Top Wines Tasted 2023
Cam Douglas MS Top Wines 2023
2023 was a record year for the number of wines I tasted, evaluated, and judged. These included Panel Chair for the New Zealand entries at the Decanter World Wine Awards, Chair for the Canberra International Riesling Challenge, Selector for the Hawkes Bay Chardonnay Challenge, various local wine shows around New Zealand, various online and print publications including Decanter and MiNDFOOD, multiple wine tasting events around Aotearoa New Zealand, and my own website review business site at CamDouglasMS.com, many hundreds of wines have touched my palate.
The selection below is mostly from evaluations posted to my website, though many wines have been tasted on other occasions as well.
Great wine should be acknowledged so the list is the list.
If you are a producer of any wine listed and would like to use the Top Wine 2023 digital sticker, please email me and I would be delighted to share this with you.
There is no order to the wines listed, congratulations and warmest regards to all producers mentioned.
Cameron Douglas Master Sommelier
Champagne and Methode Traditionnelle
No1 Family Estate Reserve Methode Traditionelle NV, Marlborough. There’s no mistaking complexity and panache as the bouquet of this wine unfurls and as it begins to open out on the nose scents of a fully developed autolysis, baked bread, oatmeal and brioche are revealed. Peach then orange peel, yellow apple then pressed white flowers, a fine and complex autolysis. On the palate an equally complex wine with a depth and breadth that grows as the wine becomes more ambient, flavours of baked goods and stone fruits laced with a lees spice and fresh citrus quality showcase all this wine has to offer. Rich in flavour and character, complex, lengthy and dry. The mousse carries a plush texture framed with acidity and softness. A fantastic wine with best drinking from 2023 through 2033+. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from $96.00
de la terre Cuvée II Methode Traditionnelle 2020, Hawke's Bay. Complex and detailed bouquet with a deep autolysis and scents of baked stone fruits, grapefruit, and developing. Full-bodied and dry on the palate with a mealy mineral and saline texture, flavours reflect the bouquet led by grapefruit, a touch of orange then stone fruit and leesy autolysis attributes. The mousse is bold and expressive with a core of fine bubbles, acidity is high and natural carrying flavour and texture throughout the palate. A delicious example ready to drink from 2023 through 2029. This wine offers exceptional value. 93+ Points Excellent RRP from $34.99
Champagne Roger Manceaux Rosé Premier Cru NV, France. Hues of Atlantic salmon with a faint pink rim lead to a bouquet and palate flavours of peach and strawberry, cherry and red apple, roses and a core of bread and brioche autolysis. A decisive wine with power and intrigue, harmony and clarity. A dry wine touches the palate with a core of fruit flavours then autolysis, the mousse with plush and a forceful with a fine bubble and freshness. The flavours of strawberry and roses are persistent adding to the length and charm of this delicious wine. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $90.00
Clos Henri ‘Solange’ Blanc de Noirs Méthode Traditionelle 2021, Marlborough. A beautiful wine on nose and palate, distinctive and enticing. Aromas of fresh white fleshed fruits with a tinge of red currant and spice. There’s mineral and wet chalk, a saline quality and fresh white flower highlights. A dry, crisp, saline and textured wine touches the palate first, a burst of acidity and fine bubble then lemon and apple, some white fleshed stone fruits then layers of biscuit and oatmeal flavours layer in complexity and character. Dry, youthful, aperitif and delicious. Best drinking from 2023 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $50.00
Quartz Reef Blanc de Blancs Méthode Traditionnelle 2017, Central Otago. Complex and developing bouquet with a core of white fleshed stone fruits and citrus with a grapefruit seam, there’s a core of autolysis with sweet brioche and pastry goods, apple tart and a mineral quality suggesting white clay. Delicious from the first touch on the palate with a seamless flavour and texture profile of fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet, baked goods and lengthy leesy finish. The mousse has a plump softness and acidity a touch of saline as well as carrying flavours through the palate. Lengthy complex, delicious and ready. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2028. 96 Points Outstanding RRP form $85.00
Nautilus Methode Traditionnelle Rosé 2019, Marlborough. An enticing and complex bouquet filled with scents of apricot and peach, core autolysis scents of fresh brioche bun and oatmeal biscuit, a light savoury spice quality and rose. Plush vibrant and silky touch on the palate with a full and voluptuous mousse with a rich texture and flavours that mirror the bouquet. Acidity and finesse from the mousse combine with flavours of stone fruit and delicate red berries to deliver of wine of deliciousness and length. Best drinking from 2023 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $39.99
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV, France. A deliciously enticing bouquet filled with scents elegance and promise, light-red berry fruits and a gentle spice overlaid with rose and and mineral. The autolysis is expressive and precise adding complexity and power. Even more delicious on the palate with a fine even mousse adding its own force and mouthfeel. Flavours from the autolysis and fruit reveal a mix of baked goods, cherry and red apple. Excellent weight and richness with a lengthy complex finish. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $139.99
Esses 'Dame Syme' Méthode Traditionnelle 2014, Kaikoura. A full, richly scented bouquet with core aromas of nut and lees autolysis, peaches and bottle-age spice, lemon and apple. Integrated and complex, a plush full mousse with flavours that reflect the bouquet, a backbone of acidity with a long detailed finish. An excellent wine with integration length, aged fruit and mouthfeel. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2028+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $85.00
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015 Extra Brut, Epernay, France. The bouquet is voluptuous, even sumptuous, aromas of an ingrained autolysis wrapped in scents of white fleshed strawberry and peach. A fine soft mousse coats the palate, is voluminous carrying a backbone of acidity then flavours that reflect the bouquet. There’s a floral note that emerges on the third sip, the core autolysis effect feeds into the complexity and lengthy finish. A delicious wine, ready to imbibe. 95 Points Outstanding $TBA upon release
No1 Family Estate Cuvee Adele 2016, Marlborough. Seductive and complex, rich in scents of autolysis and roasted stone fruits, butter brioche and nut, preserved lemon and mineral-laden. Fantastic on the palate with full-bodied soft unfurling mousse releasing flavours of citrus and stone fruits, baked apple, lemon peel and baked goods. Harmonious and complex. The perfect gift. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from $270.00
Pinot Noir
Peregrine Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. A wine of focus and quality, concentration and length. Aromas and flavours of dark berry fruits from baked cherry skin to boysenberry, plum and and dried raspberry. Layers of oak spice and stone-mineral deliver complexity and a sense of place, the savoury nuances speak of Central Otago’s rugged hillsides and seam of wild-thyme. Firm tannins and acid-line set a strong foundation for ageing with mouthfeel and structure, all easily soaked up by the core fruit intensity. Lengthy, complex and new. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. 96 Points. Outstanding. RRP from $55.00
Huntress Pinot Noir 2021, Wairarapa. Complex and focused bouquet of pinosity and charm. Aromas and flavours of fresh, ripe cherry and raspberry trapped in a texture of abundant of fine tannins and unfiltered chalky mouthfeel and baking spices of barrel. Taut, youthful and dry with a core of red berry fruit and cherry flavours, incense and dried herb, there’s a savoury quality to the wine overall and complexities from time in wood, lees contact and excellent winemaking all leading to a lengthy dry finish. A wine that also needs some cellar time to pull together the various elements and attributes. Best drinking from 2025 through 2033. 95 Points. Outstanding. RRP from $60.00
TWR Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Marlborough. Complex and youthful, taut and dry, a wine of texture as much as it is of fruit, I feel this is a voice of place as much as it is style that Anna and Jason like to showcase. The fruit handling with a core of freshness and fine savoury seams not only add complexity, they speak to the slightly wild side of Marlborough as a place to grow fruit. An abundance of polished tannins and backbone of acidity, the core of fruit flavours soak up all. Oak sits well just enough in the background not to standout adding texture and complexity. A delicious wine best enjoyed from mid to late 2024 through 2034. 95 Points. Outstanding. RRP from $50.00
Te Whare Ra Clayvin Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough. A bouquet and palate of ripeness and youth with flavours of dark cherry and black raspberry flesh, there’s spiced plums and boysenberry the layers of mineral and earth that can only come from site - a mix of stony dry clay and greywacke. The oak sits nicely just behind these fruit and soil qualities layering in some baking spice and quiet wood smoke complexities. Tannins and acidity are vibrant, polished and refreshing. A wine with class and style, taut and youthful mouthfeel and lengthy persistent flavours. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. A plush, elegant wine. 96 Points. Outstanding. RRP form $75.00
Wet Jacket Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. A very attractive bouquet filled with varietal aromas of dark cherry, dried raspberry and a boysenberry plum compote suggestion, there’s a mix of barrel spices and gentle wood smoke, a rugged rocky mineral core with firm tannins and a backbone of acidity locking flavours and textures in place. Youthful and taut with cellar time and bottle development into more complex flavours and textures assured. Delicious, lengthy and well made. Best drinking from 2025 through 2033+. 95 Points. Outstanding. RRP from $45.00
Lime Rock 'White Knuckle Hill' Pinot Noir 2007, Central Hawke's Bay. Complex, developed, varietal and enticing bouquet of baking spices then dark cherry flesh, pressed rose petals and autumnal leaves. There’s some layers of wood smoke and plenty of mineral earth at the core. On the palate a delicious, complete wine with flavours that reflect the ripeness of the vintage, a core of plum and dark berry fruit flavours, tannins are perfectly placed alongside the acid line, together showcase a decent structure. This wine proves NZ Pinot Noir can age when there’s a good vintage and storage conditions combined. Excellent winemaking is of course part of the equation as well. Best drinking from day of purchase or retrieval from your cellar and through 2026. 95 Points. Outstanding. RRP from POA https://www.limerock.co.nz/
Clouston & Co Pinot Noir 2022, Marlborough. A delicious wine from start to finish with textures from tannins and acidity touching the palate first then flavours of fresh red berries and tart cherry, a youthful savoury and dried herb quality and a natural earthy dry stone mineral quality. Taut and new, youthful and high energy, a wine that will develop nicely and reward those who can wait. Best drinking from 2026 through 2034+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $30.00
Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, Central Otago. A complex and enticing bouquet filled with scents of ripe red stone fruits and site, layers of spice and barrel smoke. The mineral earthy quality shows a seam of crumbled schist and stone then a fine lees complexity. Delicious, taut, dry and with a core of red stone fruits and raspberry along with some black currant reflect the bouquet adding depth and complexity. Lengthy balanced and well made with best drinking from 2026 through 2036. 96 Points Outstanding RRP form $73.50
Valli Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, Central Otago. A taut, youthful and focused wine touches the palate with flavours of plum and dark cherry flesh then layers of baking spices, a touch of bacon oak, clove and a moment of vanilla. An abundance of fine through firm tannins along with a firm acid line ensures this wine will age well. The combination of fruit, structure from tannins and acidity present a wine with power, potential and some readiness for drinking from 2024 through 2030. A lovely complexity and style, reflects its site with some rugged savoury qualities and core open air freshness. Well made and complex with a medium+ length. 94 Points Excellent RRP form $72.50
