Windrush Pinot Noir 2018 Marlborough

From organically grown fruit - aromas of cherries and red plum, wild rose scents, soft brown baking spices and whispers of wood smoke. Dry on the palate with dusty chalky tannins, plenty of acidity then flavours that reflect the nose. More wood spice and red apple notes emerge. Lengthy youthful finish with persistent textures and flavours. Needs more integration time, but overall balanced and well made. Drink from late 2020 through 2026. 92 Points

Two Rivers Tributary Pinot Noir 2017 Marlborough

Immediately varietal, complex, fruity and enticing with aromas of wood spices and dark berries. Flavours of dark cherry, deep red apple skin, plum and red currant. Some fresh wood tension with firm tannins and fresh acid line. Brown baking spice, dark rose, medium weight, youthful and fine. A wine that needs some time to knit together more. Showing some fine complexities and length. Well made. Best from 2021 through 2028+.

94 Points

Main Divide Gewurztraminer 2018 North Canterbury

Vibrant, varietal, fruity, spicy and distinctive bouquet. Flavours of white fleshed stone fruits, apple, fresh lychee fruit, aromatic herbs and some fine phenolic tension. Weighty, fleshy, nice acid line and a whisper of youthful spritz add length, depth and complexity. A delicious wine with flavour, length and appeal. Great with all sorts of food, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2022. 92 Points

Main Divide Merlot Cabernet 2017 North Canterbury

Lots dark red fruit aromas with plums and blackberry, black cherry and violets. Some darker toasty wood spices suggesting vanilla and five spice. Juicy, fleshy, fruity and dry on the palate. Fine tannins with some tension and firmness, medium+ acidity and toasty wood spices. Flavours of wood and dark red berry fruits lead the into a nice lengthy finish. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2024. 89 Points

Ribbonwood Chardonnay 2016 Marlborough

Very attractive bouquet with a mix of subtlety, some bottle integration and core of ripe fruit. Wood spice and cashew, apple and white peach, pear and white flowers. Dry, fruity, fleshy and weighty on the palate. A firm youthful beginning that eases into a more rounded texture as the wine opens up in glass. Flavours of fresh white fleshed fruits, plenty of acidity, some softer wood spice moments and cashew. Nice finish. Drink now and through 2024. 91 Points

Produced by Framingham Wines

Whitehaven Pinot Gris 2018 Marlborough

A plump, ripe and fruity bouquet with white nectarine and fleshy pear, some spice and apple. Crisp, fresh, fruity, varietal and just dry on the finish. Fruit flavours reflect the nose, crisp acid line with some citrus flavours emerging, fruit spice highlights. A balanced and well made example that will please many who choose this wine to accompany lunch or dinner today. Best now and through 2022. 88 Points

Whitehaven Chardonnay 2018 Marlborough

Aromas of white and yellow peach, apple, pear and vanilla. A light nutty creamy layer adds a some complexity and intrigue. Dry, fruity, varietal, creamy and balanced on the palate with flavours of white fleshed fruits, some citrus and wood spice moments, gentle vanilla spice layer and persistent even finish. Very easy to sip on example, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2022. 88 Points

Whitehaven Pinot Noir 2016 Marlborough

Really lovely bouquet of Pinot Noir with a soft floral and light red fruits, red flowers, wood spices, a touch of wood smoke and youthful vibrant tension. Dry on the palate with flavours of red cherry, red apple, raspberry and red cherry. Tannins add in tension and texture, acidity adds a layer of crunchy texture and freshness. Oak layer adds in some baking spics and tannin. Youthful, balanced, well made very easy to enjoy. Drink now and through 2025. 93 Points

Whitehaven Greg Pinot Noir 2017 Southern Valleys, Marlborough

Ripe, focused, fruity, varietal and complex bouquet of Pinot Noir. Very youthful on the palate with plenty of tension and poise. Flavours of dark berries and cherry, some black currant then baking spices of vanilla and clove. Firm tannins, plentiful acidity, a core of fruit, some dried herb notes and stony mineral finish. A wine that needs some cellar time to knit together all the finer attributes. Well made and lengthy. Best from 2021 through 2028. 95 Points

