Introducing Katnook’s most perfumed, pure and refined cabernet I can remember. The bouquet is elegant, lifted by violet fragrance set against a background of redcurrants, blackcurrants and capsicum. Equally fragrant and refined on the palate, a gorgeous core of pure redcurrants and red cherries is underlined by impeccable, finely textured tannins and lively acid definition, […]

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This is single site Marlborough sauvignon in disguise. A brand new creation, purposely not varietally labelled, relying on fermentation with high solids and wild yeast in old oak barrels to emphasise texture above fruit, building a layered mouth feel of great line and length. Soft gooseberries and custard apples make for a complex and enticing […]

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A refreshing twist. Wolf Blass is working hard to build detail in Grey Label, accenting crunchy fruit ahead of heavy oak, structure and alcohol. There’s still power here, but it manages pretty good control in the wake of 15% alcohol. Well-focused and inky plums, blueberries and black cherries meet mint and fresh, tangy acidity. Cabernet […]

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Grand is a big step up in price from Classic, and it’s worth every cent because the extra age (10-15 years average) equates to big bonuses in colour, depth, density and complexity. This is a concentrated and remarkably persistent wine of great character of christmas cake, toffee and dried fig, while retaining beautiful balance and […]

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For all its fame with muscat and topaque, it would be easy to forget that Morris also does great things with tawny. At 25 years average age, this is one of Rutherglen’s top tawnies, and ridiculously underpriced at just $50 at WineStar. Its age builds profound persistence, rich viscosity and great depth of bitter hazelnuts […]

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As always, the lesser seasons define the greatest estates. While many in New Zealand struggled in the warm 2011 vintage, Ata Rangi shone. Early seed ripening produced impressive structure, emphasised with 20 percent whole bunch fermentation, more than usual for Ata Rangi. The definition of black cherries, blackberries and violets is exemplary, framed in a […]

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Rudi Bauer is a mainstay of Central Otago and his 2010s are the finest I can recall from his Bendigo vieyard. A lovely fragrant violet lift and outstanding complexity of exotic spice flow into black fruits of great line and focus, with a mineral finesse to well-composed tannins. $89 at Winecave.

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Capturing profound intensity and layers of savour depth while retaining fresh, youthful focus is one of the finer arts of fortified winemaking, and Simon Killeen has nailed it in his top topaque. It’s developed a deep brown hue with a mahogany tint and a golden rim and luscious complexity of raisins, honey, dark chocolate, prunes […]

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2013 corresponds to the 50th anniversary of Langi’s old vines, implanted in the granite soils of this inimitable site. The 2010 vintage was a significant one for Langi, a beautifully crafted and understated release with a promising future stretching before it. 80% whole bunch maceration creates a flurry of perfume and exotic spice, with the […]

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There’s a fragrant detail to the appropriately named Angel Flower, a pinot of fantastic exotics and lifted perfume of soap shop, cinnamon, violets and all manner of spice. The palate is elegantly poised, with limestone soils leaving their inimitable mark in fine, mineral structure, savoury profile and excellent length. $129 at Edinburgh Cellars.

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