The Wrekin Vineyard 'Needle's Eye' Pinot Noir 2017, Marlborough. A bouquet of pinosity and charm, floral highlight then core fruit flavours of dark cherry and plum, autumnal leaves, tea and baking spices. Fine chalky textured tannins and acidity deliver and textured palate with a chewy mouthfeel and spices then core fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. There’s an unfiltered chalky quality adding complexity and mouthfeel, a wine that is delicious today and will continue to age and develop. best drinking from 2025 through 2034+. 95 Points Outstanding POA upon release
Chard Farm 'Viper Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2021, Parkburn, Central Otago. Youthful and intense with layers of flowers , fresh and dried, ripe red berry fruits of plum and raspberry then cherry and wild red florals. Distinctively earthy with wood spices and mineral. Equally youthful and delicious on the palate, an abundance of firm ripe tannins, a backbone of acidity and flavours that mirror the bouquet. There’s a tautness and power behind the tannins and overall structure that confirm this wine is still developing with best drinking likely from 2027 through 2037. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $90.00
Clos Ostler 'Caroline's' Monopole Pinot Noir 2020, Waitaki Valley, North Otago. The bouquet immediately speaks of place with a limestone and clay soil voice then fresh red berry fruits and layers of judiciously used barrel. Complex, youthful and fine. On the palate a delicious wine with textures from fine polished tannins, medium+ acid line and flavours that reflect the bouquet. There’s a completeness on the palate, a refinement that can only come from capturing the voice of the vineyard and clever winemaking. Length and well made with best drinking from 2025 through 2035. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $120.00
Nanny Goat Super Nanny Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. An excellent bouquet with a core of ripe, dark skinned red berries and baking spices, plums and clove, baked blackcurrant and old roses, vanilla and some smoky wood moments. Dry, concentrated, focused and new. Salivating as the wine touches the palate with core flavours of dark berries and smoky wood then blackcurrant and baking spices. Firm tannins and acidity set a core foundation for the fruit and signature style. A long finish and youthful power, best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $55.00
The Marlborist Pinot Noir 2022, Marlborough. A bouquet of pinosity and style, fragrance and bright light red fruit scents. Additional aromas of baking spices and dry stone minerality, rose and a mix of newish and older French oak barrel suggestions. Dry, taut, fruity and delicious, a wine with texture and poise, a core of pinosity and mouthfeel, layers of wood and red apple, cherry and cinnamon vanilla spice layers. Well made, youthful and developing still. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $59.99
Rockburn 'Twelve Barrels' Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, Central Otago. An excellent bouquet filled with scents of place - and that is Gibbston - bright plush red fruit scents of raspberry and cherry, a core of hard stone mineral and gentle contrasting savoury qualities. Dry and textured with velvet tannins and a backbone acidity, a fine wine with complexity with a plush and vibrant mouthfeel, core fruit flavours mirror the bouquet and wood flavours layer in breadth and intrigue. Lengthy and well made with a medium weight and complex intensity. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $99.00
Lowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. A deep complexity that unfolds slowly and as the wine becomes ambient with scents of dried raspberry and savoury plums, black currant then barrel spices with a complex earthy quality suggesting crumbled stones. As the wine touches the palate textures from tannins and acidity are equal to the intensity of the varietal fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. This is a wine of synergies and complexities, ripe fruit and a fine savoury quality adding to a long and detailed finish. Well made, lengthy and dry with best drink from as early as 2024 with best drinking from 2028 through 2028. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $115.00
Villa Maria Seddon Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough. Floral and pure fruited bouquet with a seductive ripe black cherry and pomegranate core. Layers of nut and wood spice with vanilla and cashew adding complexity breadth. Youthful, complex and very inviting. A dry wine on the palate with contrasting fleshy-red-berry fruit flavours with fine grained tannins and a backbone of acidity. A complex wine with a fine savoury and dried herb seam offering great drinking from late 2024 through 2033+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $59.99
Greystone Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir 2021, North Canterbury. Vibrant and new, complex and refined, individual with a specific personality and pinosity. Aromas and flavours of white smoke and red berry fruits, a core earthy mineral qualities, moments of milk chocolate and smoky wood tannins, mangosteen berries and plum, plenty of cherry and red apple skin suggestions as well. Fantastic mouthfeel with fine tannins woven through a lees and youthful acid texture. A delicious wine with length and appeal. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $90.00
Palliser Estate 'Hua Nui Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough. Fragrant, alluring, complex, varietal and pure. Aromas and flavours of wild flowers and crumbled clay minerality, sweet baking spices of barrel and layers of red fruit flavours from wild cherry to fresh plum and strawberry. There’s a layer of toastiness from the barrel that delivers a white smoke quality, some clove and vanilla then roasted nut and bacon. There’s also a saline quality to the acid line and an abundance of texture polished tannins. An excellent wine with best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $111.99
Two Paddocks Proprietor's Reserve The Fusilier Organic Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago. Complex and harmonious, a bouquet of softness and power, pinosity and charm. I find the bouquet begins quite floral then as it opens out in glass layers of spice and mineral, a quiet savoury complexity and gentle handling of fruit captures a sense of place and lots of style. Moderate impacts of barrel, roses, cherry, fresh raspberry and some strawberry fruit scents. Elegance comes to mind as the wine touches the palate, then the impact of youthful, tannins and acidity take over. At the core of this wine is the purity of fruit and elegance that is what Pinot Noir should be about. Tannins are finely textured, in abundance and are accentuated by the acid line. A complex wine that is complex and enticing, youthful, taut and majestic. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. 97 Points Outstanding https://www.twopaddocks.com/our-wines/current-wines/
Two Paddocks Proprietor's Reserve The Last Chance Organic Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago. Complex, youthful, savoury and varietal. A bouquet of pinosity with a touch of mystery, aromas and flavours of red plums and wild flowers, red cherry and wild flowers, there’s a distinctive crushed stone and saline mineral complexity and layers of barrel spices, subtlety and loads of panache. As the wine opens out on the palate and becomes ambient the flavours of fruits and spices, the sense of place or time begin to unfurl more acutely. An abundance of textured tannins and medium+ acid line set a decent foundation and structure. Complex, youthful, savoury and dried herb layers, fruity, complex and with pinosity. An excellent wine, just beginning to settle in, has a wonderful finish. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 96 Points Outstanding https://www.twopaddocks.com/our-wines/current-wines/
Martinborough Vineyard Home Block Pinot Noir 2019, Martinborough. There’s no mistaking the power and impact in the bouquet of this wines. Pinosity and dark red berry fruits, strawberries and spiced plums, layers of barrel spices and soil smoke. Complex and youthful. On the palate - delicious, dry, savoury and varietal. Flavours of dried strawberries and barrel spice, plums and clay earth suggestions, vanilla and baked nut, some reductive flinty youthfulness and energy. An abundance of fine textured tannins and brisk acid line set in place a sound foundation with fruit weaving nicely alongside. Youthful and needing some more development time, this is an excellent wine with texture, pinosity and length. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2032+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $64.99
Big Sky Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough. An excellent example with pinosity, aromas and flavours of ripe red apple and cherry fruits, dry stones and hard soil mineral qualities, baking spices of vanilla and cinnamon, dried strawberry and old roses. Plush, ripe and fruity as the wine touches the palate then a taut texture from ripe tannins and baseline of acidity. Strawberry and savoury dried herbs, a whisper of tobacco oak, toasty barrel with clove and vanilla moments, a touch of gun flint then earthy mineral qualities. A lovely example with best drinking from 2024 through 2030+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $35.99
Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough. An excellent bouquet of ripe red berry fruits, crumbled clay soils and a mix of baking spices, nut and mild toasty barrel qualities. Complex and new. Delicious on the palate, varietal and fruity, there’s layers of savoury dried spices and moments of hay, sweet barrel spices and dried herb qualities. Plush and fruity with flavours of dark strawberry and dried cherry, roses and boysenberry, sweet oak and baking spice. Ripe tannins are seamless on the palate alongside the acid line and core fruit flavours. A lovely example, well made and lengthy. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $48.99
Escarpment Pinot Noir 2019, Martinborough. There’s an immediate sense of place with the bouquet and power of this wine, aromas of wild flower and red berries, barrel spice, savoury cherry flesh and roses, plums and light brown kitchen cupboard spices, leather, stilled soil and fine oak sweetness. Delicious on the palate, flavours of cherry and drying strawberry, baking spices and barrel toast, cinnamon and old roses, lees textures and a fine cashew nut oak layer. An abundance of finely tuned tannins and acid line deliver backbone and structure. Unfined realism, elegant, complex and layered wine, a pleasure to taste. best drinking from 2023 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $53.99
Whitehaven 'Greg' Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020, Southern Valleys, Marlborough. A serious wine with a bouquet of complexity and mystery, variety, spice and depth. Aromas of raspberry and plums, clay and wood smoke, barrel spices of vanilla and a touch of nutmeg. Still very youthful on the palate with fruit and barrel flavours that reflect the bouquet. The complexity continues to unfurl through textures from firm chalky tannins and ripe acidity, and as the wine opens out a layers of red flowers and stony clay minerality begins to intensify. A lovely example with best drinking from mid to late 2024 through 2034+. 94 Points Excellent RRP form $60.00
Coal Pit Tiwha Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. Always impressed by this expression of Pinot from the CP team. Aromas and flavours of mineral, spice, dried herb and savoury, pure red berry and plum fruits weaving between textures of tannins and acidity. Dry, taut, textured and complex with layers of flavours and mouthfeel delivering velvet through firm youthful tannins, medium+ acid line and well chosen barrel for spice, smoke and sweetness. Lengthy finish, well made and youthful. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $67.00
Blue Earth Pinot Noir 2019, Martinborough. A very enticing bouquet of Pinosity with a savoury red fruited beginning then as the wine opens out in glass scents of plums and barrel spices, a sense of mineral earth and dried stones begin to emerge. A bouquet of complexity and youthful, charm and concentration. Flavours on the palate mirror the bouquet with a firm texture from chalky through finely textured tannins, there’s acidity to carry the wine and concentration for several years and a length and complexity for the same. Well made and lengthy, youthful and taut, a wine that should offer best drinking from 2025 through 2035+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $69.00