Neudorf Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Upper Moutere, Nelson

Complex, organic, fruity, varietal and a little wild with white flowers, mayer lemon, grapefruit, red apple, cape gooseberry and a little passion fruit. Dry, fleshy and fruity on the palate with a hint of barrel ferment adding a creaminess to the core of fruit. Flavours of fruits and spice reflect the nose, soft herbs layer, abundant acidity, fine almost grainy texture, lengthy finish. Delicious! Drink now and through 2024+. This wine will age beyond 2024 if stored well.

94 Points

Saint Clair James Sinclair Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Marlborough

Vibrant, varietal, fruity and herbaceous bouquet of Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas then flavours of pineapple and mango, apple and grapefruit pith, fresh herbs and a light stony mineral layer. Crisp, steely and refreshing texture with plenty of acidity, crunch and flavour. Balanced and well made with a decent finish. Drink now and through 2021. 89 Points

Saint Clair Merlot 2017 Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay

Very attractive bouquet with dark plums and clove, baked black cherry and dry stone earthy qualities, dark rose and violet layer. Dry on the palate with firmer youthful tannins, medium+ acidity then flavours of dark berry, black cherry and Doris plum. Flavours of wood spices and and some palate tension keep this wine youthful to the taste. Best with food till the wine matures more with best drinking from 2020 through 2024. 90 Points

Marlborough Sun Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Marlborough

Pungent, fruity and classic with aromas of passion fruit and mango, apple and sweet grapefruit. Crisp, refreshing, fruity and just dry with flavours that reflect the nose. Fleshy and juicy texture. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2021. 87 Points

Marlborough Sun Pinot Gris 2018 Marlborough

Varietal, plump, fresh and fruity bouquet. Aromas of sweet pear and yellow apple, a little white spice and white stone fruit. On the palate - juicy, fleshy, ripe and fruity with flavours that reflect the nose. Medium acidity and weight, balanced and ready to enjoy. Drink now and through 2021. 88 Points

Marlborough Sun Pinot Noir 2018 Marlborough

Attractive bouquet of Pinot Noir with aromas of red cherry and red apple skin, rose and cranberry. A layer of spice develops as the wine opens up in glass. A nice wine on the palate - dry with flavours of red berry fruits, red apple skin and some summer plum. The spice note continues to develop. Fine very easy tannins, medium+ acidity, crunchy texture, youthful, refreshing and ready. Drink now and through 2023. 88 Points

Marlborough Sun Merlot 2017 Marlborough

Attractive, fruity bouquet, varietal and fresh with aromas of dark cherry and plum, some quiet yet determined wood spice suggestions of brown baking spices. A simple yet inviting complexity. Just dry on the palate with a fruit forward core of plum and cherry, the baking spice and gentle wood ideas repeat. Fine easy tannins and medium+ acidity. Balanced and well made in a drink now style. Be sure to drink all your stocks of this wine by 2022. 87 Points

Lamont Pinot Noir 2017 Bendigo Central Otago

Only 450 cases produced. Clones 777, 667, 115 and Abel

Great colour of Pinot Noir with a dark ruby core , purple hues leading to a ruby pink rim.

The bouquet exposes a very youthful wine with aromas of dark cherry and plum, some blue fruit suggestions, crushed black velvet rose and spicy wood tones with suggestions of vanilla and clove, a lighter toast with a hint of wood smoke. Overall a youthful, steely and haunting complexity. On the palate - dry, tense, youthful, fruity and poised for ageing. No mistaking the vibrato of youth in the texture with fresh berry fruits, firm tannins and lively acidity asking for attention. The oak signature is distinctive yet measured enough to show that this example needs cellar time or the right food and decanting to enjoy now. Lengthy finish, flavours mirror the nose, quite complex .

A wine I am happy to recommend . Best to try again in late 2020. Will easily last through 2028 if cellared properly.

