I’ve sipped my way through the new Whistling Buoy releases from Canterbury and they’re rather snazzy…
Whistling Buoy Kokolo Vineyard Canterbury Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (5 stars)
Wow. Here’s one ultra-juicy, exotically-scented, super-charged pinot noir from under the southern sun. Kokolo is a vineyard on a sheltered site at the head of Lyttleton and clearly the grapes live the dream there, because the resulting wine is a smile in a bottle. Fresh, luscious, spice-infused and dusted with cocoa, it’s tannins are plucky and plush and it lingers long in the mouth. Love it.
Whistling Buoy Half Acre Vineyard Banks Peninsula Pinot Noir 2016 $42 (4 stars)
The Half Acre vineyard grows on a north-facing, sun-soaked site located on the southern flank of Lyttleton Harbour and the vines were 16 years old when this vintage was produced. Vibrant wild berry and hedgerow aromas lead to a palate awash with spice and smoky notes. The tannins have grip which gets the saliva glands going and it’s long, long, long on the finish.
Whistling Buoy Kokolo Vineyard Canterbury Chardonnay 2016 $32 (4.5 stars)
An intensely delicious chardonnay that spit and cracks pineapple, citrus and rockets of roast stonefruit at you. The bold acidity boosts the punchy, tangerine-like texture and it oozes caramelised spices and toasty complexity. It’s brazen and takes no prisoners – exactly my kind of chardonnay.
