Lovers of the Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2010 $35 will also be pleased to know that Buck believes “in all modesty, the 2010 Elston is probably the best version we’ve ever done”. 2010 was a sensational year for Hawke’s Bay chardonnay and I’ve got to agree with John, this wine is unbelievably gorgeous. Fresh, crisp and crunchy … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Te Mata Coleraine 2009
The Te Mata Coleraine 2009 $80 is absolutely destined for greatness. A blend of 52% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot and 5% cabernet franc, the colour is impenetrably inky, glossy magenta-black. Perfumed with dark berries, exotic spices cocoa and rose, it oozes plush, plump fruit, soft, smoky notes, youthful acidity and has silky, ribbon-like tannins on the finish. … Read More
Tasty Treats for Christmas
Lordy where on earth has the year gone? I swear it feels like only yesterday that I was racing around trying to buy Easter eggs and now it’s Christmas! It’s been a manic, rollercoaster of a year and I’m sure my poor adrenal glands have totally wizened up to the point of resembling ropey old … Read More
Trinity Hill Homage Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2009
Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2009 $120 It only took two or three sips for me to declare to my husband that when I die he’d better bury me with a bottle of this wine in my coffin – or there’ll be trouble. The Homage is only made when the fruit is exceptional and the 2009 … Read More
Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2010
Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2010 $35 Perfumed with intense dark berryfruit, plum, dried thyme and violet notes while in the mouth it bursts with fresh, juicy, ripe fruit, hints of smoke and cocoa and deliciously savoury spices. Complex and concentrated, it has muscular elegance and silky, warming length of flavour. One of … Read More
Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010
Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010 $22 Sexy inky purple colour and aromas of roast beef, rosemary, ripe plum and cuddly cocoa notes. Boasting youthful acidity, beautiful structure, elegance in the mid palate and the tannins are chewy but stylishly knitted together. It’s a ‘drink now’ wine representing superb value for money.
Sherwood Estate Waipara Syrah 2009
Sherwood Estate’s 2009 Syrah ($28) was the lucky last wine in the line and I loved its classic blackcurrant, pepper and violet aromas, concentrated fruit sweetness and layers of spice and texture.
Mount Beautiful Cheviot Hills Pinot Noir 2009
I loved the Mount Beautiful 2009 Pinot Noir ($29) with its aromas of black tea, rosemary, cherry and earthy leaf-litter. Lush, silky and fresh in the mouth, it is absolutely stunning stuff.
Fancrest Estate Di’s Pinot Noir
Fancrest Estate 2010 Di’s Pinot Noir ($42) is deeply coloured and perfumed with black tea, and savoury, earthy notes which carry through to the palate. The tannins have definite grip, and the fruit is ripe and robust enough to indicate great potential in the cellar. www.fancrest.com
Waipara Hills Equinox Pinot Gris 2011
Waipara Hills Equinox Pinot Gris 2011 ($27) has classic fresh-cut pear and quince aromas and an incredibly concentrated burst of white peach and spicy pear flavours in the mouth. It’s a great example and dangerously drinkable.