95 Points

NO1 Family Estate Cuvée Adele 2013 Marlborough

80% Chardonnay 20% Pinot Noir 36 months on lees

A beautiful bouquet with delicate scents of white strawberry and citrus fruits, white flowers and a core of finely tuned leesy autolysis, complex and beguiling. Dry, tense, youthful and specific on the palate - flavours of grapefruit and white peach, lemon peel and red apple. The autolysis offers flavours of butter brioche and salty water cracker. Fine mousse, high acidity, youthful, complex and long. A fantastic example. Buy!

98 Points

From Auckland’s sub-region of Clevedon the wines from Puriri Hills are exceptional

Puriri Hills Estate 2013

Blend of Merlot/CS/Mlbc and CF

An enticing bouquet of red wine with a Bordeaux-esque package of aromas from baking spices and dark red berry fruits to a broody muscley core of earthiness and energy. The Cabernet France, though only a 6% contribution to the blend, is powerful and focused with a strong voice of olive and bramble. Flavours on the palate mirror what the nose suggests with baking spice, light and dark berry fruit flavours especially dark plums and blackberry, a whisper of dark chocolate. Youthul still with firm tannins, a slight dusty edge and plenty of acidity. Young, vibrant and balanced though still developing harmonies. Long finish, decant for service though probably best from 2022. 96 Points

Puriri Hills Harmonie Du Soir 2013

Merlot/CS/CF/Mlbc

Youthful fragrant lifted bouquet packed with scents of plum and blackberry, a touch of blueberry then clay, earthy tones, complex and layered. Dry, fresh, tense and very youthful on the palate. Firm tannins with chalky attention seeking textures, abundant acidity and youthful energy. All these messages are tempered by the core of dark red fruit flavours. Persistent in flavour, texture , length and complexity. A very young wine that requires a lot more quiet cellar time to integrate and harmonise. A wine with great potential for those who can wait. Decant for service though best drinking likely from 2024. 94 Points

Puriri Hills Pope 2013 

Merlot/Carmenere/CF/ CS/Mlbc

Fragrant and alluring bouquet with some beguiling perfumes, complexity, focus and youth. This is a young wine still with lots of aromas of french oak and toasty wood spice layers. Dark berries, marmite, whispers of dark chocolate and olive. On the palate - tense, vibrant, full-bodied and rich in flavour and texture. Some very fine tannins, medium+ acidity still ageing and integrating well. Still requiring cellar time or double decanting if you cannot wait. A reflection of the excellence that 2013 gifted us in New Zealand. Complex and lengthy finish. A true investment wine likely best from 2030. 98 points.

On April 6th 2019 I had the opportunity to taste through the following wines with Andreas Weiss (Mangeing Director) and Steve Skinner (Chief Winemaker). These new release wines will sell through fast with each showing a great purity, reflection of the Hawkes Bay land, sea and air as well as showing the continued potential of the region.

2018 Sea Sauvignon Blanc - 94 Points
An intense yet fine bouquet of SB with aromas of orchard tree fruits and tropical fruit moments. A definitive saline sea air scent, white flowers and a core minerality. A soft angelica leaf moment highlights the herbaceous side of the variety. A vibrant texture from a back bone of acidity, lees and older barrel use. With a lengthy finish and flavours that build with each new sip this wine will develop and age if desired. Also drinking well now and through 2025.

2018 Sea Viognier - 95 Points

A very attractive bouquet of Viognier - pure, varietal and pretty with aromas and flavours of white apricot and peach, apple and spice. A silky generous texture with medium acidity and light saline core highlighting minerality. A lovely wine with purity, elegance and length. Best enjoyed now and through 2022.

2017 Salome Chardonnay - 97 Points

Immediately complex with a Meursault-like bouquet of cashew spice, cold smoke, grapefruit peel, apple and peach. A complex and lengthy wine on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose. Satin texture with a light creamy butter note and a bite of new oak. Primed for cellaring with drinking from 2021/22 and through to 2030. An excellent wine.

