Church Road Reserve Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2010 $40 I love the essence of orange oil, quince and wild flowers on the nose and the immediate burst of mandarin, apricot and soft spices in the mouth. Its lusciousness and mid-palate texture is absolutely divine and it’s a superb example of the style. One glass is just … Read More
Hawke’s Bay
Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2010
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
Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010
Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010 $21 Lifted spicy plum, raspberry and deep cherry and cocoa aromatics followed by a lovely chocolate, smoke character on the finish, this is a fantastic, fresh, beautifully balanced red that will definitely impress. I think it’ll cellar well for another 4-5 years if you’re disciplined enough. www.cypress.co.nz Cypress Hawke’s Bay … 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
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
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009 $59 Lifted plum, prune, dried herbs, cedar and exotic smokey notes open the door to a burst of blackberry, pepper, juicy red liquorice and tangy earthy flavours in the mouth. I love cabernet franc, and this example really makes a massive impression with delicious presence and solid length … Read More
Yealands Full Circle Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2008
Yealands Full Circle Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2008 $17 “What goes around comes around” states the label on this plastic bottle. Produced by carbon-zero certified Yealands Estate this 100% recyclable is highly fruity on the nose and in the mouth it’s harmless, easy to drink but just a smidge boring if I’m being totally honest. www.yealands.com