Mondillo Pinot Noir 2022, Central Otago. An excellent bouquet of Pinosity and charm, variety and finesse. Central Otago dried herb and ripe cherry fruit aromas with layers of new and used barrel, baking spices and stony mineral core. Flavours on the palate reflect the bouquet with an abundance of ripe fine tannins, some chalky textures and plenty of acidity. A delicious wine destined to age well as well as delivering on variety and ripe fruits, texture, charm and Pinosity. Best drinking from 2024 through 2034. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $42.95
Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2021, Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Distinctive bouquet of ripe black cherry and barrel spices, dark plum and wood smoke, there’s a gun flint and savoury mineral quality and a core of ripeness and pinosity. Youthful, powerful, enticing. Delicious on the palate with a flinty ripe fruited core, dark cherry and black currant, a light dried herb quality, baked nut and wood smoke. Textures from tannins deliver a chalky fine quality, acidity some crunch and back bone. A quality wine from start to finish with best drinking from late 2024 through 2034. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $55.99
Jules Taylor Wines Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough. An excellent bouquet filled with scents of ripe dark cherry and black currant, the fruits are laced with a savoury natural spice and dried herb quality from soil and barrel work. Complex and youthful bouquet overall. Delicious on the palate with a core of dark berries and currants, dried herb and wood smoke with a clove quality. Taut and youthful, salivating with a fresh nut and flinty quality. An abundance of fine through chalky tannins and medium+ acid line. Very lengthy finish, a wine of quality, panache and style. Best drinking from 2024 through 2032+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $33.00
Amisfield Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. Many classic attributes greet the nose for this Otago Pinot Noir with a bouquet of ripe and richness, there’s no mistaking the variety with dark cherry skin and black currant, a savoury dried herb quality and layers of barrel spices and some toasty wood smoke qualities. Ripe, firm, dry and complex as the wine touches the palate, flavours of wood smoke and black currant, thyme, rosemary and wild dried herbs. Tannins deliver a firm coarse chalky mouthfeel while acidity layers in back bone and squeeze. A wine of complexity and charm, a wine also of youth needing cellar time to harmonise and integrate completely. Lengthy and well made with best drinking from 2025 through 2035. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $59.99
Amisfield Breakneck Reserve Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. This is a fabulous wine, with a complex bouquet without missing the all important signature of variety, aromas of wild flowers and ripe red berry fruits, layers of wood spice and stony mineral complexities. There’s a fine layer of mystery and intrigue that signals further exploration. On the palate flavours of dried herbs and barrel spices, dark cherry and wild plums, there’s a savoury wild thyme component and earthy core that builds on the complexity and youthful charms. Firm tannins and acidity create the back bone and need time to integrate more. Lengthy, detailed and well made, a wine for drinkers of fine Pinot Noir and collectors. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $85.00
High Garden Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, Gibbston, Central Otago. There’s no mistaking the power and concentration of fruit in this - the third release from this producer. A mix of ripe dark red cherry and baked raspberry fruit scents layered between dried herb and wood smoke, mineralised stony soil suggestions and baking spices of barrel. Taut, new, salivating, fresh and tannin textured as the wine touches the palate. Flavours of plums, cherry and dark berries, an abundance of fine long-chain tannins, a lengthy acid touch town and plush harmonious finish. An excellent example perfect for venison, or lamb, myriad vegetarian dishes and end even baked salmon with tapenade. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $92.99
Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2019, Lake Wanaka, Central Otago. This is a wine that needs more cellar time to realise the full harmony and potential within. I say this as I tasted the wine over 3 days discovering first its raw energy then core of varietal fruit scents, mineral sense of place and distinctive flavours. On day 2 the raw energy began to calm with the fruit and mineral qualities uncompromised. ON day 3 the wine seemed to enjoy it place in the time line of development showing when it it would be best to start thinking about drinking - 3-4 years from 2023. Firm velvet tannins and natural acidity set in place the foundation to hold the fruit, spice and mineral flavours. A beautiful wine that will reward those who have the patience to wait. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $75.99
Felton Road MacMuir Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. Striking bouquet. Pure, definitively ripe, fragrant and precise. Fantastic on the palate, exuberant, dry and plush aflush with flavours of dark cherry and plum, there's a gentle warmth and generosity with flavours of place and time, a dried herb savoury quality. Firm-ish yet highly polished tannins, BB of acidity and long detailed finfish. Taut and youthful, will age well. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $125.00
Folding Hill Orchard Block Pinot Noir 2020, Bendigo, Central Otago. Ripe, varietal, dried herb and savoury, layers of wild flowers, a core of mineralised stone and clay soil scents then fresh raspberry and cherry fruit scents. Complex, youthful and enticing. Delicious on the palate, dry, fruity, taut and salivating, an abundance of fine long chain tannins and core of complexity as the wine unfurls across the palate. Lengthy, fleshy, pure, ripe and delicious. Best drinking from 2024 through 2032+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $55.00
Matahiwi Estate 'Holly' Pinot Noir 2021, Wairarapa. Youthful, varietal and enticing core of dark red berry fruits then mineral and barrel spice layers. Aromas of fresh red plums and raspberry, cherry, fruit and barrel spices, dark roses and a clay stone earthy attributes. Dry on the palate with flavours of ripe and tart red berry fruits, great mouthfeel from the acidity and tannins. Vibrant with velvet tannins and lots of youthful energy throughout the palate. Well made, youthful and complex. best drinking from 2025 through 2030+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $44.99
Pyramid Valley 'Manata' Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. Wonderful purity of fruit and elegant unfurling of fruit and soil aromas. A wine of time and place with a bouquet releasing scents of black cherry and crushed rocks, vanilla and clove barrel spices and Doris plums, floral and perfumed, youthful and new. As the wine touches the palate flavours of dark cherries and plums emerge alongside dried raspberry and gentle savoury begin to show. Moderate flavours of newish barrel with a gentle dried herb quality, medium+ acid line and an abundance of polished tannins. Complex, dry, well made and lengthy. A delicious drink on its own or with moderately rich protein based fare. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $.50.00
TWR Te Whare Ra Pinot Noir 2019, Marlborough. Complex and deeply fragrant, varietal and pure with a core of red berries and mineral, site and time. Red currant and black currant, cherry and red apple skin. The oak is layered in with scents of clove and vanilla along with complex toasty qualities. Complex, dry and new, flavours mirror the bouquet, textures from firm polished tannins and back bone of acidity. A lengthy and complex finish, a wine perfect for food and will also cellar well with best drinking from late 2024 through 2032+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $50.00
Misha's Vineyard "Verismo' Pinot Noir 2018, Central Otago. The bouquet takes several minutes to open up and show its youthful, taut, varietal and complex self. Core fruit aromas of fresh red cherry flesh laced with barrel spices then plum, barrel spice and earthy mineral qualities layer in next with a roasted nut, baking spices and smoky quality. Minerality and a sense of place underpins all. As the wine touches the palate there’s a continued sense of place with a savoury stone and wild earth quality before flavours of red berries, plums and dried raspberry once again showcase the variety. Taut squeeze with firm tannins and back bone of acidity. The oak intensity is in keeping with the style. This wine will develop even more complexities over time with best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP form $85.00
Misha's Vineyard 'The High Note' Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago. There’s an immediate place and time, power and variety with scents of dark cherry and savoury wild dried herb, some plum and fruit spice then barrel with a mild toasty anise anise and clove suggestion. There’s also a mineral core of stone and hard sandy clay. The palate mirrors the bouquet with core cherry and dried raspberry fruit flavours, firm tannins and plenty of cool climate acidity, layers of wood spice and mineral. Dry, lengthy, complex and still new. A lovely example with best drinking from 2024 through 2034+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $48.00
Black Quail Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago. A striking bouquet of place and time with aromas of spiced black plums and toasty French oak spices, black cherries and baked raspberry flesh. There’s myriad dried spices and earthy tones of hard rocks and wild thyme. The rugged landscapes of Central Otago are reflected in the heartbeat of the bouquet. Flavours on the palate mirror the bouquet, a youthful example with a taut texture, firm tannins and bold acid line. A wine that simply needs time to integrate. Complex and lengthy with best drinking from 2025 through 2035. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $52.00
Akitu A1 Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago. An immediately alluring bouquet of place and time, red berry fruits and barrel spices, fallen leaves and pressed rose petals. An earthy mineral quality suggest crushed stone and mushroom. Complex, fragrant and new. A silken mouthfeel as the wine touches the palate, flavours of strawberries and fallen leaves, raspberry flesh and cherry compote laced with baking spices and soft toasty wood quality. The oak and acidity fold into the palate seamlessly with firmish chalky textured tannins and soft barrel spice flavours. Well made, youthful still and with a lengthy finish. Delicious! Best drinking from 2024 through 2034. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $65.00
Blank Canvas 'Una Volta' Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago. Fragrant and complex, there’s a delicacy as much as there is power; aromas of place and time, cherry flesh and raspberry, a fine savoury dried herb quality with layers of oak and mineral earth qualities. Plush and ripe with satin textures touching the palate first, flavours of cherries and flowers, dried herb and tilled soils. The oak add complexity and texture from a soft vanilla and sweetness to coarse silk tannins then a medium+ acid line. Delicious, powerful and charming. Best drinking from late 2024 or early 2025 through 2032+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $67.99
Bell Hill Pinot Noir 2019, North Canterbury. Pure, seamless aromas of fruit, spice, gently sweeter barrel qualities. More complex than the bouquet suggests. Dry, Lovely tension and poise, an abundance of fine tannins with a fineness and coarse silk texture. The core of fruit contrasts the youthful power and tension as well as centering mid-palate and drawing all the elements together. Very youthful. Will age well. 97 Points Outstanding Please email the winery direct for release information and pricing
te Pa Reserve Taylor River Pinot Noir 2019, Marlborough. This wine punches well above its weight and for the price is rather outstanding. Aromas and flavours of dark plums and deep purple skinned charry flesh, layers of barrel spice and savoury complexities. Firm polished tannins and plenty of acidity contrast core fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet with weight and intensity, pinosity and complexity. Lengthy and well made, if have any of this wine in your cellar, feel free to enjoy this wine today or keep cellaring through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $49.95 (also tasted August 2021)
Single Variety Reds, Cabernets and Blended Reds
Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2020, Hawke's Bay. This is an OMG! wine, one that should make you stop, slow down and enjoy every scent and texture. Deep ruby purple at the core, opaque and very bright. A captivating bouquet with scents of richness and power, ripeness and complexity, depth and breadth. Fruit aromas of dark currants and baked red berries, old dried raspberry flesh, black currant, plum preserves and five spice. As the wine opens out it reveals a layer of baked field mushroom and stony soils, a whisper of sweet truffle and ageing meat. Equally complex on the palate, dry, taut, youthful and complex. Fruit flavours mirror the bouquet then layers of baking spices and five spice, a hint of sweet black pepper then barrel spices and moments of wood smoke. An abundance of tannins - ripe and long, and a backbone of acidity. A delicious wine that will reward those who can wait. That said it is excellent today as well. A wine to invest in and quickly so. Best drinking likely from 2026 through 2040. An excellent and worthwhile investment wine. 98 Points Outstanding RRP from $150.00
The Boneline Iridium 2020, Waipara. From a blend of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon with Merlot delivers a bouquet of complexity and power showcasing dark red berry fruits laced with five spice and smoky earth tones, sweet tobacco, bitter chocolate and velvet cake. A dry wine touches the palate with core flavours that mirror the bouquet, firm tannins and bold acid line secure the structure and foundation in place for the ripe fruit and complex flavours. A lengthy wine, delicious and fresh with best drinking from 2024 through 2030. 94+ Points. Excellent. RRP from $58.49
Paritua Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Hawke's Bay. Almost opaque core of dark purple and red with a lighter hued rim lead to a bouquet of power and concentration, aromas of blackberry and clove, new leather and roasted plum, violets and dark cherry then sweet tobacco and iron clay earthy qualities. Bold and weighty on the palate with firm tannins and concentrated flavours of berries and spices that reflect the bouquet. Long finish and complex with best drinking from late 2024 through 2034+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $49.99
Fromm 'Fromm Vineyard' Malbec 2020, Marlborough. A concentrated dark purple core with a lighter pink-ish rim lead to a bouquet of red licorice and fresh meats, dark spices of clove and vanilla, fresh leather and smoky wood tones. Brand new aromas an aromatic, dark red wine with power and concentration. Flavours of dark plums and red licorice, some fine pepper corn suggestions, violets and raspberries, dark flowers and new leather. Firm very polished tannin with a solid acid line, core fruits and varietal core. Best drinking from 2025 through 2040. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $65.00
Trinity Hill 'Prison Block' Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay. Bright purples and ruby hues, very polished with colour stained tears lead to a bouquet and palate of blackberry and black currant, dark cherry and barrel spices of clove and vanilla, toasty wood and a nut. Firm, dry, a tautness and palate squeeze of acidity and tannins, core fruit flavours and youthful energy. A wine of complexity and power, youthful energy and texture. An abundance of tannins with a fine texture, powdery edge and back bone of acidity set in place the structure. The fruits are powerful, dark and rich in flavour. A delicious wine ready for drinking from 2028 through 2040+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $119.99
Collaboration Wines Argent Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Hawke's Bay. Ripe, varietal and fruity with a core of blackberry and dark plum fruits, there are layers of mineral and barrel spices, stone and hard clay earthy qualities, a touch of cigar tobacco and bacon with clove and toasted-vanilla scents. A youthful firm textured wine touches the palate first with a core of blackberry and dark plums, boysenberry and baking spices. tannins are firm and textured with acidity delivering a firm structure overall. This wine will develop well over the next 3-6 years with best drinking from 2026 through 2040. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $45.00
Elephant Hill Hieronymus 2020, Hawke's Bay. An exceptional wine with a powerful, ripe and complex bouquet. Scents of black and blue fruits, dark spices of barrel and aromas of blackberry and black currants, dark chocolate and freshly roasted coffee beans, violets and baked earth, fresh boysenberries, plums and kalamata olives. Powerful, complex and dry on the palate, salivating taut, lush and detailed. A wine of concentration and intensity from the core of dark berry fruit flavours, firm ripe and polished tannins delivering long chain mouthfeel compressed by a backbone of acidity. A wine that keeps repeating flavours and textures with an exceptionally lengthy finish. Best drinking from 2028 through 2050. 98 Points Outstanding RRP form $125.00
Stonecroft Reserve Syrah 2021, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay. Powerful bouquet, varietal and fruity, spices of place and barrel, core fruit flavours of balck currant and blue fruits, some sweet marmite and iron clay flavours. Firm and dry with an abundance of polished tannins, some baking spices and smoky wood tones layer in complexity. There’s a touch of natural pepperiness accentuated by acidity and warming alcohol. Delicious, fresh and vibrant with best drinking from late 2024 through 2033. 95 Points. Outstanding. RRP from $60.00
The Landing Syrah 2022, Bay of Islands. Core colours and hues of purples and rubys with a lighter pink rim and colour staining of the tears. A youthful expressive bouquet with layers of red bruits and spices through violets and gravelly mineral. Equally youthful and very vibrant on the palate with flavours of fresh and baked raspberry, spiced boysenberry and layers of smoky oak. Tannins are firm, deliver on texture and acidity delivers the backbone carrying flavours, freshness and salinity. A lengthy finish and decent complexity. Well made, dry and youthful with best drinking from 2025 through 2034+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $48.00
Frenchmans Hill Estate 'Expatrius' Syrah 2015, Waiheke Island. There’s no mistaking the variety, winemaking style and power behind the fruit for this wine. Aromas and flavours of dark plum and black currant, the oak makes itself know very early on with the bold toasty spice and barrel sweetness, clove and vanilla pod. The mouthfeel is textured with an abundance of fine tannins and baking spice flavours then a backbone of acidity coating the ripe red berry and plum fruit flavours. Complex, lengthy, well made and ready to drink from 2023 through 2033. The power and intensity of this wine also means it will continue to develop if left in your cellar till 2025 - such is the quality. 96 Points Outstanding RRP form $115.00
Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Malbec 2020, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay. Youthful and very concentrated bouquet, dark berries and chocolate, toasted vanilla and fresh meats, there’s an earthy quality with baked stone and clay suggestion then wood smoke and baking spices. Delicious on the palate yet very youthful still with a complex display of textures and fruit concentration. Dark plums and blackberry, bakes raspberry and ageing meats. Tannins are firm, ripe and abundant, acidity the same. Dry, lengthy and well made with a core of complexity and power. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $120.00
Church Road TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020, Hawkes Bay. There’s no mistaking the complexity and completeness in the bouquet with purple flower and dark berry fruits, fresh and roasted Doris plums, blackberry then earth. Other aromas from baking spice to cacao from French oak add complexity and power. Taut, bold, firm, rich in flavours, textured and dry all touch the palate at once. Core fruits flavours of purple skinned fruits return, tannins are very firm, polished and in abundance needing cellar time to settle and integrate. Acidity keeps the wine lively and fresh, is also in abundance and will hold this wine in place for many years. Lengthy, complex and well made, a wine of provenance. Cellar please with best drinking likely from 2030 through 2050. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from $220.00
Riddoch 'The Pastoralist' Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Coonawarra, South Australia. Opaque appearance with dark colour staining of the tears sheeting across the class, bright and youthful appearance. The bouquet says it all, ripeness, power, concentration, smoke and wood, chocolate and dark berries. Violets and charred nut, new leather and boot polish, black currant, blackberries and sweet cigar tobacco leaf layer. Full-bodied, dry, taut, youthful and concentrated as the wine touches the palate. Aromas from the bouquet manifest as flavours on the palate, plus violet and forest spices. Bold firm tannins and acidity are easily contrasted by the core fruit flavours and impacts of barrel. Lengthy finish, a lovely example, great drinking today though likely best from 2029 through 2045. Exceptional value. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from AU$40.00
Taylors 'Legacy' Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Clare Valley, South Australia. Complex and layered, subtle scents of violets and clay, violets, iron sand and fresh tobacco. Heirloom framers market blackberry fruits, licorice and plum skin, there’s purity and freshness, a whisper of hay and blonde tobacco then kitchen cupboard spices and smoke. On the palate a wine of power, texture, length and concentration. A taut texture from tannins and acidity, flavours of myriad red berries and fabric, some new leather then baking spices, wood smoke and blackberry. Tannins and a mix of needle point through fine sandpaper, acidity delivers back bone and freshness, there’s a touch of salinity there as well. Lengthy and detailed finish, a wine that changes and grows as it opens out in glass. A young wine that will continue to age and develop. A suggested best drinking window is from 2030 through 2050. 98 points Outstanding RRP from AU $1000.00
Taylors The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Clare Valley. A complex an seductive bouquet with layers of ripe blackberry, blueberry and plums fruits laced with earth and clay mineral scents, barrel spices and a complexity that can only come from the vision and synergies delivered by a great winemaker (go Adam). As the wine opens out a gentle layers of mint and eucalypt start to emerge, these are very quietly spoken. Also, a mix of barrel spice and sweetness scents of raw sugar, vanilla and clove. Overall youthful, powerful and concentrated. Delicious on the palate, taut and youthful exacting and precise, also with a core of ripe red berry fruits and plum flavours, sweet tobacco and baking spice layers. Tannins are abundant, fine, long chain and ripe; acidity adds backbone and freshness. Finally, there’s a sense of place with stony clay-like quality and taste adding more complexity. A delicious wine that continues its journey, a wine of focus and concentration, lengthy and complexity. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from AU $220.00
Mills Reef Elspeth 'One' Gimblett Gravels 2020, Hawke's Bay. This blend of Syrah, Merlot and the Cabernets delivers a bouquet of complexity, ripe purple and blue fruits, a core of youth and power and enticing sweetness of barrel and wood smoke. Black currant and cassis, milk chocolate and blackberry, toasted nut and wood smoke qualities. Delicious on the palate with a powerful core of dark skinned fruits from plums to blackberries then cacao and baking spices of barrel. Tannins are abundant, firm and textured and in combination with acidity delivers a youthful squeeze and promise of development if cellared. A lovely example with ripeness and texture, great drinking from 2025 through 2035. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $150.00
Radburnd Merlot Cabernet 2020, Hawke's Bay. Complex, intriguing, youthful and vibrant. Aromas of dark plum and spices, blackberry and toasty barrel, violets and red gravel soil suggestions. The complexity continues as the wine touches the palate with a texture-laden mouthfeel unfolding from polished long-chain tannins soaked up by core fruit flavours and spices from barrel. Acidity carries all the flavours as well as adding its own quiver. Lengthy, well made and delicious. A wine to enjoy today and cellar if desired. best drinking from 2025 through 2035+. 96 points Outstanding RRP from $84.99
Paritua 21.12 Red blend 2020, Hawke's Bay. A captivating bouquet of dark plums and sweet black olives, there’s a black currant and blackberry scent laced with toasty barrel spices and sweet tobacco oak suggestions. Dry stones and dark earth underpin these bouquet ideas. Full-bodied, taut, dry, complex and firm. Tannins are robust, abundant, polished with fine through course textures, acidity is the backbone and core of fruit centration still making friends with the oak. A wine that is still very youthful and in need of cellar development time. It’s also delicious and a fine match with cheese in its youthful state. Lengthy and complex, a wine best drink for drinking from 2026 through 2036. 96 Points Outstanding RRP form $130.00