2016 Stone Syrah - 96 Points

Focus, concentration and power, pepper-spice, wood spice, violets and dark berries, barrel spice and bacon oak, masculine and muscle.  There's no mistaking the power and presence of this wine on the palate with youthful energy, back bone of acidity, powerful tannins and core of fruit carrying the structure well, but also showing youth and potential. Lengthy finish with concentration and power. A wine to rival Northern Rhone counterparts. Best drinking 2021 through 2030.

2015 Airavata Syrah - 98 Points

A complex and engaging wine from bouquet to palate the more your swirl, sip and explore the more it offers. Pressed violets and dark raspberry, black currant and plum. Bold tannins and youthful acidity, a hint of tar and boot polish, meat and smoke. No mistaking the impact of oak with a core of fruit and flavour this wine is impressive. Requires cellar time to integrate and develop. Decant and taste again in 2022. A wine destined to last through to 2030+.

2015 Hieronymus (Full-bodied red blend) - 98 Points

Youthful, powerful and focused bouquet of Hawkes Bay red wine. The Cabernet is the driving force on the nose with cigar and blackberry fruit, the Franc is unmistakable with olive and sweet leaves, violet and dark berry; the Malbec highlights new oak with a bitter chocolate and black cherry note; the Merlot brings everything together with flavours of plum and softness. Other flavours include marmite and barrel spices. A youthful example with big tannins and acidity to match and plenty new oak, complex and lengthy finish. Cellar till at least 2025 before sampling again. This will be a twenty five year wine. Cellar properly and this wine will reward. 

Archangel Wines Chardonnay 2018 Central Otago

A precise and full bouquet with aromas and flavours of oak & baking spices, yellow stone fruits and stony soil mineral notes. Soft rounded texture on the palate with moderate acidity and flavours that mirror the notes. As the wine opens up the mineral component seems to open up adding complexity and a little intrigue. Weighty, fruity and balanced with a dry finish. Youthful and food friendly attributes. Drink now and through 2024.

90 Points

Archangel Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago

Distinctive , vibrant, varietal and fruity bouquet. Aromas of raspberry and cherry, dried berry fruits, loads of spice and mineral at the core. Still very youthful on the palate with a abundant tannins and medium+ acidity, fruit flavours of raspberry, plum and cherry, no mistaking the wood spice and energy. Soft dried herb of thyme and lavender, some brown baking spice moments and floral notes. Lengthy youthful finish. A wine still in developing stages so don’t rush to drink. Best from 2021 through 2027+

94 Points

Wither Hills Pinot Noir History Tasting

1997 - Winemaker Mr. Brent Marris

A wine of very good colour, darker red core with a browning rim. Aromas of a wine that has stood the test of time holding onto red cherry and dark red apple skin scents, English tea and toasty wood spices. As the wine opens up in glass these fruit and wood ideas intensify for a time. Dry on the palate with tertiary flavours, yet a delicate core of younger fruit remains. Moderate acidity, fine and well integrated tannins, some smoky bacon oak moments and decent finish.

What a pleasure to try this example, a piece of history captured in a bottle. Thank you!

2007 - Winemaker - Mr. Ben Glover

Dark ruby core with a lighter ruby at the rim. Youthful, varietal and fruity on the nose - fantastic and proof that NZ Pinot Noir can and does age well. Good too that mother nature gave us the 2007 vintage to prove it. Dry on the palate with flavours of dark roses and cherry, toasty wood and brown baking spices of oak - cedar and vanilla. Integrated tannins, medium acidity, persistent varietal messages and with moments of tension this wine is still on its plateau. Enjoy soon if you have some in the cellar - a real treat.

2011 Wairau Valley

Slightly lighter core of colour but still showing a persistent youthful ruby hue. Aromas and flavours of red berries and plum, red cherry and red apple, some baking spices and gentle toasty wood layers. Nicely dry with a bite of spice and core of fruit reminders. Fine tannins, slightly dusty, yet with some poise and tension still. Balanced, great length and well made. Still maturing and will remain drinkable for several year yet. Perhaps finish sharing with mates by 2025.

