Banfi Col Di Sasso Toscana Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $16 ★★★ The words ‘Col Di Sasso’ translate to ‘Stony Hill’, which describes the site of the steep, rocky slope in which the fruit for this wine grows in the Montalcino region of Italy. It’s like someone took a handful of ripe, squishy raspberries, rubbed them … Read More
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Bladen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Bladen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $33 ★★★½ A very light coloured pinot, that has a soft raspberry and cherry lift, tannins with powdery grip in the mouth and a long, medicinally-spicy finish. If you like your pinot smooth, easy, light and juicy, then this is for you. www.bladen.co.nz
Big Sky Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2012
Big Sky Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2012 $40 ★★★★ Katherine Jacobs and Jeremy Corban are the couple behind this rising star Martinborough brand. The ancient Te Muna terraces provide deep, mineral-driven texture to the pinots which grown on its soils and this is no exception. A dusty, musky mouthfeel cloaks earthy cherry and cocoa … Read More
Amisfield RKV Reserve Pinot Noir 2012
Amisfield RKV Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 $120 ★★★★★ This is one of those wines that I want to get all Spinal Tap on it by saying “but this one goes up to eleven”. If I could give it eleven stars I would. RKV stands for Rocky Knoll Vineyard, the jewel in Amisfield’s crown and vineyard … Read More
Kina Cliffs Nelson Pinot Noir 2013
Kina Cliffs Nelson Pinot Noir 2013 $30 ★★★★ The instant I stuck my nose inside the glass, I was met with a whoomph of cherry-chocolate, smoked coconut, dried herb and peppery plushness. It’s been sixteen years since Julie and Alistair Ashcroft purchased their 4.5 hectare block overlooking Tasman Bay and twelve years since the vines … Read More
Avaniel Tempranillo 2013
Avaniel Tempranillo 2013 $22 ★★★½ Sourced from Spain’s Ribero del Duero region is this ultra-smooth, plush and velvety red that seeps cocoa, cola, black olive, blackcurrant and all sorts of light, earthy, liquorice-like characters. It’s got personality and an easy mouthfeel and I’m sure if you whip this out for your guests at the next … Read More
Beresford Bell Tower McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013
Beresford Bell Tower McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013 $20 ★★★½ Who doesn’t love a big, rich, Australian shiraz that radiates ripe, dark, dusty berries, sweet plum and chocolate? This is one of those wines that I warmed to straight away because the price is right and it held it’s flavours for a decent length of time … Read More
Elderton Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Elderton Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $31 ★★★★ It’s the perfume of this wine which won me over from the first sniff. Bay and dried, bouquet garni herbs weave through subtle eucalypt and sweet, ripe plum and blueberry notes. In the mouth it’s buoyant and fresh, yet velvety-smooth at the same time. The tannins are … Read More
Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2013
Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2013 $19.99 ★★★★ Made from 100% Primitivo (otherwise known as Zinfandel), this is an instantly appealing Italian red that has become a new favourite of mine. With gently meaty, roasting-pan and pepper characters on the nose, followed by bayleaf, sweet boysenberry and complex, dusty tannins that are elastic yet grippy – … Read More
Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano 2011
Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano 2011 $22 ★★★ A lighter style of red that’ll appeal to those who like a soft, savoury edge to their reds, this Italian quaffer has a flick of dried herbs, gentle meaty notes and a smooth, easy-to-drink style. www.blackmarket.com