Smith & Sheth

Smith & Sheth CRU Chardonnay 2018 Heretaunga, Hawkes Bay

Attractive bouquet of Chardonnay with aromas suggesting baked custard and peach, vanilla and new oak, yellow apple, baked stones and ripe grapefruit. Dry, weighty, firm, youthful and tense on the palate. Flavours match the nose, but this wine is more about texture and power, length and concentration. Fine wood tannins, medium acidity, satin texture and flavours of stone and tree fruits that match the nose, the citrus note of grapefruit returns. Long finish with a baked custard, cashew and spice. A lovely wine with a long finish and great future. Drink from 2020 and through 2024. 93 Points

Smith & Sheth CRU Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Wairau, Marlborough

Intense, fruity, quite pungent and varietal with aromas and flavours of fresh pineapple and basil, a a sting of grapefruit, lemon and white peach. A touch of fruit spice, lees and hay. Loads of texture from plenty of acidity with a flinty salty layer. Well made, vibrant and ready, in fact delicious! Drink now and through 2022. 94 Points

Smith & Sheth CRU Howell Vineyard Chardonnay 2018, Hawkes Bay

No mistaking the bouquet of this wine with new French Oak, toasted Brazil nut and baked yellow stone fruit aromas. Full, rich, layered and loud. Full-bodied, rich, nutty, creamy and fruity to the core. The acidity and wood tannins add texture while the fruit adds contrast and complexity. Lengthy finish and well made. Drinkable today though best with foods that calm the oak, then on its own from 2021 through 2024+.

93 Points

Smith & Sheth CRU Kawarau Pinot Noir 2018, Central Otago

Vibrant, fruity, quite intense, varietal and very engaging bouquet of Pinot Noir. Dark raspberry, forest berry and cherry fruit aromas, wood spices and dried herb. Equally engaging on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose, plenty of acidity, firm youthful fruit and tannins create a sound structure. Lots of vanilla and toasty wood layers. Youthful, well made and cellar ready. Decant for service and serve with food. Best from 2021 through 2025.

94 Points

Smith & Sheth CRU Omahu Cantera 2017 Hawkes Bay

This Cabernets Sauvignon, Franc and Tempranillo blend suggests a bouquet of sweet meats ans baking spices, tobacco and dark plum, cassis, vanilla, smoke and cloves. A bold expression on the palate with flavours of dark berries and wood, sweet meats and new leather. No mistaking the power, youth and vibrancy of this still young wine. Lengthy finish, layered and well made. Drinking well now with food, decant for service. Cellar too if desired. 94 Points