Vynfields – Archive

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Vynfields ‘Bliss’ Martinborough Sparkling Riesling 2013
  Sparkling Wine from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 24-Sep-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, pale lemon-straw colour, lighter on rim, with fine, persistent bubbles. The bouquet is elegant with intensely penetrating pure aromas of limes, white florals, musk and nuances of toast and steely minerals melded with lime sherbet. Medium-dry to taste and light-medium bodied, this has a soft core of savoury stonefruits and subtly sour citrus fruits with musk and sherbet flavours. The mouthfeel is soft and rounded with a gentle creamy mousse and texture. The wine flows smoothly with soft acidity in the background lending freshness, and the wine carries through to a dry, finely textured finish. This is a soft, gently textured sparkling, medium-dry Riesling with savoury citrus and musky flavours. Serve as an aperitif, with canapés, tapas and dim sum over the next 2+ years. Fruit from ‘Vynfields', from 22 y.o. vines, fermented to 11.5% alc. and 14.6 g/L rs, the wine aged on lees 6 months and carbonated. Certified BioGro organic. 16.5+/20 Sep 2014 RRP $32.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields ‘Bliss’ Martinborough Organic Sparkling Riesling 2015
  Sparkling Wine from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 19-Dec-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Brilliant straw-yellow colour with lemon-green hues, pale on edge, the bubble fine and moderately persistent. The nose is beautifully aromatic, expressed with great clarity and delicacy, showing lime fruit and apples with lifted white floral detail, building in richness and intensity in the glass, unveiling honeysuckle nuances. Medium in sweetness and medium-bodied, the mouthfeel is bright, fresh and zesty with lively and aromatic fruit flavours of limes, lemonade, white florals, apples and honeysuckle. Crisp acidity and light effervescence underlines the palate and the flow is guided by a fine-textured phenolic line. This has a positive core of lime and apple flavours and leads to a long. off-dry finish with florals, lime and honeysuckle. This is a bright and refreshing, medium sparkling Riesling with clarity and purity of lime, floral and honeysuckle flavours, and a fine-textured line. Serve as an aperitif and with Asian fare over the next 2+ years. Fruit from 24 y.o. vines, fermented to 11.6% alc. and 13.7 g/L RS, the wine spending 5 months on lees. Certified BioGro organic. 17.5+/20 Dec 2015 RRP $32.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Dry Riesling 2010
  Riesling from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 02-Mar-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  The dry expression of Riesling from Vynfield's Martinborough Terrace fruit. Cool-fermented to 12.3% alc. and 1.2 g/L rs. Bright soft straw-yellow colour with a pale edge, this has an elegant, but full, soft nose of lime fruit with floral aspects, herbs, honey and minerals. Bone-dry to taste, this has a near-contradictory richness and lusciousness to the lime and mineral flavours. Excellent density but racy acidity lends a softening to the palate. Very good line and length with real tension. This will develop honey and toast complexities over the next 5-7 years. Drink with seafood dishes. 230 cases made. 18.0/20 Mar 2011 RRP $29.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Dry Riesling 2013
  Riesling from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 14-Apr-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, pale straw-yellow colour, lighter on edge. The nose is gently voluminous with a soft core of lime fruit that opens to show subtle toast, mineral and honied elements. Dry to taste and light-medium bodied, a softly concentrated core of lime fruits and herbs features on the palate, revealing mineral and honeysuckle nuances. The mouthfeel is very dry, but soft flowing with integrated and fine acidity in the background. Some delicate phenolic textures and fruit extract presence carry the flavours revealing honeysuckle, fennel herb and mineral detail, leading to a dry, moderately long finish. This is a very dry, softly textured Riesling with intriguing exotic floral and herbal detail. Serve as an aperitif, and with seafood or poultry over the next 4-5 years. Fruit from the ‘Vynfields’ vineyard, WBP and cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 10.8% alc. with 3.9 g/L RS, and TA 6.4 g/L. Certified BioGro organic. 125 dozen made. 18.0/20 Apr 2014 RRP $29.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough ‘Classic’ Riesling 2013