Clos de Ste Anne 'The Crucible' Syrah 2021, Gisborne. Complex, enticing, varietally perfect and filled with a bouquet of fresh dark red berries and plums, a core of mineral-laden tilled soils, layers of new and used oak, a natural ferment reductive complexity and suggestions of perigord and field mushroom. Equally complex on the palate with flavours that mirror the bouquet, an abundance of fruit and barrel tannins offering chalky textures and structure. A back bone of acidity ensures age worthy qualities as well as freshness and mouthfeel. Complex, dry and delicious. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $89.99
Destiny Bay 'Magna Praemia' 2020, Waiheke Island, Auckland. Opaque core with dark purple hues and bright pink rim. The bouquet is incredible; concentrated and focused led by aromas of dark plums and blackberries, smoky chocolate and sweet toasty wood, violets and olive, sweet tobacco and iron. Taut and dry as the wine touches the palate with a quick change to fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Tannins are ripe, in abundance and need time to settle more and integrate. Acidity sets the back bone in place and the flavours of chocolate and violets then red fruit flavours return in waves. An excellent wine that needs your cellar to mature. best drinking from 2028 through 2040+. 97 Points Outstanding RRP form $600.00
Black Estate Home Cabernet Franc 2021, North Canterbury. Fantastic bouquet, varietal and primary with dark berries and olive paste, black berry and plum flesh, a core mineral earth quality and baking spices of toasty barrel. New, fresh and enticing. Delicious on the palate, dry, taut and mineral with contrasting dark red stone fruit flavours, plum and baking spices. Taut with plenty of squeeze from tannins and acidity. A wine that will reward if left to mature and integrate more. Complex and dry, persistent and complex. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $55.00
The Landing Madre Syrah 2020, Bay of Islands. Ripe, pure fruited bouquet with black currant and dark plum scents, layers of spice and dried herb, a core of dark soils - clay and a suggestion of iron sand, toasty barrel and a harmonious completeness. On the palate there’s a youthful energy and drive from an abundance of fruit flavours and spices along with toastiness from barrel, moments of chocolate and anise. Complex, youthful, dry and lengthy, firm polished tannins and a refreshing acid line. A wine for the cellar with best drinking from late 2024 through 2030+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $160.00
Elephant Hill Airavata 2020 Syrah, Hawke's Bay. Fabulous colour and intensity with polished ruby and purple hues lead to a complex and layered bouquet of ripe red berry fruits, flowers and spices, an earthy stone and clay soil suggestion and oak with a myriad baking spices and smoky oak. There’s a lovely pretty side to the bouquet that unfurls slowly as the wine becomes ambient. Delicious on the palate beginning with a youthful and quite locked up attack with a taut texture and firmness from tannins and acidity. Then, as the wine begins to open out and relax just a little the core flavours of variety and complexity begin to show with fresh, baked and compote of black currant, boysenberry and meat, savoury almost peppery mushroom then clove and smoky wood with a whisper of bacon. There’s a nut and dark cacao note and violets. An outstanding wine that needs your patience cellar. Best drinking from 2027 through 2040. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from $125.00
Yalumba 'The Cigar' Menzies Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Coonawarra. A complex and enticing bouquet of ripe fruits and toasty wood, a mineral laden earthy quality and completeness that can only come from site and excellent winemaking. A decisive concentration on the nose of dark berries and baking spices, roasted clay earth and violets. This leads to further aromas then flavours on the palate of blackberry and roasted plums, dark chocolate and flavours of toasty barrel. Full-bodied, taut, firm textures, dry and with a back bone of acidity. Delicious, new, taut and lengthy, a wine that punches well above its weight. A wine for drinking now with the right food or continue to cellar till 2027 then drink through 2039. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $38.99
Man O' War 'Tytti Kulta' Red Blend 2019, Waiheke Island, Auckland. Aromas of dark blackberry fruits with roasted Doris plums and expensive chocolate, there’s scents of black olive and dried herb, toasty barrel smoke and spice layers. New, complex and enticing. Lovely weight and texture on the palate, dry with flavours of baking spices and bitter chocolate, black berry and dark plums. Firm tannins are ripe and set the structure nicely along with acidity. Lovely length and finish. Needs time to pull together and harmonise. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $190.00
Esk Valley 'Heipipi' The Terraces 2019, Hawkes Bay. Fabulous colour, purity and intensity, there’s a lot of energy in the bouquet of this wine with dark spices and black berry fruits, sweet black olive and dark chocolate, the toasty barrel qualities bring forward scents of sweet vanilla pod and fresh cloves, there’s violets and plums and a light brambly quality. Fantastic on the palate with a plush mouthfeel, highly polished tannins and back bone of acidity. The concentration layers flavour throughout the palate delivering a wonderful mouthfeel and finish. Best drinking from today if you want or 2027 through 2040+. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from $160.00
Sauvignon Blanc
Rapaura Springs 'Bull Paddock' Sauvignon Blanc 2023. A wine of focus and style with the saline sea air and tropical fruit highlights that link this wine to the Marlborough coastline and cool climate setting. Flavours of apple and tropical fruits, some fresh herb highlights, apple and grapefruit. A satin texture transitions quickly with contrasting acidity, flavours are persistent, fresh and lively. There’s also a gentle saline note adding mouthfeel and tension. Best drinking from 2023 through 2029. 93 Points. Excellent. RRP from $28.00
Swiftsure Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough. Complex and enticing bouquet of fresh lemon and apple, fine lees complexity and tropical fruit moments laced with fresh green herbs and pineapple. Crisp, dry, detailed and fruity, flavours mirror the bouquet led by the tropical and lemon then lees and herbs. Acidity is saline and salivating, some very fine fruit tannins and acidity along with lees impacts deliver a lush and textured mouthfeel. Balanced and well made with a long finish. Best drinking from 2023 through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $22.90
Seresin Mārama Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough. Fragrant and enticing bouquet that ticks the boxes of ripeness and intensity, complexity and power, core fruits and drying herbs of the variety and layers of intrigue from the use of barrel-fermentation. Aromas and flavours of cape gooseberry and peach, a touch of vanilla and barrel spices, ripe almost sweet grapefruit and a lemon mineral quality. Acidity and fine tannins and moderate alcohol set the structure in place and the core fruit and non-fruit flavours solidify the wines sense of place and time. Well made, dry on the finish and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $39.99
te Pā 'Oke' Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough. An excellent bouquet and palate with a smokey, fruit centric nose of grapefruit and white peach, lemon , apple then a lees and baking spices complexity. A satin touch on the palate is contrasted by acidity and core fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. Spice and nut, barrel ferment complexities and a lengthy saline and mouthwatering finish. An excellent example of a barrel-ferment style. Best drinking from 2023 through 2030. Fantastic value and an excellent food wine. 94 Points Excellent RRP form $24.95
Blank Canvas 'Abstract' Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough. Distinctive, complex, youthful, layered and intriguing bouquet. Aromas of white peach and soft-curve grapefruit pith, white fleshed orchard fruits, a distinctive lees complexity and a whisper of bottle ageing create a harmonious and alluring bouquet. There’s a touch of sage too. On the palate a delicious wine with synergies of texture and flavour, grapefruit and lees, white flowers and black currant, other flavours from barrel ageing and a purity of fruit all build up to a wine of complexity and subtle bottle-development. A wine to watch, a modern expression with a lengthy and intriguing finish. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $39.99
Two Rivers 'Convergence' Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough. Pungent, fruity, varietal, herbaceous and mineral. A bouquet of youth and power, variety and impact. Aromas of lemon and sage, white pineapple and lychee nut, there’s a flinty cool river stone quality with peach and passionfruit highlights. On the palate a salivating and saline touch with laser-like acid line contrasted by a core of fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Lengthy, refreshing and delicious, a wine best enjoyed from summer 2024 through 2027. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $20.99
Dog Point Vineyard 'Section 94' Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Marlborough. A bouquet of complexity and pungency, a varietal signature of ripe grapefruit and fresh herb, there’s a mineral and smokiness then aromas of peach and cape gooseberry, apple and moments of tropical fruits. On the palate a fine satin texture touches first then flavours of gooseberry and citrus, peach and apple, and a distinctive complexity from barrel fermentation and wild ferment aromas of wild flowers. The backbone of acidity deposits flavours and mineral throughout the palate as well as mouthfeel and youthful tension. Well made, Complex and lengthy. In short a delicious wine and excellent SB expression. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2028+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $40.99
SOHO Family Vineyards Stella Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough. Pungent, vibrant, distinctive and varietal with accents on apple and fruit spice, fine lees autolysis effect with a lightweight oatmeal quality then scents of pineapple and fresh herbs. Delicious on the palate, dry, salivating saline and intense. Flavours mirror the bouquet coming together in synergy as the wine develops on the palate. Well made, dry, fruity, varietal and ready. A wine for Summer 2024 and through 2028+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $24.55
Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough. A complex and layered bouquet with scents of place and style. Aromas of myriad white fleshed fruits and wild flower, suggestions of forest flower then crumbled stone mineral mixed with fine lees flavours adds complexity and breadth. Finely textured on the palate with a chalky acid line then river stone mineral before the flavours of fresh tree fruits and citrus take command. Plenty of acidity adds crunch and texture, a well made wine that delivers of style, texture and finish. Some classic attributes of tropical fruits and herbs also show. Best drinking from 2023 through 2027+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $26.99
Domain Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Bannockburn, Central Otago. Fantastic bouquet, complex and mineral, pure fruited with scents of citrus and lees compoexity, ripe white frleshed fruit suggesting peach and ripe red apple. Equally delicious as the wine touches the palate with a core of mineral and salinity, acidity carries flavours suggested by the bouquet along with a fine dried herb and gentle savoury lees quality. Overall a great texture and length. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $23.99
Rimapere Baron Edmond de Rothschild Plot 101 Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough. Classic and modern with an herbaceous, ripe, leesy and varietal with a core of sweet Meyer lemon and peach, fresh herbs and a soft sweet-sweat quality. Tense, crisp, salivating, fruity and dry as the wine touches the palate, flavours of fresh citrus and green apple, moments of cape gooseberry and fresh herbs. There’s a back bone of acidity that carries all the flavours adding its distinctive texture to the lengthy finish. Well made and ready to drink from 2023 through 2027. 94 Points Excellent RRP form $45.00
