Crown Range Cellar

China Girl by Crown Range Cellar 2016 Central Otago

Complex bouquet of Pinot Noir with exotic barrel spices, a Central Otago core of raspberry and dark red cherry fruits, smoky French oak and soft wild thyme. Equally complex and intense on the palate with textures of chalky tannins and medium+ acidity, crushed schist and flinty mineral earthy qualities then a core of red berry fruits. Varietal, youthful, tense and poised for cellar ageing. Balanced and well made. Best drinking from 2021 through 2028. 95 Points

Crown Range Cellar Pinot Noir 2017 Central Otago

Crafted by Grant Taylor and one of only 1200 bottles produced - Varietal, focused bouquet of ripe Pinot Noir fruit - floral and fragrant with rose and raspberry flowers, ripe red berry fruits, toasty sweet barrel spices and mineral undertones. These ideas transition to the palate seamlessly with firm tannins and abundant acidity, a core of raspberry and red berry fruit flavours, whispers of wild thyme and baking spices. Complex lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2027. 95 Points

Crown Range Cellar Syrah 2012 Lorgeril, Southern France

Crafted by Patrick Leon and one of only 750 bottles produced - Classically styled SW France Syrah with aromas of sweet red meats and red berries, bouquet garni and granitic soils; bottle age and distinctive oak spices. Delicious, complex, layered and dry. A hint of VA adds lift and charm to the fruit, wood and spice flavours. The aged red meat and bouquet garni suggestions adding complexity and depth. Abundant fine tannins with a dusty and slight chalky feel, medium acidity and toasty wood flavours. This wine is ready to enjoy, but will also continue to cellar for a while if desired. Best drinking from today and through 2024.

96 Points

RIP Patrick