Alpha Domus AD The Aviator 2009 $57 Glossy, magenta flecked with crimson it has exotic plum blossom, blackberry and cocoa aromas and one sip shows beautiful, multilayered texture in the mouth. Excellent fruit concentration, and the 37% cabernet sauvignon component is robust and ripe providing a solid backbone for the merlot, malbec and franc. It … Read More
Author: Yvonne
September 3 2011 Alpha Domus Aviator Reaches New Heights
“Having our winery right in the middle of the vineyard is the best thing for me as a winemaker” says Kate Galloway of Hawke’s Bay’s Alpha Domus wines. “I love being able to walk outside directly into any of our vineyard blocks to check on how the fruit is tasting. I definitely think this is … Read More
Te Awa Sauvignon Semillon 2010
Te Awa Sauvignon Semillon 2010 $26 This is such an underrated blend. I really like the extra ‘flesh’ the injection of semillon adds to the lemony, tropical sauvignon blanc that Hawke’s Bay is famous for. Aromas of white florals, citrus and fresh-cut fennel lead to zesty minerality which slices across the palate leaving a clean, … Read More
Lime Rock Central Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2008
Lime Rock Central Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2008 $29 Attractive garnet-red colour and simply oozes fresh raspberry, cherry and hedgerow-fruit essences. In the mouth it has purity of fruit combined with wild game notes and sexy, earthy spices. If that doesn’t grab you, the long, silky, slippery finish definitely will. Just lovely. www.limerock.co.nz
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Chardonnay 2008
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Chardonnay 2008 $35 Golden and glossy, this wine boasts layers of white peach, tangelo and grapefruit pith aromas which are so enticing it’s quite tricky actually wrenching your nose away so you can actually put it in your mouth! But it’s worth it because this chardonnay has succulent stonefruit and creamy, nutty, … Read More
Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Passionfruit sorbet and crushed herbs on the nose merge with a spritzy-sweet burst of lemon and lime in the mouth. Shiney and new it’s a sure-fire sauvignon that’s classic, tangy and long on flavour. A terrific match for fresh seafood, particularly paua fritters drizzled with lemon juice or pan-seared … Read More
Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010
Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010 $22 Inspired by the Rugby World Cup, winemaker Steve Gill says it’s an ideal accompaniment to roast springbok and deep fried wallaby and also “to wash down any English puddings”. Ripe and robust, peppery and smooth, it’s dangerously easy to drink. Created as a hearty, ribsticking wine to enjoy … Read More
Alpha Domus ‘The Barnstormer’ Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010
Alpha Domus The Barnstormer HB Syrah 2010 $27 A sexy, glossy magenta-coloured wine oozing aromas of freshly ground black pepper, roast beef and ripe berryfruit. It is deliciously silky to drink and boasts fresh blackberry and liquorice flavours with a smoky undercurrent which leads to a long finish complete with clinging, muscular tannins. A lovely match … Read More
Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $27 If you’re after bog-standard, simple sauvignon blanc then move along because this wine is something else! Crafted by Simon Waghorn, one of New Zealand’s most experienced sauvignon stylists, the cooler growing temperatures of 2010 are definitely evident in the herbal, nettle, asparagus and brassica-like aromas. In … Read More
Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2010
Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2009 $22 I love the nose on this wine! Subtle, mineral-like aromas with hints of rose petal, lychee and a burst of candyfloss lead the way to a crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel with a hint of sweetness. It doesn’t ooze the intense richness of previous vintages, but it has a lovely … Read More