Odyssey Wines - a range of current releases tasted and rated
Winemaker Rebecca Salmond has once again shown her how expert her winemaking skills are through these wines. My experiences with the Odyssey range has always been one of balance, flavour, texture and varietal correctness.
Odyssey Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Vegan and Certified Organic) - Immediately plush, fruity, vibrant and intensely varietal. Aroma sand flavours of fresh white fleshed fruits, citrus and tropical notes. Nice tension on the palate from acidity then a soft and creamy texture contrasts. The core of this wine is the variety, lift and flavour intensity. Balanced and well made, long finish and delicious! 93 Points - Excellent
Odyssey Marlborough Pinot Gris 2019 (Vegan and Certified Organic) - Complex and familiar, varietal, fruity and gently spicy bouquet. Flavours white fleshed fruits of apples and pears, some Asian pear and a moments of five spice. The use of old barrel adds in layers of texture in contrast to the acidity, core of fruit flavours and creamy texture. A lovely wine with charm, a lengthy finish and complexity. What’s not to like! Best drinking from today and through 2023+. 93 Points - Excellent
Odyssey Reserve Iliad Gisborne Chardonnay 2019 - A powerful and precise bouquet with aromas of ripe peach and apricot, apple and spices wood, moderately toasty and layers of yoghurt and a touch of baked custard. On the palate - delicious with with a pure and attractive fleshy core, plenty weight from the alcohol and oak, fruit and wood tannins. There’s also tension with a youthful squeeze on the plate from acidity and a citrus peel & pith combination. Harmonious, balanced and well made with a long finish and complexity. Best drinking from 2021 through 2027+. 94 Points - Excellent
Odyssey Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2020 (Vegan) - Very new, fresh, pure and bright with aromas and flavours of light red berry fruits - sweet cherry and red plums, no mistaking the red apple skin and a touch of peach tea. Satin textures with plenty of acidity, great balance and length. An easy selection for summer drinking through 2022. 92 Points - Recommended
Odyssey Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 (Certified Organic) - Immediately varietal, youthful, fresh and enticing. Aromas and flavours of crunchy red skinned fruits - plum, cherry and apple. Fine and dry with firm-ish chalky tannins, medium+ acidity and fruit flavours that mirror the nose. Balanced and well made, ready to enjoy from today and through 2024+. 90 Points - Recommended
Odyssey Reserve Iliad Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 (Certified Organic) - Immediately complex, focused, layered and fine. There’s a concentration of red berry fruits and wood spices, flowers and minerality. As the wine opens up in glass flavours of plums and darker berries begin to emerge. An abundance of tannins - with a chalk and chalk dust texture, medium+ acidity, core of fruit and lengthy dry finish. A lovely example, fine, balanced and well made. Best drinking from today and through 2027+. 95 Points - Excellent
Odyssey Limited Release Hera Gisborne Chardonnay 2018 - This limited release wine has a fantastic bouquet, mouthfeel and flavour package. Tense and ripe with a mix of citrus and stone fruits, a flinty tense and dry finish with wood spices and baked goods, fine tannins and well positioned acidity. Balanced, complex, tense, fine and long. Best drinking from today and through 2028+. 95 Points Excellent