Waimea Estate’s Summer Release Whites

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Spinyback Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2011
  Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Nelson

  Review Date : 21-Dec-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very pale straw colour, nearly clear on rim, this has a softly full nose of English gooseberries with hints of passionfruit and capsicums, harmoniously presented and subtly lifted. Dry and medium-weighted, this has a soft, up-front and easy palate with flavours of gooseberries, capsicums and fresh garden herbs, underlined by lacy acidity. While open and accessible, there are light textures that carry through to a crisp and dry finish. This is an attractively soft and easily drinkable Sauvignon to match with white meats, vegetables and salads over the next 2 years. Fruit from the Waimea Plains, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.0% alc. and 3.8 g/L rs. 16.5+/20 Dec 2011 RRP $16.00
• Waimea Estates Nelson Gewurztraminer 2011
  Gewurztraminer from New Zealand - Nelson

  Review Date : 21-Dec-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Fruit primarily from the company's ‘Lansdowne' and ‘Annabrook' sites on the Waimea Plains, with 14% from Ruby Bay, cool-fermented to 14.5% alc. and 12.3 g/L rs, some portions of the wine undergoing lees maturation. Bright straw-yellow colour, pale on rim. The nose is intensely concentrated with ripe exotic stonefruit, rose-petal floral and spice aromas, unfolding layers of musk and herbs in the glass. Off-dry to taste, this is richly packed with flavours of luscious, honieed spices, exotic florals and musky fruits, with ginger and lychees emerging. The palate is concentrated and densely textured, very smooth with an oiliness. A little alcohol heat is noticeable, and the acidity soft, contributing to a rich breadth. The wine has a long finish with layers of perfume, honey, musk and caramel. This is a rich and powerful Gewurztraminer with layers of exotic flavours and a near unctuous mouthfeel. Enjoy with poultry, pork and cheeses over the next 3-4+ years. 18.5+/20 Dec 2011 RRP $23.00
• Waimea Estates Nelson Pinot Gris 2010
  Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Nelson

  Review Date : 21-Dec-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, full, straw-yellow colour with golden hues, the bouquet is elegant and freshly presented with aromas of ripe yellow stonefruits, pears, and honey with aromatic nuances. Off-dry, soft, rich and open flavours of honey, spiced pears and peaches feature with good depth and concentration. The palate has a seamlessly smooth mouthfeel with good acid freshness adding brightness to the fruit. This is well-balanced and has drive, leading to a long finish with tropical fruit and yellow floral notes. Fruit from the ‘Annabrook' vineyard on the Waimea Plains, moderately cool-fermented to 13.5% alc. and 8 g/L rs, the wine undergoing lees stirring. This is a soft and smooth, richly flavoured wine with good harmony. Serve with Middle Eastern fare, pate and cheeses over the next 2-3+ years. 18.0-/20 Dec 2011 RRP $23.00
• Waimea Estates Nelson Viognier 2010
  Viognier from New Zealand - Nelson

  Review Date : 21-Dec-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Fruit from the ‘Annabrook' vineyard, WBP, mainly tank-fermented, but with the pressings barrel-fermented to 14.5% alc. and 7.9 g/L rs, the wines given lees-stirring. Bright straw-yellow colour with some depth, lighter on edge. The bouquet is densely packed with ripe exotic fruit and orange blossom aromas along with a faint thread of complexing flinty reduction that integrates as the aromatic open out with layers of detail. Dry to taste, this is full-bodied with lovely flavours of ripe, exotic tropical fruits, apricots and citrus blossom. Some alcohol warmth is evident on attack, adding to the robustness of the palate, which displays near-unctuous and oily textures. Good acidity provides sufficient freshness and tension, and carries through to a smooth, nuanced finish. This full-bodied and rich, textured wine has the depth to match flavoursome Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine over the next 3-4+ years. 18.5-/20 Dec 2011 RRP $23.00
• Waimea Estates Nelson Chardonnay 2010
  Chardonnay from New Zealand - Nelson

  Review Date : 21-Dec-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Brilliant light golden-hued straw-yellow colour, this is powerful and bold on the nose with ripe grapefruit aromas along with complex oxidative, nutty notes, minerally lees and oak forming a concentrated, savoury aromatic amalgam. Full-bodied with rich, mouthfilling and interwoven flavours of citrus fruits, nutty oak, buttered toast as well as an oxidative element, this has great presence and layers interest. The palate has dense textures with balancing acidity and good liveliness alongside the robustness, and carries a long, sustained, savoury finish. This is a bold, traditional Chardonnay with the power and complexity to match hearty grilled seafood, poultry, pork and veal dishes, as well as a range of firm cheeses over the next 3-4+ years. Mendoza, 95 and 15 clones, fully barrel-fermented to 14.5% alc., the wine aged 10 months on lees in new and seasoned oak, undergoing MLF. 18.5-/20 Dec 2011 RRP $23.00