  Riesling from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 15-Dec-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, straw-yellow colour with light golden hues, pale on rim. The nose is fresh and exuberant, open and voluminous with aromas of ripe, exotic florals and tropical fruits entwined with limes and honeysuckle, the bouquet exuding softness and richness. Medium-dry to taste, the fruit flavours are restrained and gentle, revealing subtle notes of limes and lemons, honey, and with an exotic jasmine lift. The flavours gently fill the mouth and flow smoothly on a soft, rounded palate. The acidity is discreet, enhancing the richness and mellow breadth. The flavours lead to a gentle, dry finish of honeysuckle and minerals. This is a soft, rounded medium-dry Riesling with a full, exotic bouquet. Serve as an aperitif and with Chinese cuisine over the next 4+ years. Riesling fruit from the ‘Vynfields’ estate, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 12.5% alc. and 13 g/L RS. Certified BioGro organic and Demeter biodynamic. 145 dozen made. 18.0+/20 Dec 2013 RRP $29.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields Martinborough ‘Classic’ Riesling 2014
  Riesling from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 31-Oct-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright straw-yellow colour with light golden hues, pale edged. This has a fresh, full and voluminous nose with exotic floral, lime, honeysuckle and sherbet-like aromas, revealing subtle herb and mineral nuances with aeration. Medium-dry to taste and medium-light bodied, the flavours of honey, flowers and lime fruit flow on a soft, dry-textured palate. Herb and sherbet elements enrich the wine. The mouthfeel is grainy, balancing the sweetness and up-front fruitiness, and the dryness is enhanced by moderately low acidity. The palate carries to a light, mouthwatering finish with juicy fruit nuances. This is an up-front medium-dry Riesling with exotic, honied flavours and a soft, dry-textured mouthfeel.  Match with mildly spicy Asian fare over the next 4 years. Riesling fruit from the ‘Vynfields’ estate, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 10.8% alc. and 10.5 g/L RS. Certified BioGro organic. 17.0+/20 Nov 2004 RRP $29.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields ‘Reserve’ Martinborough Pinot Noir 2011
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 16-Nov-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep, purple-hued ruby-red, youthful in appearance. This has an intensely concentrated nose of ripe black cherry and berry fruits, revealing a complex array of aromatics, with dark plums, Asian spices, oak and savoury earth nuances, along with a classic Pinot Noir violetty floral lift. Medium-full bodied, rich and concentrated flavours of black berries, cherries and plums, combine with toasty oak char, game and black mineral detail to form a fulsome, solid and rounded core. Substantial but supple tannins support the fruit and soft, discreet acidity enhances the richness and mouthfilling nature of the palate. Complex game, tar and reduction nuances unfold in layers of interest, and carry through to a long, rich flavoursome finish. This is a fulsome, rich and solid Pinot Noir with complex layers and detail. Match with slow-cooked game meat dishes over the next 7-8+ years. Clone 5, 115, 667 and Abel from 13 y.o. vines from the ‘Vynfields’ estate on the Martinborough Terrace, cropped at 27 hl/ha, fully destemmed, given a 14 day cold soak and fermented to 14.5% alc., the wine kept on skins 14 days and aged 14 months in approx. 20% new French oak. Certified BioGro organic. 19.0-/20 Nov 2013 RRP $69.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Dry Rosé 2010
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 25-Apr-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  John Bell and Kaye McAulay have explored the rosé style with enthusiasm, inspired by a strong following for earlier releases. Formerly labelled ‘Pêche de Noire', this is an organic wine, made from 100% Pinot Noir from the estate on the Martinborough Terrace, fermented to 14.5% alc. and less than 1 g/l residual sugar, thus designed to work with food. Pale peach in colour – oeil de perdrix (eye of the partridge), this is a subtle and delicate wine in expression. Subtle soft red fruits - strawberries, and possibly a peachy note (power of suggestion?), with hints of herbs and minerals, quite delicate in actuality, on the palate, which is one of substance, weight, volume and body. The acidity seems shy, but the cut comes from the alcohol. The finish is distinctly dry and fine. This will be versatile with a wide range of foods. Drink now to 2 years. 110 cases made. 17.5-/20 Dec 2010 RRP $27.75 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields ‘Peche de Noire’ Martinborough 2013