Framingham F-Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough. An excellent bouquet with soft leesy spices and dried herbs, a mix of peaches and gooseberries then spice moments from lees and cool climate vibrato. Delicious on the palate with lemon and grapefruit, white peach and sweet fresh herb qualities. Satin-smooth as it touches the palate then contrasting acid line and a core of fruit from contrast. Delicious and well made with best drinking from late 2023 through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $34.99
Giesen 'The August' Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough. A captivating bouquet of fresh citrus and white fleshed stone fruits layered between the complexities of oak, fine lees and nuanced barrel ferment. Satin-cream textures touch the palate first then citrus peel, apple and white fleshed fruits, lees and a light white nut barrel-spice. Balanced and well made, a wine for enjoying with or without food, has a dry finish and decent complexity. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2026. 93 Points Excellent RRP from $36.99
Fforte by Eaton Definition Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough. A lovely purity, freshness and lift with a core varietal signature of citrus and dried herb, lemon and quince, peach and a fine lees with barrel spice complexity. Enticing and curious. Fantastic on the palate with flavours that reflect the bouquet and the volume turned up on citrus and lees spices. Excellent textures with acidity and fine barrel tannins painting the palate before citrus and stone fruit flavours layer on top. A complete wine with salivating acidity, saline qualities and a lengthy generous finish. Delicious! Best drinking from 2023 through 2029. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $ 54.00
Chardonnay
Bell Hill Chardonnay 2019, North Canterbury.. Some similar themes to the 2016 with more fresh citrus at the core, white peach and crisp apple qualities. Flowers and chalk, seashell and saline air. Focused, youthful, dry and silken as the wine touches the palate. Seamless fruit and mineral quallities unfold on the palate. Excellent acid line and length. Quintessential Bell Hill with a whisper of positive reduction and flinty quality. There's a lot of power and finesse, charm, white flowers and barrel spices, oak layers in slowly and seamlessly. A truly exceptional expression. 98 Points Outstanding Not yet released
Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2021, Marlborough No mistaking the power and impact on the nose with a reductive spice laden, fresh citrus and peach qualities. Weight and richness continue on the palate. Peaches and fresh nut, grapefruit and apple, barrel spice and toast. Taut, dry, med+acidity, no mistaking the oak. Lees texture and a fine chalky mouthfeel. 95 points Outstanding RRP from $55.00
Greywacke Chardonnay 2018, Marlborough. Immediate power and impact with a striking bouquet of spice and peach fruits, some reductive fire and overall taut youthful impact. Vibrant and fresh, youthful and new. A wine with complexity and impact, yellow fleshed and yellow skin fruits. Long and complex, very young and will age well. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $42.00
TWR Chardonnay 2021, Marlborough. Fantastic nose and palate with a clearly defined bouquet of ripe stone fruits and barrel spices laced with lees ageing and a naturally higher acid line to frame these ideas and attributes. A satin-smooth texture touches the palate first them flavours of peach and apple, some grapefruit and lemon then baking spice and soft smoky barrel qualities. A mix of fruit and wood tannins layer in mouthfeel and length across the palate keeping the core fruits front and centre surrounded by texture and complexity. Delicious and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029. 96 Points. Outstanding. RRP form $42.00
Askerne Reserve Chardonnay 2022, Hawke's Bay. Complex and detailed bouquet with layers of fresh stone fruits and white fleshed tree fruits, some grapefruit and a light reductive gun flint quality. Complex and new. As the wine touches the palate textures of silk and cream, a near full-bodied mouthfeel with flavours that reflect the bouquet - stone and citrus fruits, a mix of baking spice and moderate toasty barrel influences. Complex and young still, great mouthfeel and finish. A lovely wine with best drinking from 2024 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $36.90
Ata Rangi 'Masters' Chardonnay 2021, Martinborough. Fantastic bouquet, pure, ripe, and new with white fleshed peach and apple, some lemon squeeze then gentle oak layers laced with lees spice and white flowers. Fine and pure on the palate, plenty of acidity and oak, mouthfeel and length. A wine for the cellar, a wine that reflects place and time, outstanding winemaking and purity. 96 points Outstanding RRP from $80.00
Greystone Organic Chardonnay 2022, Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Fragrant, enticing, complex and new with a freshness and enticement scents with white peach and sweet citrus, some ripe red apple flesh idea and core of lees offering a gun-flint and mineral saline scent. Lovely weight and intensity driven by mouthfeel and core fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. The lees and mineral qualities layer in complexity and style. An excellent wine with best drinking from 2024 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $50.00
Moss Wood Chardonnay 2022, Wilyabrup, Margaret River. A delicious wine on the nose and palate with core aromas and flavours of grapefruit and white fleshed stone fruits, spices of barrel and a fine positive reduction quality offering gun-flint and mineral. Additional flavours of lemon then apple, vanilla and roasted nut layer in complexity and texture. Tannins and acid line deliver mouthfeel, foundation and length through the palate. A dry wine with youthful, tautness and complexity. Best drinking from mid to late 2025 through 2034+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from AU $67.00
Caythorpe Family Estate Chardonnay 2020, Marlborough. Lots to like about the bouquet of this wine from the precise varietal signature to the flinty positive reduction touch. Aromas anbd flavours of white peach and ripe red apple flesh, some grapefruit then burnt butter and vanilla highlights. Crisp and dry as the wine touches the palate with flavours of citrus then stone fruits then a fine stony mineral quality. Fine fruit tannins and medium+ acid line wrap around the core of fruit to present a rather enticing medium+ weighted wine. Oak influence is low highlighting the purity of fruit and sense of place. Best drinking from 2023 through 2028. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $22.99
The Wrekin Vineyard 'Olive Grove' Chardonnay 2020, Marlborough. A delicious wine on the nose and palate with a bouquet of fresh citrus from grapefruit then lemon, white peach and apple, there’s layers of mineral and fine lees with any oak used feels minimal. Fine tannins and acidity set a sound foundation enhancing the mineral message and promoting the core fruit and sense of place expression. Well made, a wine that tastes and feels young still. A fine silky texture and plenty of acidity. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $50.00
Peregrine Chardonnay 2022, Central Otago. Ripe, pure fruited bouquet with layers of complexity from outstanding fruit condition, select barrels and expert winemaking. Aromas and flavours white peach and apricot, grapefruit and a fine lees autolysis with textures from acidity and oak, tannins and fruit concentration. Flavours and textures are persistent adding length and panache to a lovely example. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $50.00
Domaine Rewa Chardonnay 2021, Central Otago. Fabulous bouquet of mineral and white fleshed fruits, citrus and light-weight baking spices, barrel scents and a mineral driven complexity. Firm. youthful and dry on the palate with a some gunflint, white peach and citrus flavours. Tannins are fine and polished along with a refreshing acid line that folds in mouthfeel and complexity. Lovely texture and length, youthful, mineral and varietal. A lovely example with best drinking from 2023 through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $49.95
Tony Bish 'Heartwood' Chardonnay 2022, Hawke's Bay. Complex and enticing bouquet of fresh stone fruits and ripe citrus, there’s a layer of spice and cashew nut oak adding complexity and depth. As the wine opens out in glass aromas of crumbled stone and burnt butter, extended lees contact and some wild white floral and mineral combinations begin to emerge. Youthful, expressive textures, a moment of reduction with a flinty note, fruit and oak flavours mirror the bouquet framed by a structure of youth and power, concentration and style. A dry lengthy finish, taut and new, flavourful and classic Tony Bish style. Well made with best drinking from late 2024 through 2029+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $40.00
Trinity Hill 125 Gimblett Chardonnay 2022, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay. Fantastic bouquet, complex and intriguing, layers of fresh citrus and barrel spices, a core of lees and barrel spices, some positive light reductive qualities, crumbled stone and baked goods. Delicious, weighty, taut, youthful and fresh with a complex mouthfeel and structure, flavours of citrus and stone fruit reflect the bouquet. Fine tannins and plenty of acidity, texture and length. A wonderful example with best drinking from late 2024 through 2034. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $79.99
Collaboration Wines Aurulent Chardonnay 2022, Hawke's Bay. An excellent bouquet, classic Aurulent complexity with ripe stone fruit, a touch of cashew and lemon scents, layers of lees and soft brown barrel spices from barrel. The bouquet is full and elegant overall. On the palate a satin and raw silk touch with textures from acidity and barrel, lees and core fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. Dry with plenty of weight and length. A very modern expression of Chardonnay with attention to detail, judicious use of oak, finesse and texture from the lees work, fine tannins and deliciously textured mouthfeel. No food needed, just enjoy. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $40.00
Odyssey Reserve Iliad Chardonnay 2022, Gisborne. Highly polished deep straw tones with golden highlight lead toa bouquet of complexity depth. Aromas of peach and white fleshed nectarine, there’s a creamy vanilla custard suggested, wood smoke and wet clay mineral quality. Youthful and complex with a gentle positive reduction quality. Lovely weight and texture on the palate with a satin-cream touch then flavours of orchard fruits and citrus carried through a medium+ acid line and oak spice highlights. Delicious, lengthy and textured. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $37.99
Dog Point Vineyard Chardonnay 2021, Marlborough. A very enticing bouquet of ripe stone fruits and barrel spices, some wood smoke and blond tobacco suggestions. Excellent weight and intensity on the palate with a distinctive mouthfeel and texture, there’s no mistaking the oak, lees autolysis and baking spice qualities. Flavours of peaches and nectarines, grapefruit and white smoke all combine to deliver a wine of freshness and power. Best drinking from 2023 through 2029+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $45.99
Elephant Hill Salomé Chardonnay 2021, Hawke's Bay. A very complex bouquet that begins to reveal its layers once in glass for around ten minutes. Aromas of apples and salty stones, white peach and citrus zest. The impact of new oak is revealed with a toasty white smoke and baking spice package of scents, vanilla and raw cashew nut. There’s a core of umami scents that can only come from the synergies of soil, fruit, wood and outstanding winemaking. On the palate an exceptional wine with a youthful tautness and squeeze then flavours of stone-fruit and nut, citrus and barrel spice, fine tannins and acidity. A weighty wine on the palate with a youthful energy and drive along with a complex and dry finish. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2033. A wine that offers exceptional value. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from $95.00
Tony Bish Skeetfield Chardonnay 2022, Hawke's Bay. A complex and appealing bouquet of white fleshed fruits and gun flint, apple and new barrel, layers of fine lees suggesting chalk and fresh unroasted nut. Equally complex and delicious on the palate with a crisp and finely textured mouthfeel, acidity is on point carrying a fine lees and saline texture, flavours of white fleshed stone fruits and citrus are persistent adding weight and finesse, complexity comes from the synergies and purity of fruit, spice and nut. Such a well made wine reflecting its vineyard and expert wine making. With a lengthy finish this wine will reward those who invest and cellar. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030+. 97 Points Outstanding RRP from $79.99
