Alpha Domus Leonarda Late Harvest Semillon 2022 $28 A blend of partially and fully botrytis-infected, organic Semillon grapes from Alpha Domus’ original vineyards were used to craft this lusciously luxurious dessert wine. A long, slow, three-week fermentation occurred and was only stopped when winemaker Barry Riwai was satisfied that the balance of alcohol (12.5%), acidity … Read More
Alpha Domus
Alpha Domus Beatrix Hawke’s Bay Sparkling Rosé NV
Alpha Domus Beatrix Hawke’s Bay Sparkling Rosé NV $21 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you’re nuts about all things rose-gold, then this super-pretty sparkler will deliver you directly to the sanatorium and, because it’s fizzy, then it could completely send you sideways. Crafted (unusually) from merlot by winemaker Barry Riwai, … Read More
Alpha Domus Special Reserve ‘The Aviator’ Hawke’s Bay 2016
Alpha Domus Special Reserve ‘The Aviator’ Hawke’s Bay 2016 $69 This is the flagship Bordeaux blend for the Alpha Domus team led by winemaker Barry Riwai, and this vintage is a blend dominated by cabernet sauvignon that’s boosted by cabernet frand, merlot and malbec from the famous, iron-rich, red gravels of the Bridge Pa Triangle … Read More
Alpha Domus Cumulus Blanc de Blanc 2012 $34 (4.5 stars)
Crafted from 100% Bridge Pa Triangle chardonnay, this fantastic local fizz is heaving with clean, pillowy, almond, Huntly & Palmers cream crackers and brioche notes on the nose and layers of lemon shortbread and rising dough notes on the palate. With its fine bead, delicate, yet persistent mousse and biscuity length of flavour – it’s … Read More
Alpha Domus First Solo Chardonnay 2013
Alpha Domus First Solo Chardonnay 2013 $26 ★★★★ A waft of grilled pineapple and peach is what immediately impressed me with this wine, and the fact that it boasts tight acidity, delicious toasty spice notes, loads of citrus and has a zesty, clean finish was all a lovely bonus really. Superb with a steaming bowl … Read More
Alpha Domus The Navigator 2013
Alpha Domus The Navigator 2013 $30 ★★★★½ Blackberry, boysenberry, dark quava and intensely aromatic spice notes burst from the glass. Comprised of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot, this classic Bordeaux blend displays a delicious vein of dried herb and cocoa buoyed by fresh juicy acidity and good grip on the finish. … Read More
Alpha Domus AD The Aviator 2013
Alpha Domus AD The Aviator 2013 $72 ★★★★★ 2013 heralds the Aviator’s ninth vintage and it’s got real style. Bright, glossy, juniper berry colour in the glass and scented with red rose, pepper and dusty oak complexity. In the mouth it’s saturated with fleshy black fruits, fresh spice and smoke flavours, edged with elegant acidity … Read More
Twenty Five Years for Alpha Domus
Happy Birthday Alpha Domus “It’s a great time to celebrate 25 years of being in the wine trade,” says a clearly chuffed Paul Ham of Alpha Domus as he introduced a room full of hospitality professionals in Wellington recently. “It’s also the perfect time to introduce you all to the 2013 Aviator and 2013 Navigator. … Read More
Alpha Domus AD The Aviator 2009
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
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
12