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 31-Mar-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, soft, salmon-pink colour, lighter on rim. The nose is soft and gentle, with harmoniously interwoven aromas of red berry fruits, soft red florals, strawberries and cream, revealing cranberry and savoury watermelon notes. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, this has a firm core of soft and savoury watermelon, strawberry and cranberry fruit flavours. The mouthfeel is smooth with positive flow and some linearity, unveiling a little fruit lusciousness. The palate is underlined by ripe, but thirst-quenching acidity, carrying through to a dry-textured, moderately long finish with red floral elements. This dry rosé has a positive core and weight with soft, savoury red fruits. Serve with antipasto, charcuterie and seafood on the veranda over the next 2 years. Pinot Noir fruit from the ‘Vynfields’ site, 40% fermented in seasoned oak to 13.5% alc. and <1 g/L RS. Certified BioGro organic. 90 dozen made. 17.5-/20 Apr 2014 RRP $29.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Rosé 2010
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 14-Feb-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  The slightly sweeter style of rosé wine has immense general appeal, the residual sugar enhancing sipping on its own and working with cuisines that feature some heat and spice. Winemakers Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling gave minimal skin contact, some four hours only, for this Pinot Noir rosé to pick up its delicate, pale pink colour. Fermented to 13.9% alc., leaving 8.5 g/L rs, this has a fullish nose of strawberries, blossoms and red berries, all very pretty, but with good depth. Off-dry, slightly sweet to taste, the delicate flavours of strawberries and flowers flow gently over the palate with subtlety. The gentle sweetness enriches the fruitiness, but this is kept in check by proper acidity, and there is absolutely no cloying. This is clearly Pinot Noir and is a model of fineness. 200 cases made. 18.0-/20 Dec 2010 RRP $27.75 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Rosé 2011
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 31-Jan-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, soft, pale salmon pink colour, pale on rim. This has a very fresh nose of herb-infused strawberries, redcurrants and watermelon with a touch of fennel, the bouquet showing good intensity. Medium-dry to taste, this is medium-bodied, with gently luscious, delicate and vibrant strawberry fruit flavours along with hints of herbs at the core, but unfolding with red floral notes through the palate. Fresh acidity adds to the juiciness of the wine, and leads to a crisp, but fruity finish that is elegant in expression. This is a delicate, but juicy rosé with strawberry and herb flavours that will match salads and tapas over the next 2 years. Pinot Noir fruit picked for the production of rosé, given a light pressing for a delicate colour, fermented to 12.5% alc. and 5.9 g/L rs. Certified organic. 17.5/20 Jan 2012 RRP $29.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Rosé 2012
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 30-Dec-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Pinot Noir fruit from the ‘Vynfields' single vinwyard estate, chilled overnight, WBP, given 4 hours skin contact and stainless-steel fermented to 12.5% alc. and 11 g/L rs. Vegan wine. Certified BioGro organic wine, and vineyard certified Demeter biodynamic. Soft, bright salmon-pink colour with faint youthful purple hues, light on rim. The nose is fresh, full and voluminous, lifted by floral and strawberry fruit aromas, fermentation esters and hints of bon-bon confectionary. Slightly sweet to taste, softly vibrant flavours of strawberries and bon-bons are enlivened by fresh, racy acidity and enriched by the sweetness. The flavours are lifted and energetic and show with elegant proportion through the gently lush, soft-textured palate line. The sweetness carries the fruit to a moderately lingering finish with strawberry and rose-petal nuances. This is a soft, gentle, off-dry rosé with attractive bon-bon hints. Serve as an aperitif and with gently spicy Asian cuisine over the next 2 years. 17.5-/20 Dec 2012 RRP $29.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Rosé 2013
