Planted between 1982 and the early 1990s, Rippon enjoys mature vines like no others in Central Otago. But Nick Mills suggests it’s only been since 2009 that his vines have settled into a natural balance, thanks to a regime of organic cultivation. No vintage reflects this more emphatically than 2010, stepping up the most photogenic […]
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The cool 2011 season has blessed Wantirna with an impeccable chardonnay, pristine and youthful, with a confident future before it. With a green note to its pale straw hue, it contrasts the lively lift of lemon blossom and the crunch of lime zest with the generosity of succulent white peach, underlined by subtle, classy French […]
readMaude’s pinot vines celebrated their 16th birthday in 2010, and their fruit gains in elegance and confidence with each year. it’s handled 100 percent whole bunch particularly well here, with all the exotic action you’d expect, yet with restraint, poise, effortless persistence of black fruits and fine, silky tannins. $50 at Wine Box Warehouse.
readAt an average of 18 years of age, Morris Grand is only just legal, but this is ample time to build great complexity and intensity. Secondary red fruits have taken on bitter walnut notes, while subtle sweetness is offset by taut acidity on a very long finish.
readFragrant, spicy and unashamedly elegant, this is a pinot alive with rose hip, red cherry and pink pepper personality. Brendon Keys has tactically kept the new oak influence to just 10%, upholding the beautifully styled, fine, grainy, peppery tannins and lingering appeal of its fruit.
readSyrah is the unsung hero of Martinborough, and with partners in crime merlot and cabernet sauvignon to pep up its structure, there’s quite some potential here. An expressive bouquet of blackcurrant, mulberry, violets, leaf and mixed spice is funnelled into a tightly honed palate with a rigid chassis of firm tannins. $34 at WineStar.
readThe first surprise is that it’s Tasmanian shiraz. The second is that it’s blended with the Bordeaux variety of petit verdot and the Port variety touriga. The third is that it’s absolutely captivating. From Grey Sands’ estate property at Glengarry, this is just the third release in six vintages, an enticing blend that captures the […]
readAn appealing and characterful blend that unites rose hip fragrance with blueberry pie, red cherries, liquorice and lavender. A red cherry core lingers amidst an undercurrent of softly textured tannins. $28 at Hunt For Wine, The Oak Barrel and World Wine.
readSuch are the heights to which Ata Rangi has ascended that even its second wine is as lofty as the first wine of many estates. Impressive cherry berry fruit purity, exotic spice, anise and violet themes are commendable, but it’s a confident, fine tannin profile and great persistence that elevate this release to a new […]
readLavished with tender loving care, this estate Langi fruit has volunteered a world of complexity in an enticing and approachable release. A large proportion of whole bunch fermentation, worked by hand and foot over many days and kept on lees in barrel for 18 months, has built great character of berry fruit definition, black jubes, […]
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