Fantini Farnese Sangiovese 2013 $19 ★★★½ Prepare yourself for really unusual aromas of smoky ham hock, vanilla, nutmeg and pepper, which all merge into a rich, leathery palate. Smooth and savoury, it’s an interesting, meaty sip sourced from Italy. www.atouchofitaly.co.nz
2013
La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2013
La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2013 $30 ★★★★ Fans of big, buxom, oaky chardonnay will love this California girl. Creamy, mango and spicy peach-driven aromas lead to a flood of fig, dried pineapple and cinnamon-buttered toast flavours. Soft, coconut characters round out the finish. Make sure there’s a corkscrew in the house when you snap this … Read More
Elephant Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2013
Elephant Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2013 $45 ★★★★½ An ultra-creamy example which washes caramel, marshmallow and roasted peach characters across your tastebuds. There’s a hint of honeyed toast in there too. Slippery and silky to drink and finishing with a splash of melon and mango, it’s a gentle giant. www.elephanthill.co.nz
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $47 ★★★★ The clay-based, alluvial gravels of Marlborough’s southern valleys provide the fuel for the vines charged with producing this powerhouse pinot. It bursts with black cherry, plum, black tea and smoky spices on the nose, followed by a saucy, fruit-soaked palate and a long, lingering finish. It’s youthful, … Read More
Old North Road Pinot Noir 2013
Old North Road Pinot Noir 2013 $8.99 ★★½ It’s a local brand, from out West Auckland way, but the label doesn’t say where exactly in NZ the fruit has come from, so it’s anyone’s guess. On first sniff there are some baked berry aromas edged with leafy, herbal notes and a whiff of something spicy. … Read More
Jacob’s Creek Classic Pinot Noir 2013
Jacob’s Creek Classic Pinot Noir 2013 $7.90 ★★ On the upside, this wine is very fruity on the nose, with all sorts of strawberry, raspberry leaf and cherry things going on. In the mouth there are some pinot-like flavours, hints of spice and plum – but sadly it’s all a bit watery and there’s an … Read More
Folding Hill Ballasalla Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
Folding Hill Ballasalla Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $35 ★★★★ ‘Ballasalla’ is the name of the village on the Isle of Man where owner Tim Kerruish grew up. It’s appropriate, as the wine has a ‘homely’ feel to it, immediately comforting and approachable. Attractive red rose, red cherry, tea, black guava and bouquet garni herbs … Read More
Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2013
Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2013 $22 ★★★★ Brace yourself for pepper, leather, plum, fresh boysenberry and leafy aromatics which lead to a palate loaded with red berries, cranberry, pomegranate, dried sage and a dusting of dark cocoa powder. Super-fresh, youthful acidity combined with attractive grip on the finish makes this an affordable wine … Read More
Burn Cottage Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
Burn Cottage Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $60 ★★★★½ True to their biodynamic philosophies, Ted Lemon and Clair Mulholland conduct all their winemaking work in accordance with lunar and celestial rhythms. They use naturally-occurring, wild yeasts, minimize their sulphur use and avoid using additives or filters. If you want a definition of complexity, this pinot … Read More
Craggy Range Sophia 2013
Craggy Range Sophia 2013 $72.95 ★★★★★ This rose and cedar-scented red is a blend of 62% merlot, 19% cabernet sauvignon, 18% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Juicy and concentrated, this wine offers exotic aromas of bitter cocoa, sun-dried herbs and dense, dark berry fruit. There’s also an instant hit of warmth and woodsmoke, graphite, … Read More