Black Barn Barrel Fermented Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $39 If you were wondering what the 2019 vintage was like for the great players in Hawke’s Bay chardonnay – then let it be known that it was, if this wine is any indicator, rather great. This is a wine that I look forward to each year … Read More
Black Barn
Black Barn R&D Orange Wine 2016 $38 (4.5 stars)
Famed hither and thon for his tremendously golden chardonnays of all descriptions and deeply concentrated, saucy saturated reds, Dave McKee of Black Barn vineyards in Hawke’s Bay has taken a step sideways and released a shiny, new ‘orange’ wine. Inspired by a Georgian winery called Pheasant’s Tears, who ferment their wines with wild yeasts in … Read More
Black Barn Rosé 2015
Black Barn Rosé 2015 $22.90 ★★★★ Winemaker Dave McKee has used merlot to craft a rich style of rosé packed with pomegranate and dried herb flavours and boasting a full, rich mouthfeel and great length of flavour. It might be super-pale in colour, but for those who prefer a rosé with some meat on its … Read More
Black Barn Unoaked Chardonnay 2014
Black Barn Unoaked Chardonnay 2014 $22 ★★★★ I have a thing about the word ‘unoaked’. It sort of implies that there’s something ‘un’ about the wine, that something’s missing or been taken away – and that couldn’t be further from the truth here. Packed to the cap with roast peach, pineapple and tangy citrus, winemaker … Read More
Let’s be Franc…
When it comes to popular wine varieties cabernet franc is the bridesmaid of the Bordeaux family. Essential in that everyone expects it to be there, (to make up the numbers and keep the feng shui of all the flavours in balance) but it never seems to be singled out for much attention. I absolutely love … Read More
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009 $59 Lifted plum, prune, dried herbs, cedar and exotic smokey notes open the door to a burst of blackberry, pepper, juicy red liquorice and tangy earthy flavours in the mouth. I love cabernet franc, and this example really makes a massive impression with delicious presence and solid length … Read More
Black Barn Tukituki Sauvignon Blanc
Black Barn Tukituki Sauvignon Blanc 2009 $25 * * * Lengthy, lean and scented with soft green herbs and lime on the nose, this Hawke’s Bay sauvignonis bone dry and has impressive minerality which makes for an elegant, ultimately drinkable drop. www.blackbarn.com