Greystone Erin's Chardonnay 2021, Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. A complex and textured bouquet with scents of grapefruit and limestone chalky mineral suggestions, baked yellow apple, lees and wildflowers. The oak scents layer in structure and spice and the lees add finesse and breadth. Dry, complex and delicious on the palate with texture framing flavours that reflect the bouquet, a naturally higher acid line expands the citrus and zest-like qualities, oak is present yet layers in quietly and adds in a mix of fine tannins, spice and flavours. Lengthy and delicious with best drinking from 2024 through 2030. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $135.00
Smith & Sheth CRU Howell Vineyard Chardonnay 2021, Hawke's Bay. Fabulous bouquet of complexity and individuality, scents of peach and apple custard, white nectarine and layers of lees and barrel and white smoke. A youthful taut texture touches the palate first with contrasting flavours of yellow and white fleshed stone fruits, lemon and a core of mineral stony soils then white smoke and new wood power. Tannins and acidity deliver additional mouthfeel without compromising the core fruit drive. A delicious wine that will reward those who cellar till 2025 then enjoy through 2034+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $60.00
Palliser Estate 'Om Santi' Chardonnay 2022, Martinborough. Complex, enticing and familiar with a bouquet of wild orchard fruits, citrus pith and a complex leesy barrel spice combination. Wood smoke and vanilla, some burnt butter and baked cashew nut qualities add complexity and depth. Excellent weight and texture on the palate, flavours of citrus zest and fresh white peaches, apple and barrel spices layer in for complexity and depth. A delicious wine with texture, length and excellent mouthfeel. It’s floral and charming, weighty and varietal. Best drinking from 2025 through 2033+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $82.99
Matawhero Irwin Chardonnay 2021, Gisborne. This flagship style from the Matawhero team never fails to impress, this wine showcases a bouquet and palate of complexity, layers of ripe yellow and white fleshed fruits, cashew nut and white smoke barrel impacts. There’s a definitively flinty, mineral quality, a gravel and stony earth quality and warming alcohol. Acidity and some finer wood tannins add mouthfeel and length on the palate. A complex yet youthful wine that has potential to age well and offer excellent drinking in the future when stored well. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $60.00
Helio Chardonnay 2022, Hawke's Bay. A bouquet of purity and focus with scents of fresh red apple and peach, citrus and moments of pith. There’s a definitive layer of stone and clay mineral then soft barrel scents, lees and complexities from the synergies presented. Satin cream textures touch the palate first then flavours of citrus, apple and white peach. As the wine opens out in glass and becomes ambient the impact of acidity, ripe fruits and soil mineral qualities begin to emerge. Taut, youthful and dry, a lengthy finish with a fine mealy mouthfeel and developing complexity. Best drinking from 2024 through 2032. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $45.00
Westbrook SV Chardonnay 2019, Waimauku, Auckland. A complex and enticing bouquet, in fact seductive and rather alluring. Aromas of white fleshed orchard fruits and ripe citrus, there’s a natural flinty quality enhancing the mineral signature of place and vintage. Delicious, fresh, youthful, salivating and complex with layers of flavours from ripe grapefruit and white peach to tropical apples and a leesy-woody spice complexity alongside a gentle gun-flint reductive energy. Delicious, lengthy and still youthful. A wine for the cellar or imbibing today, you will not be disappointed. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030+. 96 points Outstanding RRP from $45.00
Kumeu River selection - Auckland
Coddington Chardonnay 2022. Always a favourite of mine and this ‘22 example is no fabulous. A little closed, youthful and new. That said there's complexity and finesse as the wine opens out in glass, flavours and textures of grapefruit and fresh apple, cashew nut and spice layers from barrel, but nothing overdone. A wine of finesse and complexity, a Meursault moment with a silky and satin cream texture. Super fine tannins. A beautiful wine. 96 Points Outstanding
Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2022. Complex and alluring bouquet, layers of spice and mineral, core white fleshed fruits and lees mineral complexities. As the wine opens out in glass and warms a little, the mouthfeel, fruit and floral tones blossom and expand. Fantastic texture and length, persistent mouthfeel, a cashew nut butter note, barrel spice moments and synergies from the collection of attributes and inputs. Lengthy, taut and complex. A wine for the cellar still. Best from 2025 through 2035+. 97 Points Outstanding
Mate's Chardonnay 2022. This wine celebrates the 30th vintage of Mate's wine. Purity and freshness, complexity and finesse. Floral and mineral, cashew and sweet spice moments. Complexities from on the palate with textures of acidity against the citrus fruit and sweet pith flavours, white fleshed fruits and a touch of grape fruit peel. Pure and silky, A fabulous wine, exciting and textured, lengthy and persistent. An exciting opportunity. 98 Points Outstanding
Neudorf 'Home Block' Moutere Chardonnay 2022, Nelson. Complex and youthful with a seductive and alluring and complete bouquet with scents of ripe white fleshed tree fruits, crushed raw cashew nut, a mix of yellow fleshed stone fruit and layers of lees spices, wild flowers and white smoke of oak and soil. The youth and tautness touches the palate briefly before a satin touch and flavours of citrus and tree fruits follow. As the wine opens out across the palate and gains warmth flavours of peach and soil, flowers and fine chalky textures with a lees complexity and mineral core. A wine for the cellar please with best drinking from late 2024 or early 20205 through 2035+. Fantastic wine. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $90.00
Black Barn Vineyards Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022, Hawkes Bay. Rich and bold, nutty and fresh, aromas of toasty wood and barrel spices, white and yellow stone fruits, grapefruit peel and roasted Brazil-nut butter cream. There’s a lees and oak spice in combination adding depth and complexity to a youthful and enticing bouquet overall. A full-bodied, taut and youthful, silken-cream wine touches the palate first, then flavours of white stone fruits, apple and citrus follow. Acidity, nut and tannins layer in mouthfeel and additional texture leading to lengthy exacting finish. A lovely example with a whisper of playful reduction, a wine for the cellar with best drinking from late 2024 through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $45.00
Tony Bish Golden Egg Chardonnay 2022, Hawke's Bay. Complexity is immediate with scents of grapefruit and white peach, crushed stone minerality, gun flint, lees and a gentle reductive persona. As the wine opens up in glass the scents of fruit then spice, mineral and complexity become louder. Dry, delicious, expressive textures and taut youthful textures touch the palate first. Flavours of white fleshed stone fruits, lees spice and texture and citrus then mineral touch. A delicious wine with best drinking from late 2023 through 2029. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $44.99
Auntsfield Cob Cottage Chardonnay 2020, Southern Valleys, Marlborough. A rather fabulous bouquet of concentration, variety, vintage and place. Aromas and flavors of yellow and white peach, sweet grapefruit and cashew nut, baked apple, lemon and vanilla. Not full-bodied, rather a complete wine with power from fruit concentration and acidity, the warming alcohol and complexity floods the palate with a persistent texture, flavour and length. A lovely example ready for by the glass or in the cellar still. Well made with best drinking from 2024 through 2030+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $48.00
Ribbon Vale Margaret River Chardonnay 2022, Margaret River, Western Australia. Bright, fresh, fruity with layers of barrel spices, citrus and peach, some apple and moments of yoghurt and creamed vanilla. A lovely weight and mouthfeel as the wine touches the palate, acidity, oak and wood tannins along with a warming alcohol set a decent foundation and structure for both fruit and ageing. The wine comes together nicely on day two showcasing its proclivity for ageing. Will also be very good with food. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029. 93 Points Excellent RRP from AU $74.99
Smith & Sheth CRU Chardonnay 2021, Heretaunga, Hawke's Bay. There’s no mistaking the ripeness of fruit and pungency of stones and new barrel are locked into the bouquet. Nectarines and fresh peaches, grapefruit skin and raw sugar scent of oak. Youthful, vibrant and complex. Equally youthful and bright on the palate with a satin-cream touch then contrasting acidity and core fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Tannins from wood then fruit along with a decent acid line set the structure then plushness form ripe fruits and weight from the alcohol and complexity fill-out the palate. A delicious example with power and presence, a great drink on its own or with food. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $40.00
Pyramid Valley Chardonnay 2021, North Canterbury. It’s easy the be seduced by the bouquet with combinations of white fleshed fruits and wild flowers, complexity from lees and wood spices, apple and citrus, mineral and crushed cashew-nut. Flavours on the palate immediately reflect the bouquet layering in a delicate quince then peach quality. Textures are of a youthful wine with vibrant acidity and fine wood tannins, fruit flavours weaving together with wood and lees. A wine with complexity and power, charm and youthful flinty vibrato. Best drinking from mid to late 2024 through 2030. Store properly and this wine with reward. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $40.00
Fromm Clayvin Vineyard Chardonnay 2021, Marlborough. Fantastic bouquet and palate, a layered expression with scents of crisp white orchard fruits including peach and apple, there’s a core of mineral and honeysuckle, lees and gentle spices of barrel. Very fine tannins link with acidity and ripe fruit volume to deliver a textured mouthfeel, length and complexity. A lengthy and detailed finish, a wine that is even better on day two. Best drinking from 2023 through 2029+. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $55.00
Prophets rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes 2020, Bendigo, Central Otago. A totally captivating bouquet, exotic spices, elegance and finesse. Both the nose and palate offer a pure fruit attack with white peach and pear then apple and white flowers, very fragrant. A soft salty mineral layer adds texture, depth and complexity – and reflects the wild ferment technique. Satin through silk and fine creamy texture, fine tannins, long finish. Drink now and through 2024. If Chardonnay were shoes – this would be in the Louboutin section! 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $98.00
Aromatic and Semi-aromatic Varieties
Clos de Ste Anne 'La Bas' Chenin Blanc 2021, Gisborne . Authentic, natural, classic and true to the Millton story of fine wine. Aromas and flavours of fresh baked apple, there’s a waxy fruit skin quality and delicate scents of lanolin and white spice, mineral and white flower. Dry on the palate with a silky smooth texture. There’s just a few grams of residual sugar that contrast the back bone of acidity and stretches the textures across the palate evenly. Delicious, new, varietal and complex. best drinking from 2023 through 2033+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $79.99
Stonecroft Viognier 2023, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay. Complex and fragrant, aromas of apricots and peaches, there’s a natural fruits spice quality and mineral scents of clay stone. Delicious on the palate with a silky cream texture that touches first, near full-bodied with warming alcohol and core fruit building mouthfeel. Moderate+ acidity with fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet, fine tannins and excellent back palate phenolics. Lengthy and well made with best drinking from early 2024 through 2029. 93 Points. Excellent. RRP from $29.00
TWR Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2023, Marlborough. Fleshy textures touch the palate first with layers of fruit spice, a gentle savoury dried herb quality, wild white flowers and fruit flavours that cross the spectrum of tree and citrus through tropical and exotic. A dry wine with a core of fresh fruit flavours, spice and florals, medium+ acid line and a lengthy umami finish. An excellent food wine with best drinking from 2024 through 2029. Gewurztraminer is in my top 5 wines to drink, Anna and Jason show us how it’s done. 95 Points. Outstanding. RRP from $38.00