2016

Youthful appearance with a core of ruby and red, a delicate pink and ruby rim. Aromas of a young wine with fresh red berries, cherry, fresh red apple, plum and flowers. No mistaking the oak with a youthful and vibrant package of spice and wood smoke, cinnamon and cedar moments. Dry and fruity, a youthful tension with plenty of acidity and firm tannins. Persistent, vibrant and flavourful. Lots to like and enjoy. Still finding harmony so plenty of cellar time ahead if desired. Best drinking from 2020 through 2028.

TWR Clayvin Single Vineyard 5096 Pinot Noir 2016 Marlborough

Complex, enticing and exciting bouquet of Pinot Noir. Subtle layers of spices and smoky wood tones, dark cherry, dried raspberry, black tea and dark rose perfume. Delicious on the palate - full of texture and charm, a core of fruit and specific oak focus, delicately smokey and whispers of brown spice. Abundant fine tannins, medium+ acidity and long persistent finish. An excellent example from a fine producer. Cellar worthy with best drinking from 2022 through 2028+.

98 Points

TWR Single Vineyard 5182 Pinot Gris 2018 Marlborough

Focused, fruity, spicy and pure fruit bouquet. A complete wine on the nose with aromas of quince and pear, red apple and crushed rose. Finely textured wine on the palate with a perfect measure of acidity contrasted with a leesy spice and fruit flavours that reflect the nose. A fine example of Pinot Gris done well. Lengthy, thoughtful and well crafted. Drink now and through 2021. 94 Points

Rippon Emma’s Block Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2016 Lake Wanaka, Central Otago

Complex, youthful and ever changing wine in the glass. Initial aromas are of a wine that oozes a raw energy cushioned by ripe red berry fruits, soft wood spices and layers of minerality. On the palate dry, layered , youthful and new. Over 48 hours these ideas begin to develop and evolve into a wine that loses its youthful roar and settles into a silky, calm and measured grace (& purr) inviting additional interaction. Youthful tannins reveal some of their mature side, acidity remains strong , the essence of Pinosity is the heartbeat at the core of this example. Lovely lengthy finish. Best drinking from 2021 through 2030.

96 Points

Coal Pit Proprietor’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Central Otago

Very pungent high impact bouquet packed with aromas of sweet grass and tropical fruits, fruit spice and wood spice, some barrel ferment, roasted fruits and burnt butter. Dry weighty wine on the palate with flavours of yellow stone fruit, roasted pineapple, and wood spices. Light creamy texture, plenty of acidity and lengthy characterful finish. With or without food - a lovely wine. Drink now and through 2022.

90 Points

Coal Pit Tiwha Pinot Noir 2017 Central Otago

Fragrant, fruity, varietal, spicy and attractive bouquet of Pinot Noir. Dark cherry and cinnamon, old raspberry and cedar-wood, English tea and a hint of bacon (wood). Dry, varietal and fruity on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose. Fine abundant tannins, medium+ acidity and lengthy balanced finish. Drinking young - a cellar happy wine. Best drinking from late 2020 through 2026.

92 Points

Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2016 Lake Wanaka, Central Otago

Extremely youthful bouquet of Pinot Noir with aromas and scents of spice and earth, red fruits and crushed flowers, tea and old rose. Equally youthful on the palate with a vibrant and energy filled flavour profile - crushed rocks, dark red berry fruits, oak spice and whispers of smoke, organic and adventurous. Dry and lengthy, savoury, dried herb offset with a core of red berry fruit flavours. Youthful textures from tannins and acidity. A delicious wine but also a very young wine. Decant for service if opened before 2021. Best drinking 2022 through 2032.

95 Points

Pyramid Valley North Canterbury “Orange” 2018

Copper orange hues in the glass with aromas and flavours of apricot and marmalade, saffron and saline soaked apple. Weighty, firm, crisp and dry on the palate with a texture that transitions quickly from silk to satin to tannin rich and dry. Some fruit flavours return adding length to the finish. Well made, an intriguing wine. For me best enjoyed with dishes such as like Paella or Hangi Pork and Puha. Drink all once the bottle is open. Best from today and through 2022.

88 Points