Tasting Notes 46 found

Rich and echt-Australian shiraz. Paired with a dish of duck confit with roast fresh figs and a duck stock glaze, this was a stunning match. Unlike 5 years ago, tonight the 15% alcohol did not intrude and the over-the -top aspects of he wine at that stage have moderated into a wine in early maturity. Rich and warm shiraz fruit, masses of burnt rubber, plenty of American oak and leathery and earthy complexity have lifted this wine into a different level of complexity. I would suggest that based on this showing, the wine will continue to improve and develop new layers. It is absolutely worth drinking now, although I will keep my next bottle for another 3 years. Classic Aussie shiraz that pays hommage to the old-school style but adds the (Parkerized) high alcohol and pushed ripeness levels. (3024 views)

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Bright pink/salmon. Ripe and textural. Opulent raspberry fruit with a rich mid to back palate, with quite a spicy finish. This is about as good as pinot noir based roses can get. (428 views)

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On opening, surprisingly tannic and acid - very structured, although not in a stern manner. Very developed but not a trace of oxidation, however a hint of alcohol on the finish. With air, the wine fleshed out considerably and offered excellent tertiary notes along with the clear structural notes and ripe grenache fruit. Very leathery and forest floor, but with beautiful vibrancy of fruit. Once paired with the grilled beef, the wine's quality expanded. The fruit became much the sweeter and came into a beautiful opulent and extremely complex palate. Very long and complete. I can't say this wouldn't have been better 10 or even 15 years ago but the age has certainly brought a level of bottle aged distinctiveness that approaches profundity, for my tastes. (3262 views)

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Impressive pinot rose. While it displays some of the candied qualities of these wines, it also offers bright acids and enough extract, with a dry and rich palate to offer good interest. (432 views)

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Very earthy, very ripe, very much in the passionfruit spectrum. This is fine and good to go. I wouldn't hold this more than another year, to enjoy the vibrancy. Very much a product of a warm vintage. (365 views)

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Very tasty - light body with a soft texture, enlivened by acid cut. Very good ripeness. Classy and authentic Valpolicella that is easy to like and ready to drink. Not hugely layered, but it does offer a surprising amount of depth. Dark cherry fruit with some walnut and tell-tale earth notes. Great buying at nz$10. (499 views)

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Stunning wine that brings considerable complexity and style to the table. If pressed, in a blind tasting, I would likely pump for a Southern Rhone Syrah, or even a CNdP that has a significant syrah component. Unbelievably classy fruit with leather, garrique, intense red and black berry fruit and a wonderful sense of spice. Still young, this is approachable and hugely enjoyable. My score is high but this is an indication of the excitement this wine delivered for me. (1569 views)

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Opulent and exotic. Masses of tropical fruits, in particular, pineapple and passionfruit. The wine also displays sauvignon blanc varietal character with tangy French oak. Nice presence in the mouth although the finish perhaps turns slightly more watery than one would hope, considering the beauty, concentration and complexity other rest of the wine. (898 views)

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This felt outstanding tonight - and the best showing yet, of this wine. Opulent and new world but also very structured .Great substance and balance with some heat on the finish. (498 views)

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This was another bottle of this with a touch of a sour/old oak note. Apart from this, the wine continues to deliver exceptional value for the price (under NZ$9). Very good concentration, lots of character and enough vibrancy to keep the palate from turning flabby. Wonderful with a Marcella Hazan recipe of pan roasted chicken with rosemary and lemon. (1456 views)

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Tasted after a mature Chateau Belair 2000, this was a bit of a culture shock, in all its sweet, ripe and young vibrancy. Highish alcohol, sweet fruit, thick tannins and plum notes combine with toasted French oak, which is beautifully judged, if not fully integrated. Certainly outstanding and approachable but this really does need 3-5 year to settle down and integrate. Very classy. (2083 views)

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Drinking beautifully and a point (although its acid balance will keep this a while longer). Classic Graves wine with huge personality. Bright acid, very leathery, lots of tobacco and licorice notes. Very smokey. Lean in the mouth with some sweet top notes from the aroma echoing on the back palate. Smooth and defined, a excellent wine that is true to its terroir and is great value. (2126 views)

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Consistent with my last note. Just out of the bottle, very tight with considerable tannic structure and very fine varietal character. With time in the glass the beautifully ripe merlot brings a stunning black doris plum skin nuance to the cabernet structure. This is better than most coleraines in normal years and is absolutely a steal for its modest asking price. (1976 views)

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Nice wine of good character. Herbal, stemmy, quite powerful. Slight hint of caramel (old oak handling or bottle age?) Absolutely ready and will not improve further. (1436 views)

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Might be the best viognier from NZ that I have drunk. A measure of the opulence of condrieu but with that tell-tale NZ (bright) acid, which adds lift. Subtle oak handling is apparent but partners very well with the varietal flavours and aromas. My pick is that this will flesh out and gain additional weight in the next 12-18 months. Very very nice. (680 views)

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