Neudorf Rosie's Block Moutere Riesling 2023, Nelson. Aromatic and enticing, aromas and flavours of limes and white apricots, fresh red apple and white blossoms. The minerality is just below the surface and with emerge with more power as the wine settles and ages more. Dry, taut, plenty of acidity and and drive dominating the mouthfeel, with citrus and tree fruit flavours dominating the flavours. Delicious and new with best drinking from late 2025 through 2035. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $33.00
Ata Rangi Craighall Riesling 2017, Martinborough. Immediately recognisable fragrances of lime and lemon, a core of mineral and scents of blossoms and fresh red apple. Beginning to develop the attributes are knitted together into a seamless aromatic expression. On the palate - dry, fine-tuned textures with acidity carrying flavours of white fleshed orchard fruits, citrus and layers of pear and white peach. Lime-flower and apple blossoms, a gently flinty mineral quality and salivating mouthfeel. A delicious wine, lengthy, dry, well made and will continue to age and develop if stored properly. 96 Points Outstanding RRP from $33.00
Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Grand Cru Saering 2020, Alsace. Complex and detailed, a satin-cream textured bouquet with aromas of white spice and lemon, lees complexities and pressed flowers, baked apple and pear, some tropical fruit notes and a granitic soil core. Dry, fresh, youthful, taut, salivating and delicious. A young wine with a powerful heartbeat of style and intensity. Flavours mirror the bouquet with a youthful texture and whisper of classic bitterness back palate. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $66.99
Neudorf Rosie's Block Moutere Albariño 2023, Nelson. A delicious wine from start to finish with a light satin texture, flavours of white fleshed stone fruits and then citrus, a wine of transition on the palate beginning with white peach at the front and a mix of lemon and pear at the back. The texture is excellent with a fine chalky mouthfeel, some back palate tension and overall medium to light-weight mouthfeel. There’ s a light saline quality which is classic for the style. Best drinking from 2023 through 2027+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $33.00
Squawking Magpie 'The Chatterer' Pinot Gris 2023, Hawke's Bay. Immediately enticing bouquet of fresh, ripe tree fruits - from quince to pear then apple to white peach. Delicious on the palate with a vibrant texture touching first, acidity delivers a lively mouthfeel, spice and a core of ripe white fleshed orchard fruits that mirror the bouquet. The palate weight is ideal carrying core flavours and textures throughout. A well made wine ready to drink from day of purchase through 2027.. Fantastic value. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $23.95
Lamont Dry Riesling 2019, Bendigo, Central Otago. A lovely bouquet of elderflower and citrus, fresh apple and pear. Youthful still with integrating scents of seamlessness and complexity. Equally youthful still on the palate with a core of acidity and citrus then flavours of white fleshed fruits, apple and lime-flower. A lovely wine with a salivating acid line, lightweight and complex. Best drinking from 2024 through 2034. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $30.00
Foxes Island Awatere Estate Dry Riesling 2016, Marlborough. A perfect expression of Riesling with aromas and textures of white peach and lemon. A touch of lime too with a fine lees and floral synergy. A silk touch on the palate is contrasted by flavours of citrus and tree fruits and carried through the palate with a ripe acid line. Gets even better at 12 Celsius revealing more concentration and power. Lengthy finish, well made and delicious. Best drinking from 2023 through 2033. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $32.50
Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2022, North Canterbury. The Bel Canto style is immediately reflected in this new release example, showcasing a slick and vibrant bouquet of lemon rind and apple, a mix of marmalade and honeysuckle, mineral and fruit spice. On the palate all these flavours ideas explode throughout carried throughout the palate with a back bone of acidity and fine silky mouthfeel thereafter. Youthful and taut, a wine that will surely age well if cellared properly. Lengthy, fresh and ready to drink from today if you like, best from 2026 through 2035+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $40.00
Misha's Vineyard 'Lyric' Riesling 2022, Central Otago. Fantastic aromatics of fresh, ripe citrus and white fleshed stone fruits, lemon and green apple, green pear and apricot stone. Aromas of white blossoms and core of minerality step out and stand tall within the bouquet. Salivating and crisp textures touch the palate first with a saline, high acid backbone, contrasting. An exacting wine perfect as an aperitif style and easily matches myriad seafood and fresh hors d'oeuvre type dishes. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2034+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $34.00
Carrick 'Josephine' Organic Riesling 2023, Bannockburn, Central Otago. Aromas of variety and mineral, wild white flowers and pear, fresh red apple and sweet Meyer lemon. Fragrant, lifted and enticing. On the palate a medium-sweet expression with flavours of lemon and sherbet, apple, lime and lemon along with contrasting acid line. Fresh, lively and delicious, a wine perfect as an aperitif or with delicately sweet seafood. Lengthy, balanced and well made. Best drinking from 2023 through 2030+. 95 Points Outstanding https://www.carrick.co.nz/collection/wine/
Ataahua Riesling 2023, Waipara. The bouquet of this wine is immediate with minerality and floral delicacy, aromas of crunchy red and green apple, pear and lime-flower then a synergy of these attributes on the palate which builds complexity and intrigue. Cool climate acidity accentuates the limestone mineral suggestions, there’s a light saline quality then white fleshed fruit and citrus flavours return. Delicious and fresh, dry on the finish, lengthy and well made. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $28.00
Rippon Mature Vine Riesling 2021, Wanaka, Central Otago. Wonderful purity and freshness with complexity and power, ripeness and sophistication. Aromas and flavours of preserved lemon and citrus tart, some apricot stone and core of mineral stone. Perfectly balanced as the wine touches the palate - flavours of sweet lemon and fruit spice, yellow apple and wild white flowers. The extended lees contact layers in mouthfeel and complexity without compromising the power, energy and completeness. Fine with mature vine completeness and back bone of acidity, a wine worthy of your attention. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030+. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $41.99
Astrolabe Sleepers Vineyard Kēkerengū Coast Pinot Gris 2023, Marlborough. Delicious, fresh, textured, saline, bright and fruity with a varietal core of green pear and apple, then layers of lees and gently warming alcohol deliver a satin-textured mouth feel with contrasting fine fruit tannins. A dry wine on the finish contrasted by core ripe white fleshed fruit flavours with a touch of citrus. Clean, bright, fresh and ready to drink from 2023 through 2026+. 93 Points. Excellent. RRP from $26.99
Brick Bay Pinot Gris 2022, Matakana. There’s no mistaking the variety, purity and enticement the bouquet of this wine offers. Seamless scents of white fleshed stone fruits wrapped in a fine lees, apple and white flowers, a whisper of ginger spice and a layer of clay minerality. Youthful and complex. Excellent on the palate with a silk-cream texture touching first then contrasting acidity carrying flavours white fleshed fruit that reflect the bouquet, a touch of citrus then a lees mealy quality. Well made and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $35.00
Sweet Wines
Framingham 'F-Series' Riesling Kabinett 2023, Marlborough. A perfectly balanced wine with a taut, citrus-filled attack, flavours of apples and white peach, pear and sherbet. Acidity is laser-like with its own ripeness and power, the sweetness is minimal and reflect the ripeness of the fruit leading to a dry wine on the finish. A lovely wine with ideal drinking before dinner. Best from day of purchase through 2035+. 94 Points. Excellent. RRP from $39.99
Spy Valley Operation: Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Marlborough. Deep golden hues with a copper tinge and shiny polished appearance. Aromas of honey and honeyed fruits, quince and baked apple, beeswax and treacle, apricot and caramel. Thick-cream and silk texture with weight and intensity coat the palate first then contrasting acidity alongside flavours that reflect the bouquet deliver with intensity and power. Delicious, fresh, cream and sweet. A wine perfect for spicy soups or very sweet dessert. I’m thinking sticky-date pudding with caramel sauce and ice-cream. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2028+. 94 points Excellent RRP from $35.00
Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked Riesling 2022, North Canterbury. An excellent bouquet of lime and fresh tropical flowers, apples and lemons, honeysuckle and spice. Off-dry as the wine touches the palate with acidity immediately offering contrast and freshness. Flavours of honeysuckle and some honeyed fruits from white apricot to apple and citrus are at the core of the palate. A complete wine with a lengthy delicious finish. Best drinking from 2023 through 2033+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $45.99
Mondillo Nina Late Harvest Riesling 2022, Central Otago. A totally delicious wine with aromas and flavours of sweet limes and white peaches, there’s honeyed fruit and honeysuckle and a mineral quality. Sweet, silk-cream texture with a core of ripe, citrus and stone fruit flavours, some apple and honeyed fruits. Contrasting acidity delivers backbone as well as carrying and depositing all the attributes through the palate. Excellent with roasted salmon as much as it is with cheeses and dessert. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030. 95 Points Outstanding RRP form $38.00
Everything else
Mills Reef Winery Gimblett Gravels Vintage Port 2021, Hawke's Bay. Smooth and creamy textures lead to a palate full of dark berry and chocolate flavours. There’s blackberry and coconut, boysenberry and baking spices, clove and milk chocolates, leather and cinnamon. Off-dry with a natural sweetness, plenty of alcohol for heat and texture. A delicious wine ready for cheeses and desserts. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030+. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $49.95
Terrace Edge Saint Laurent 2020, North Canterbury. A lovely wine with fragrances of black currant and new leather, blackberry fruits, violets and dark baking spices of clove and vanilla and some smoky wood complexities. On the palate the textures from tannins and acidity weave through the core fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. The genetic link to Pinot Noir shows through the red berry fruit flavours. A great drinking wine and smart choice alternative to Pinot Noir. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $40.00
Jules Taylor Wine 'The Jules Rosé' 2023, Marlborough. A delightful fragrant and floral bouquet with scents of bing-cherry and roses, red apple and peach, bright, youthful and enticing. Delicious on the palate with a satin texture, contrasting acid line and flavours that mirror the bouquet. Some fine tannins and acidity combine to offer a chalk-like mouthfeel and with the core fruit delivering persistency this wine is excellent for summer and aperitif drinking from day of purchase through 2026. 94 Points Excellent RRP from $22.99
Q Rosé 2023, Waitaki Valley. As always this wine is a reflection of the quality of fruit at harvest and winemaking skill, a bouquet of ripe red cherry, rose water and sweet cranberry. There’s a pinosity at the core with scents of raspberry and a lofted floral quality. Satin smooth as the wine touches the palate with flavours of rose and red fruits that reflect the bouquet. Super fine tannins and a chalky textured acid line layer in mouthfeel and quality. Best drinking from 2024 through end of summer 2026. 95 Points Outstanding RRP from $33.00
Bottled Water
Tasting wine requires a cleansed palate best achieved with excellent water. Where possible when tasting wine I cleanse my palate with low dissolved solids mineral water. The best in New Zealand for the last 20 years has been Antipodes Water.
More recently I have also been enjoying and using Fleck Water
Antipodes Water, Whakatane – 95 Points
Fleck Water, Central Otago – 94 Points