Man O' War launch the Kulta Wine Series - tasted and rated
Tulia Methode Traditionnelle 2017 - This is the fourth release of this particular methode, made with 100% Chardonnay fruit from a single block. The wine is fermented with full solids before spending 20 months entreillage (capturing the sparkle). The bouquet is quite an exotic with aromas of Asian spices, a wild lees autolysis adds a definitive complexity, fruit aromas suggest grapefruit, apple, peach and honeysuckle. With no dosage the wine finishes completely dry making it ideal as an aperitif and well suited to fresh shell fish (among other delicacies). 11% abv, only 4800 bottles RRP $75.00
94 Points
Excellent
Kulta Matilda Chardonnay 2019 - This very modern style of Chardonnay makes full use of the solids (suspended in the cuvee) before the wine is barrel fermented. Another modern feature of this wine is that there is no MLF (Malolactic fermentation) so the fans of the big butter expressions will be taken on a new adventure - you won’t be disappointed. Aromas an flavours of nut and spice are quite rich with smoky toasty stone fruits, peach with a touch of pith. Toasted brazil nut and apple then apricot. Lovely palate texture with fine tannins and plenty of acidity showcasing flavour and intensity. Don’t be afraid to cellar this wine with best drinking from late 2021 through 2028+. Incidentally the vine-age for this fine example is 15-20 years utilising clones 15, mendoza and B 95. RRP $100.00
95 Points
Outstanding
Kulta Syrah 2018 - Dense, ripe, richly scented bouquet and plenty of varietal impact. Quite Rhone like as well with aromas of dark berries and oak, dark berries, bracken and clove and smoked meats. With a core of dark raspberry, plum alongside firm tannins and plenty of acidity the wine presents youthful, firm, young and complex. It definitely needs cellar time. Additionally there is a core mineral seam that tastes iron rich and quite salty. Delicious! RRP $150.00
94 Points
Excellent
Kulta Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Petit Verdot 2018 - A wine with huge potential, is cellar worthy, but also drinkable today if decanted and rested for several hours first. Made with a nod to the right-bank of Bordeaux style - Aromas and flavours of dark berries and spices, plums and violets. There’s an umami seam adding palate richness as well as complexity. A core of dark berries, olive and spices, a herbal - Waiheke signature then a swing back to fruits an oak. A wine with power and intensity, firm tannins - ripe, plentiful acidity and a tense, young lengthy finish. This wine will age 15-20 years if stored well. This finish is equally bold revealing some iron mineral flavours just on the finish. 75% New French oak used. RRP $150.00
95 Points
Outstanding