Drinks at Two Rooms Wine Bar

John's colleague, Justin, brought us to this chill spot for drinks on a Saturday night. Rather happening place, but more expats than Japanese here. Wait-staff were all African-American. Rather incongruous. Wine list was very decent, with one or two values, but they insisted on serving the Chard in a Riesling glass.

• 2006 Neudorf Chardonnay Moutere 92 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Nelson, Moutere

  About as good as a new world Chardonnay gets. This was lovely. Expressive nose showed mushrooms, nuts, some smokey tones, oats and hops. Great weight on the palate - a dense, creamy, almost oily texture with nuts, white fruits, some pineapples and an strong undercurrent of white fruit all balanced off with ripe lemon flavours and integrated acidity. Clearly new world, yet with extremely old-world styling. Finish was nice and longish as well. This wine was open and expressive, but should improve even more with a little age.

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• 2005 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline 90 Points

  Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River

  This was disappointing for what it is. We clearly broached it far too young though - it only started getting better after an hour in the decanter. Even then, it was still very primary and reticent. On the nose, sweet red berries and a rush of cassis all soaked in a little glycerol and vanilla. There was a toss of savoury earth in there, along with piney herbs and forest fern. Otherwise, very primary. On the palate, fine tannins and fresh acid were at the fore. Acid was just a little too punchy at points - was this acidiified heavy-handedly or just the cool climate speaking? Whatever it is, I think it should integrate with time. Flavour-wise, like the nose, very primary, with red berries, very cranberry-ish and blackcurrant flavours. Finish was a little reticent. Clearly some quality here, with good structure and balance and quite a bit of that Margaret River sunshiney fruit at the core. Right now though, certainly drinkable, but not that much enjoyable.

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