous yeast fermented in barrel to 12.0% alc. and 2.5 g/L RS. Bright strawberry colour with some depth, a little paler on the rim. This has a full, deep nose with a good core of savoury red berry, quince and pomegranate fruit aroma, along with nuances of strawberry and raspberry compote. The aromas are harmoniously entwined and smoothly presented. Dry to taste and light-bodied, the fruit flavours of red berry fruits, quince and pomegranate are melded with savoury strawberries, raspberries and herb notes. The mouthfeel is soft-textured with subtle grip and line, balanced by fresh, near slippery acidity. The flavours carry through to a moderately long finish of pomegranate and quince. This is a light and gently refreshing, savoury dry rosé with soft textures and balanced acidity. Match with canapes, tapas and antipasto over the next 2 years. 17.0/20 Dec 2015 RRP $27.95
Volcanic Hills Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014
Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago
Review Date : 19-Dec-2015
☆☆☆☆☆
Even, dark ruby-red colour with purple hues, lighter on rim. The nose is elegantly concentrated and tightly bound with firm aromas of black cherry fruit entwined with subtle notes of thyme herbs and nuances of stalk-like whole cluster complexities. This has intensity and depth that grows with aeration. Medium-bodied, the palate is well-proportioned with plush, sweet, black and dark red berry fruits interwoven with aromatic thyme herbs and lifted violet florals. This has a concentrated core with excellent drive and line, and the mouthfeel has supple tannins and lacy acidity lending brightness and balance. The wine lead to a long and sustained, fine-textured finish with cherry, berry and herb notes. This is an elegantly concentrated Pinot Noir with good depth of black and dark-red fruit, and a fine, supple core. Match with poultry and pork over the next 4+ years. 80% Bannockburn fruit and 20% Alexandra fruit, given 5 days cold soak and 36% indigenous yeast fermented with 8% whole clusters to 13.2% alc., the wine on skins 4 weeks and aged 11 months in 20% new French oak. 17.5+/20 Dec 2015 RRP $39.95
Volcanic Hills Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014
Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 19-Dec-2015
☆☆☆☆☆
Fruit from the ‘Ashwell’ vineyard, given a 5 day cold soak and 20% indigenous yeast fermented with 14% whole bunches to 12.7% alc., the wine spending 4 weeks on skins and aged 11 months in 20% new French oak. Even ruby-red colour with light purple hues on edge. This has a softly full, savoury nose with soft red berry fruit aromas entwined with nuances of dried herbs, earth and game. Red florals, nutty notes and some meaty interest add complexity. Medium-bodied, the flavours are soft and light, gradually unfolding to fill the mouth. Savoury red berry fruits, dried herbs, earth and game are gently interwoven with red floral and cedar elements. The palate has a softly packed core with good density which carries to a soft, savoury flavoured finish enlivened by light, lacy acidity. This is a soft, restrained, savoury Pinot Noir with gentle layers of complexing interest and some depth. Match with mushroom risotto and pasta dishes over the next 3-4 years. 17.0/20 Dec 2015 RRP $39.95

Volcanic Hills 2015 Pinot Gris and Rosé, and 2014 Pinot Noirs

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

Featured Reviews

STAY UP TO DATE