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 15-Dec-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, pale salmon-pink colour with faint purple hues on edge. The bouquet is fresh and full in volume with delicate aromas of strawberry fruit and subtle nuances of red florals and confectionary, revealing nuances of fresh herbs and flinty minerals. Medium-dry to taste with good body and presence, light and deliciously succulent fruit flavours of strawberries and cherries combine with the residual sugar forming a subtle honied and candied amalgam. There is good alcohol drive and a rounded, luscious mouthfeel, with soft, gently refreshing acidity in support. The flavours are carried a little by the sugar to a gently textured, off-dry finish. This is a delicate strawberry fruited, medium-dry rosé with good presence and some succulence. Serve as an aperitif and with tapas and dim sum over the next 2 years. 100% Pinot Noir from the ‘Vynfields’ estate, given limited skin contact and cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.3% alc. and 7 g/L RS. Certified BioGro organic and Demeter biodynamic. 340 dozen made. 17.5/20 Dec 2013 RRP $29.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Rosé 2014
  Rose from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 12-Nov-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very pale, peach pink colour, light on rim. The nose is very delicate with fresh aromas of strawberries and watermelon with subtle redcurrant and piquant floral nuances. Off-dry to taste and medium-full bodied, this has a fulsome and deep core with plenty of palate presence and positive alcoholic drive. The flavours of strawberries, quince and redcurrants are restrained and follow a fine, textured thread and line with balanced, fresh underlying acidity. The wine carries to a tight, mouth-wateringly dry, lingering finish with strawberry and floral notes. This is a fulsome, off-dry rosé with subtle strawberry and quince flavours and a dry finish. Serve as an aperitif and with antipasto over the next 2 years. 100% Pinot Noir from the ‘Vynfields’ estate, given limited skin contact and cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.9% alc., and 8.3 g/L RS. The wine Certified BioGro organic and the winery Demeter biodynamic. 17.5-/20 Nov 2014 RRP $29.95 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields ‘Mad Rooster’ Martinborough 2012
  Other Red from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 31-Mar-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  The ‘Mad Rooster’ variety, from ‘Vynfields’ estate, the fruit destemmed and fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in seasoned French oak. Full, even, dark, deep ruby-red colour with purple hues on edge. This has an elegant, subtly packed bouquet of savoury raspberry fruit aromas with funky game and sweet peppery notes, revealing strawberry jam and raspberry compote elements. Medium-bodied, raspberry and strawberry jam, and savoury, spicy pepper flavours are underscored by bright and racy acidity along with light, grainy tannins. The palate flows with a fine firmness and the palate core has some concentration and drive. The flavours are carried to a well-textured, fruity finish. This is an individually flavoured red wine with funky, savoury compote and jam flavours and a brisk, grainy mouthfeel. Match with barbecued food and Middle Eastern fare over the next 4 years. Certified BioGro organic. 100 dozen made. 17.0/20 Apr 2014 RRP $34.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields ‘Mad Rooster’ Martinborough 2014
  Other Red from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 04-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  This is a very full, deep and near saturated, purple-hued black-red colour, very youthful in appearance. The nose is dense and solidly packed with aromas of blackberry and blueberry fruit along with black plums, unfolding layers of savoury dried herbs, earth and spices, and aromatic jam and confectionary elements. This has depth and power. Full-bodied, the flavours of blackberries, plums and blueberries are plush, sweetly rich and ripe with juiciness. Some funky, savoury layers of earth, herbs and game unfold. The mouthfeel is weighty and robust, and carries real presence with the alcoholic power providing firmness, warmth and drive. Fine-grained tannins underline the fruit, and soft acidity adds to the rounded core and breadth. The wine carries with considerable alcoholic drive to a solid, dense, plummy finish. This is a unique and individual, full-bodied and robust red wine with funky, savoury, ripe blackberry, blueberry, plum jam flavours and a grainy mouthfeel. Match with barbecued food and Middle Eastern fare over the next 4 years. Made from the unknown ‘Mad Rooster’ variety, from ‘Vynfields’ estate, the fruit destemmed and fermented to 15.2% alc., the wine aged 12 months in seasoned French oak. Certified BioGro organic. 