Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010 $40 I was so mesmerised by the sexy red currant, cranberry, tamarillo, sweet rhubarb and spicy, cocoa-edged aromas that I had to remind myself to stop sniffing and actually take a sip. Thank the lord I did because this is superb stuff. Silky, fleshy and sewn together with elegantly … Read More
Archives
Matua Single Vineyard Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009
Matua ‘Single Vineyard’ Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009 $69 Ruby-hued and exhibiting saucy aromas of plum compote and chocolate while in the mouth it has succulent cherry, blackberry and enticing spices. The oak is beautifully integrated, the acidity is elegant, the alcohol is warming and the finish is solid and muscular. Definitely a wine for … Read More
Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Unplugged 2011
Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Unplugged 2011 $25 If you’re after an ultra-smooth, ripe and ready red then this will definitely spin your wheels. Soft plummy aromas with hints of cocoa and dried herbs, there’s a splash of blackberry and a warming, beefy finish. www.heronsflight.co.nz
Ti Point Matriarch Matakana Syrah 2010
Ti Point ‘Matriarch’ Matakana Syrah 2010 $45 Perfumed and peppery, this wine is both muscular and meat yet feminine and frisky and just like the woman it’s named after I’ll bet it’ll become more beautiful with age. Different layers of flavour unfurl with every minute it’s in the glass – so take your time to … Read More
Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $50 This wine is glossy with incredibly dense colour and gorgeous aromas of mint, violet, hints of leather and black fruit. In the mouth it is warming, plush, gamey and elegantly structured. The tannins have a gentle yet solid grip and add a lovely textural layer to … Read More
Escarpment Pahi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009
Escarpment ‘Pahi’ Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009 $65 This is one of a select five limited-edition; site-specific wines produced by Lord Larry McPinot and it’s a monster. Sexy cherry and intense dark chocolate merge with shitake mushroom and delicious dried herb notes. Despite packing a punch in the mouth the tannins are silken, lush and lovely … Read More
Matariki Quintology 2007
Matariki Quintology 2007 $80 One of New Zealand’s iconic red wines, this example of Gimblett Gravels gorgeousness is only released when the fruit is exceptional. A vintage-dependent blend of merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec, this version bursts with complex dried herbs, exotic spices dusted over juicy, ripe plum and dense berryfruit. I … Read More
Squawking Magpie ‘The Stoned Crow’ Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2009
Squawking Magpie ‘The Stoned Crow’ Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2009 $40 Inky-dark and packed with concentrated plum, cocoa, sexy spices and lifted dried-herb aromatics. In the mouth it is luscious, juicy and elegantly flavoursome. The tannins are solid, present yet beautifully integrated and contribute to stunning length of flavour. This is a superb wine which is … 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
Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007
Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007 $60 I’ve been waiting for a 100% Grenache from Hawke’s Bay since forever! Heady roasting pan juices, rosemary and dusty, earthy aromas lead the way to spicy plum, mace and amazingly silky, earthy, blackberry and cherry smoke. It’s a muscular, meaty wine – and is just sensational with … Read More