Published NZME Regional Newspapers Tue 9 Feb 2016
Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $27 ★★★★½
For me, sauvignon blanc’s like this absolutely scream their sense of place. From a mile away you can tell it’s from the Awatere Valley because of the gorgeous elderflower, lemon blossom, peach and lime perfume typical of the region that just romp from the glass. Delicate herbaceousnesss, zesty acidity and a long, tangy finish, makes this an excellent example. Fantastic with freshly cooked fish and chips. www.closmarguerite.co.nz
Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013 $25 ★★★★★
Outrageously good. So good in fact it was selected a one of just twelve wines to represent the very best of the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation from the much lauded 2013 vintage. That it’s only $25 a bottle is quite staggering because it tastes better than many I’ve tried at triple the price. Violets, japonica blossom, cocoa and bay leaf loveliness on the nose, loads of concentrated black berry fruit and spice in the mouth, dusty, chewy tannins and excellent persistence of flavour make this a definite new favourite for me. www.beachhouse.co.nz
Fox Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $18 ★★★½
This is a sweet, sweaty sauvignon crafted by 40-year winemaking veteran John Belsham and his team at Foxes Island Wines, and for the price it’s a darn good drink. Classic passionfruit and basil and even a splash of elderflower followed by a lick of lemongrass and lime. Nicely structured and super-fresh, it’s best served chilled and next to a steaming bowl of fresh mussels and garlic bread.
Neudorf Moutere Pinot Gris 2015 $29 ★★★★
Winemaker Todd Stevens and viticulturist Richard Flatman have done a cracker of a job creating pinot gris that smells like pear and apple strudel served with poached quince and cream. Exotically spicy, chock full of ripe fruit and has a deeply textural mouthfeel that’s fresh and funky. A burst of sweetness on the finish gives it extra generosity, it’s a gris that keeps on giving basically. www.neudorf.co.nz
Marsden Estate Bay of Islands Tempranillo 2014 $42 ★★★★
Who would have thought that big, busty, dusty Spanish red grapes like Tempranillo would ever be happy growing in a tiny, 10 acre, sub-tropical pocket of Northland? Not many, if any. But Rod McIvor of Marsden Estate had full faith and this juicy, plush, spicy red is the result. Lifted berryfruit and black tea on the nose, followed by a squeak of cherry and liquorice and a velvety, slippery, savoury finish. www.marsdenestate.co.nz