17.5-/20 Nov 2015 RRP $34.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 14-Feb-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Medium deep garnet-ruby in colour with a lighter edge, this has an elegant bouquet of dark berry fruits intermingling with nuances of spices, truffles, savoury game and meat, along with a note of chocolate. This is very Martinborough in expression. On palate, this is medium weighted, with flavours of red and darker berry fruits complexed by dried herbs, meat and game. An elegant wine, this is accessible now, but the moderately firm tannins, while supple, will require more time for resolution. The wine's freshness is enhanced by good acidity. This has put on body and become richer over the last six months. It will continue to drink well for another 5-7 years. Made from rows dedicated to the Estate label, cropped at 36 hl/ha (grand cru is 35 hl/ha), fruit totally destemmed and fermented to 14.5% alc, aged 14 months in 25% new French barriques. 300 cases made. 17.5/20 Feb 2011 RRP $42.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 15-Nov-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep hearted ruby-red colour with black-red hues and a lighter rim, this has a tight and very concentrated nose of dark plums, black cherries, violet perfumes and nuances of dried herbs. A little complexing toasty oak and a faint touch of reduction shows on the bouquet. Medium-full bodied, this is elegantly proportioned, but extremely intense and rich in concentrated flavours of dark cherries, violets, herbs and bitter chocolate. The acidity is soft and balanced and the tannins very fine-grained, resulting in a velvet textured mouthfeel. The finish is dry and firm and features perfumed florals, the flavours long and lingering. Still youthful, this should become softer, richer and more complex over the next 6-8 years. Match with flavoursome duck, and pork dishes. Fruit from the ‘Vynfields' vineyard on the Martinborough Terrace, cropped at 30 hl/ha, fully destemmed and given a cold soak, then fermented to 14.5% alc. With 20 days on skins, the wine was aged 12 months in 30% new French oak barriques. 18.0/20 Nov 2011 RRP $42.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Noir 2011
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 15-Nov-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep ruby-red colour with black red hues at the heart, this has a full and gently concentrated bouquet of dark raspberry and black cherry fruits with dark herbs, building in intensity, revealing ethereal violetty perfumes and savoury spice elements. Medium-full bodied, waves of subtle flavours of dark raspberry fruit, violets, nuances of herbs flow seamlessly from a very fine-textured core. Some mineral, earth and fine spicy oak complexities unfold, adding detail and interest. The fruit is supported by very fine-grained tannins and the mouthfeel is velvety. Soft, ripe acidity completes the palate and enhances the sweet, black fruits and florals on a very long, dry and sustained finish. This is a classically proportioned, elegant and concentrated Pinot Noir with seamless flow of dark fruits and perfumes. Serve with salmon, tuna, duck or pork over the next 6-7 years. Fruit from vines cropped at 40 hl/ha, given a cold soak and fermented to 13.8% alc., the wine aged 14 months in 18% new French oak barrels. Made by Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling.  Certified BioGro organic. 18.5+/20 Feb 2013 RRP $42.50 Fruit from rows dedicated to the production of the ‘Estate' label, hand-picked and fully destemmed, given a cold soak and fermented to 13.8% alc., the wine aged 14 months in 18% new French oak barrels. Very dark, deep, ruby-red colour with purple hues. This has a full and deep nose of fresh, dark cherry and berry fruits with hints of savoury spices and dark herbs that subtly unfold, showing violetty floral nuances. Medium-full bodied, dark cherry and black berry fruits show with good depth and concentration. Mineral and dark floral nuances add detail, the oak quite unobtrusive, adding delicate spice notes. The acidity is restrained, and the fruit is supported by fine, dry tannins, providing supple, but filling mouthfeel. The palate has linearity which leads to a gently sweet and delicately flavoured fruit finish with good length. This is a classically dark-fruited Pinot Noir with fine, dry textures to match mushroom risotto, poultry and pork dishes over the next 5-7 years. Suitable for vegans. Certified BioGro organic. 430 dozen made. 18.0+/20 Nov 2012 RRP $42.50 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Noir 2012
