Black Estate Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir reviewed

Black Estate Damsteep Riesling 2017 North Canterbury

Complex and engaging bouquet of Riesling. Aromas of soil and lees, spice and wild flowers give way to second aromas of sweet lemon and yellow apple, a whisper of quince and spice. Dry on the palate with a core of fruit making the wine nicely fruit sweet, but also packed with texture and flavour - the high-ish acidity contrasts the fruit, a chalky, clay-like mealy texture adds length and complexity, a whisper of spice adding depth and intrigue. A lovely wine that still speaks to Riesling. Tasted at cellar temperature seems perfect for this example. Drink now and through 2024.

94 Points

Organic and Vegan friendly

Black Estate Home Chenin Blanc 2017 North Canterbury

There’s no mistaking the yellow deep straw hues with aromas of apples and quince, wild flowers and an array of white baking spice suggestions. Complex and intriguing. On the palate this wine will grab your attention quickly - it is dry, salivating, spicy and different. The natural ferment along with significant texture and ginger-spice led flavours then apples and pears, a cider note and complexity add up to a wine that will impress many, but not all Chenin fans. Persistent lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2020.

88 Points

Vegan friendly, Organic, Whole bunch, Wild & barrel ferment

Black Estate Netherwood Chardonnay 2016 North Canterbury

Deep yellow and straw-gold hues lead to aromas of pineapple and peach, apple and nectarine, layers of lees and spice, and a crushed mineral core. Very engaging on the palate with textures from silk to cotton and flavours that not only reflect the nose, but develop further on the palate. Both nose and palate do not feature oak aromas or flavours, but does reflect the environment of older wine barrel with sophisticated -and layered textures. Decent acid level, plenty of weight, but not full-bodied, lengthy and detailed finish. drink now and through 2022.

93 Points

Hand picked, Foot crushed, natural ferment, old barrel, vegan friendly

Black Estate French Farm Pinot Gris 2018 North Canterbury

Varietal, fruity, spicy and detailed bouquet - layers of white fleshed fruits, lees derived spice suggestions, luscious almost creamy texture greets the nose. Just dry on the palate with textures and palate feel of equal levels to the flavours of fruit and spice, a cider and wild ferment mineral layer defines this wine as different. Medium acidity and weight, balanced and well quite lengthy. Very enjoyable example. Drink now and through 2021.

88 Points

Hand harvested, whole bunch pressed, natural ferment, unfined & filtered, vegan friendly

Black Estate Netherwood Pinot Noir 2016 North Canterbury

Varietal and distinctively complex with aromas of wild spices, plenty of fresh and wild red berry fruits, savoury undertones, layers of earth and mineral scents, understated oak. Dry, savoury, wild flowers and dried herb flavours. Tension and intrigue from the tannins , medium+ acidity, medium weight and textured lengthy finish. Understated oak sits in the background so the combined natural flavours and textures can speak the loudest. Well made, a different and exciting expression of Pinot Noir. Not for everyone, but will please many. drink now and through 2024.

92 Points

Natural fermentation, 100% whole cluster, 28 days skin contact, unfined and unfiltered

Circuit by Black Estate Chardonnay 2018 North Canterbury

Aromas of vanilla and peach, whipped cream and apricot, soft creamy oak tones and moderate complexity. Dry weighty wine on the palate with a creamy texture and flavours that match the nose with a vanilla spice and mild toasty wood layer. Balanced and well made with decent length and finish.

88 Points