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 27-Sep-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, moderately deep ruby-red colour with lighter garnet hues on rim. The nose is softly full with aromas of dark red berry fruits entwined with dark plums and cooler spectrum herbs, along with complexing reductive earthy notes. This has a deep aromatic core that reveals lifted red florals with aeration. Medium-full bodied, sweet red berry flavours show with some fleshiness. Dried herb and earthy complexities add interest and the fruit is underlined by grainy tannin textures lending a sinewy mouthfeel. The acidity is balanced and combines with the tannin and alcohol drive to carry the wine to an elegantly textured finish with dried herb nuances. This is a moderately rich, savoury red berry fruited Pinot Noir with dried herb notes and a sinewy mouthfeel. Serve with pork, beef and lamb dishes over the next 5-6 years. Made from fruit from rows dedicated to the ‘Estate’ wine, cropped at 33 hl/ha, fully destemmed and fermented to 14.3% alc., the wine spending 21 days on skins and aged 12 months in 15% new French oak. Certified BioGro organic. 500 dozen made. 17.5/20 Sep 2014 RRP $45.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 18-Nov-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Light ruby-red colour, paler on edge. The bouquet is full with gentle and ethereal aromas of soft red berry fruits lifted by red floral fragrances and subtle nuances of aromatic herbs. The perfumes blossom and grow in depth and intensity with aeration. Medium-full bodied and elegantly presented, the palate features smooth-flowing and beautiful flavours of red berry and cherry fruit with red floral elements, and subtle oak spice and savoury herb detail. The fruit is pretty and delicately expressed, but intensifies, melding harmoniously with the very fine-grained, flowery tannins. Balanced acidity lends energy and the velvety palate textures lead to an elegant, lingering finish with lifted floral notes. This is an elegant and ethereal Pinot Noir with red berry fruit and floral fragrances, and a velvety flow. Match with tuna, duck and pork dishes over the next 5 years. Made from clone 5 and 115 fruit from rows dedicated to the ‘Estate’ wine, cropped at 33 hl/ha, fully destemmed and fermented to 14.0% alc., the wine spending 21 days on skins and aged 17 months in 30% new French oak. Certified BioGro organic. 220 dozen made. 18.0-/20 Nov 2015 RRP $45.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• Vynfields ‘Reserve’ Martinborough Pinot Noir 2012
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 17-Nov-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deepish ruby-red with some garnet hues, lighter on edge. This has a softly concentrated bouquet with well-packed aromas of dark red berry fruits, liquorice and spices, along with subtle, complexing dark and dried herb, and oak elements. Ethereal red floral fragrances emerge in the glass. Medium-full bodied, the palate features an ethereal array of dark red berry fruits and florals harmoniously intermixed with dark herbs, earth and minerally notes, along with oak spices. This has a firm and well-concentrated core of fine-grained tannins driven by some alcohol power. The extraction and the fruit concentration are well-balanced with discreet acidity, and lead to a long, elegantly proportioned finish of spicy fruits, herbs and earth. This is an elegantly concentrated Pinot Noir with dark berry and herb flavours along with an ethereal lift. Match with coq au vin, casseroles and hard cheeses over the next 5-7 years. Made from fruit from rows dedicated to the ‘Reserve’ wine, cropped at 27 hl/ha, fully destemmed and fermented to 14.1% alc., the wine spending 21 days on skins and aged 12 months in 25% new French oak. Certified BioGro organic. 200 dozen made. 18.0/20 Sep 2014 RRP $79.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates