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New Zealand London Annual Trade Tasting
Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls
Tasted February 6, 2024 by kostaslonis with 24 views
Introduction
The annual tasting of NZ wines in London.
Less wineries participating than 2023
It looks like a good vintage for whites
Flight 1 (150 notes)
Red
2020 Dublin St Pinot Noir
Reductive, oak profile, alcohom warmth, red cherry and currant fruit, palate is juicy, lacks depth and structure, edgy tannins
Red
2021 Amisfield Pinot Noir
Grown across the Estate with vines planted in the Waenga silty loam soils of lower terraces and the more gravelly Lochar sandy loams of the blocks beside the winery. Certified Organic since 2021.
Hand-harvested fruit was ambient-soaked for four to five days before fermentation began. Gentle, selective timing of hand-plunging and pump overs during fermentation. Approximately 15% whole-bunch clusters were included in some of the ferments. 15 months in French oak. 14%
-/-
Reductive notes, cherry notes, tight tannins, smoky, give it time
Hand-harvested fruit was ambient-soaked for four to five days before fermentation began. Gentle, selective timing of hand-plunging and pump overs during fermentation. Approximately 15% whole-bunch clusters were included in some of the ferments. 15 months in French oak. 14%
-/-
Reductive notes, cherry notes, tight tannins, smoky, give it time
Red
2022 Immigrants Vineyard Pinot Noir Ruru
Robust, hearty, red and black fruit, herbal notes, licorice, floral notes too. Palate is juicy, sweet notes, thin oak frame, fresh, a bit of volatile acidity, fresh with some alcohol warmth (despite only 13.6%)
White
2023 Babich Pinot Gris
+2% Gewurztraminer, 13%. A bit spicy, fragrant, citrus, pear scented, palate smooth, fresh, apple, green notes, pear,lemon, knettle
White
2023 Babich Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Medium intenstity, citrus fruit, citrus, palate with med acidity, med body, pear, party wine
White
2023 Babich Sauvignon Blanc Black Label
Vibrant, spicy, green fruit peel, palate is juicy, nice texture, freshness, pear, green apple, med body and finish. More distinguished than normal bottling
Red
2022 Babich Pinot Noir Black Label
Fragrant, floral notes, thin spice frame, clear, sweet spices, palate is smooth, med body, red fruit, freshness, cherry notes
White
2023 Babich Sauvignon Blanc Family Estates Organic Single Vineyard
Lime, lemon, fresh tropical fruit notes, peppery, juicy, easy, palate is vibrant, grassy, green, pineapple, pear, green apple, a bit tight for now though
White
2023 Babich Sauvignon Blanc Select Blocks
From Headwaters vineyard.
Spicy, grapefruit,pear notes, evident RS (4.4gr), med acidity, easy to have on its own but don't let that fool you, med body and finish
Spicy, grapefruit,pear notes, evident RS (4.4gr), med acidity, easy to have on its own but don't let that fool you, med body and finish
White
2022 Babich Riesling
Tropical fruit, crunchy, quite evident RS, citrus notes, palate is off dry, pear, pineapple, hugely extrovert, tea leaves, med body, med finish
White
2022 Babich Sauvignon Blanc Winemaker's Reserve
Fragrant, spicy, green fruit, pear, bold flavors, palate is beautiful with smooth texture, sweet fruit notes, nice acidity
Red
2018 Babich Syrah Winemakers Reserve
Very oaky, thick, bold, stalky, warmth (13%), black fruit, currant and cherry, palate shows oak notes, stalky, quite green, herbal notes, med finish
Red
2020 Babich Pinot Noir Winemaker's Reserve
Nose shows spicy and savoury character, fresh red fruit, floral notes, toasty, almond, palate is juicy, more black fruit in palate, smoky, med body, a touch warm, long finish
Red
2018 Babich Irongate Gimblett Gravels
The flagship Irongate Vineyard is situated in an old shingle bed of the Ngaruroro River in the Gimblett Gravels appellation of Hawke’s Bay. First produced in 1987, this single vineyard wine has crop-levels that are heavily restricted. 43% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot 17% Cabernet Franc, 15 months in french oak, 13.70%
-/-
Herbal notes, stralky notes, red and black fruit, thick, very fresh still, palate shows the same profile as the nose, stalky, floral, black fruit, tight tannins
-/-
Herbal notes, stralky notes, red and black fruit, thick, very fresh still, palate shows the same profile as the nose, stalky, floral, black fruit, tight tannins
Red
2018 Babich The Patriarch
The estate's flagship red. Grown on the ‘Irongate’ vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels of Hawke’s Bay. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon 32% Malbec 11% Merlot. Fermented in open vats, matured for 21 months in french oak, 14.4%
-/-
Very thick in the nose, herbal notes, very strong, upfront, stalky notes, palate showing the same profile, very warm from alcohol, smoky, stalky, harsh tannins, overly oak, full body, long finish. Why so much oak ?
-/-
Very thick in the nose, herbal notes, very strong, upfront, stalky notes, palate showing the same profile, very warm from alcohol, smoky, stalky, harsh tannins, overly oak, full body, long finish. Why so much oak ?
White
2020 Corofin Chardonnay Brawn Vineyard
A mere 3km from the ocean, Brawn (Glover) Vineyard lies south east of the Wairau Valley floor, with fertile Kaiapoi silt loam soils deposited by flooding, over centuries, of the neighbouring Ōpaoa River.
Hand-harvested on 2nd April 2020. Whole bunches were loaded and pressed slowly over 6 hours to a small stainless steel tank with a smaller, harder press fraction separated on taste and discarded. After settling, the main press fraction was moved with a high percentage of solids to a combination of 500 litre seasoned French oak puncheons and one 300 litre stainless steel barrel, for fermentation. A full and natural malolactic fermentation finished early January 2021, after which the young wine was topped and remained on original lees in barrel, without stirring or sulphur, until April 2021. The components were then racked together to tank and sulphured where they remained on lees for a further five months until bottling in November 2021. This wine was bottled without fining or filtration.
-/-
Flinty, oaky notes, more fruit in palate, tight texture, med to full body, needs time
Hand-harvested on 2nd April 2020. Whole bunches were loaded and pressed slowly over 6 hours to a small stainless steel tank with a smaller, harder press fraction separated on taste and discarded. After settling, the main press fraction was moved with a high percentage of solids to a combination of 500 litre seasoned French oak puncheons and one 300 litre stainless steel barrel, for fermentation. A full and natural malolactic fermentation finished early January 2021, after which the young wine was topped and remained on original lees in barrel, without stirring or sulphur, until April 2021. The components were then racked together to tank and sulphured where they remained on lees for a further five months until bottling in November 2021. This wine was bottled without fining or filtration.
-/-
Flinty, oaky notes, more fruit in palate, tight texture, med to full body, needs time
Red
2020 Corofin Pinot Noir East Slope Settlement Vineyard
Different, thin, red fruit, some reduction, palate lean, red fruit, some smoke notes, green tannins
White
2022 Corofin Sauvignon Blanc Meltwater
Aggressive at this point, onion-like reduction, palate is bitter, no fruit, elevated acidity, med body, weird
Rosé - Sparkling
2019 Huia Brut Rosé
Pinot Noir 20 months on lees, savoury, red fruit, yeast notes, spicy, med to full body, nice carbonation, cherry notes
White - Sparkling
2018 Huia Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs
32 months on lees, oxidative notes, yeast, citrus, spicy, palate with texture, citrus, crunchy, nice carbonation, med finish
White
2023 Huia Sauvignon Blanc
The wine shows freshness, elegant palate, smooth texture, nice juicy green notes.
Red
2020 Huia Pinot Noir
Spicy, tight, warmth, a touch medicinal, stalky, herbal, bitter notes, palate is light, showing body, smoky notes, red fruit, cherry, med finish
White
2023 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Te Muna Road Vineyard
Fresh, vibrant, juicy, citrus, green fruit, lime, welcoming, palate is juicy, green apple, easy, peach, juicy, fresh, med to full body, lively, nice showing
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White
2022 Craggy Range Chardonnay Single Vineyard Kidnappers Vineyard
A bit too low intensity, not giving away much, palate juicier, shows fruit, green apple, crunchy, med finish, give it time
Rosé
2023 Craggy Range Rosé
reductive at first, floral notes next, peach, red cherry notes, same palate, nectarine, tight texture
Red
2021 Craggy Range Pinot Noir Martinborough
Fragrant, ripe cherry, toasty, black fruit, palate juicy, fresh, toast, tasty, nice texture, smoked herbs, nice tannins, med body and finish, nice
Red
2021 Craggy Range Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Te Muna Road Vineyard
Lighter and more fragrant than "normal" pinot bottle tasted before, shows more finesse and elegance, thin oak frame, whole spice, palate juicy, nice fruit, smoky, med palate
Red
2021 Craggy Range Pinot Noir Aroha
dark fruit core, whole spice, juicy palate, black fruit, thin oak frame, tight tannins, give it time
Red
2021 Craggy Range Syrah Gimblett Gravels Vineyard
a touch herbal, stalky, floral notes, blue and black fruit, palate is easy, med body, lower in fruit, more red fruit now
Red
2021 Craggy Range Syrah Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Vineyard
Dense, thick black fruit, depth, floral ntoes, elegant, welcoming
Palate is juicy, black fruit, toast, tight tannins, juicy, forward, long finish
Palate is juicy, black fruit, toast, tight tannins, juicy, forward, long finish
Red
2021 Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard
49% Merlot 34% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Cabernet Franc 3% Malbec 2% Petit Verdot, 14%
Fragrant, red fruit flavored with pyrazine, fresh palate, med body, following the nose profile, black fruit, tight as it is
Fragrant, red fruit flavored with pyrazine, fresh palate, med body, following the nose profile, black fruit, tight as it is
Red
2021 Craggy Range Sophia
Merlot and Cabernet Franc, 14%
Warmth, straight away, ripe to overripe black fruit, some stalky notes, black fruit.
Palate shows juicy tannins, red and black fruit, tight tannins, thick oak frame, sweet spices, red cherry notes, med finish
Warmth, straight away, ripe to overripe black fruit, some stalky notes, black fruit.
Palate shows juicy tannins, red and black fruit, tight tannins, thick oak frame, sweet spices, red cherry notes, med finish
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White
2023 Oyster Bay Chardonnay
green and citrus notes, better in palate, nutty, the fruit is riper, spicy, med body
Red
2021 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir
light, cherry fruit notes, some spices, toasty, thicker oak frame, med body and finish
White - Sparkling
N.V. Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut
Chardonnay, citrus, yeast, green fruit, savory, med body, crunchy, balanced carbonation, med finish
Rosé - Sparkling
N.V. Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rosé
80% Chardonnay 20% Pinot Noir, light cherry notes, currants, stone fruit, explosive CO2, citrus, tart, med body
Red
2021 Oyster Bay Merlot
green, stalky, red cherry, berry notes, palate is the same, ripe red cherry, soft tannins
Red
2023 Duck Hunter Pinot Noir
lean, red cherry, lacks depth, palate is smooth, green, thicker red freuit, low tannins, short finish
White
2023 Duck Hunter Pinot Gris
Spicy, green freshness, pineapple, grapefruit, pear, palate is smooth, fresh, tasty, green fruit, spicy again, peach notes, med finish
White
2022 Duck Hunter Sauvignon Blanc
Overly green, asparagus, grassy, grapefruit peel, pineapple, palate balanced, med body, fresh, med finish
White
2022 Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc Plot 101
Lees 50% oak, tight frame, citrus, fine oak adding depth and flavor, palate with med body, elegant, finesse, citrus, grapefruit, a touch grassy, med finish
White
2022 Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard
Citrsu, asparagus, spicy, a weird camphor note, palate better, green fruit, pear, green apple, med body, tasty, med finish
White
2023 Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard
ripe fruit, forward, citrus, pear drop, grapefruit, easy, nice, palate is the smae, fresh, fun to drink, citrus, nicely balanced, med body and finish
Red
2022 Akarua Pinot Noir The Siren
Oaky, overripe black fruit, a touch warm (13.50%), fruit in alcohol, palate is the same, oak profile, smoky, a touch bitter, almond, med body and finish
Red
2022 Akarua Pinot Noir Rua
Grapes were sourced from three Akarua Estate vineyards. The Bannockburn vines are approximately 25 years old and grow at 270 metres above sea level on a north west facing sloping glacial terrace. The vines are planted on alluvial, sandy loam-based soils overlaying schist bedrock. The Pisa vines are planted on a flat and level river terrace created by glacial activity, at an elevation of 205 metres above sea level. Soils here are fine silt loam over schist based alluvial gravels and the vines, aged 28 years. The younger 25 Steps vines, with an average age of 19 years, lie at 200-317 metres above sea level on sandy and stony topsoil with a subsoil mix of deep gravels and clay loams.
After five to seven days of cold soaking, fermentation took place using indigenous yeasts, with 6% of the fruit left as whole bunches. Twice daily punch-downs helped extract both colour and flavour. The wine was given another six to ten days on the skins post-fermentation. It then spent six months ageing in 100% French oak barriques prior to bottling.
-/-
Lean, a bit green, fresh currant, a touch spicy, palate is the same, thin body, red fruit, a touch spicy, easy to drink tought, nutmeg, med finish
-//-
Another bottle I tasted in a different table and much later during the wine fair :
extrovert, floral notes, red and black fruit, juicy palate, freshness, sweet spices, elegant tannins, toasty, med body and long finish
I'm guessing it needs time to open up
After five to seven days of cold soaking, fermentation took place using indigenous yeasts, with 6% of the fruit left as whole bunches. Twice daily punch-downs helped extract both colour and flavour. The wine was given another six to ten days on the skins post-fermentation. It then spent six months ageing in 100% French oak barriques prior to bottling.
-/-
Lean, a bit green, fresh currant, a touch spicy, palate is the same, thin body, red fruit, a touch spicy, easy to drink tought, nutmeg, med finish
-//-
Another bottle I tasted in a different table and much later during the wine fair :
extrovert, floral notes, red and black fruit, juicy palate, freshness, sweet spices, elegant tannins, toasty, med body and long finish
I'm guessing it needs time to open up
White - Sparkling
N.V. Villa Maria Sparkling Cuvée Brut
Light, easy, fruity, citrus, fresh, some tea notes, same palate, to be fair its not much fun to drink it
White
2023 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Earth Garden
Floral, light, easy, peach, citrus, pear, green apple, juicy texture, crunchy, spicy, lacks some depth though
White
2022 Villa Maria Albariño Reserve
Green, plain, simple, palate is fresh, technically nothing wrong with it, but ...
White
2023 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Clifford Bay Reserve
Vibrant, green fruit, fresh, asparagus, tropical fruit, palate is juicy, freshness, med body, long finish
White
2021 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Taylors Pass Vineyard
Greener, spicier, tropical fruit notes, pineapple, med body, nice and fresh
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Red
2019 Villa Maria Pinot Noir Taylors Pass Vineyard
Smoky, toasty, red cherry notes, palate smooth, nice red and black fruit, med body, nice tannins, needs time though
Red
2019 Villa Maria Pinot Noir The Attorney Southern Clays
Very thick oak frame, smoky, clove, nutmeg, palate is filled with black fruit, thick oak frame, some bitter notes, a beast of a Pinot
Red
2019 Villa Maria Cabernet Sauvignon Ngakirikiri
Smoky, thick core of black currant, toast, spice, palate shows fullness and firm character, toasty, smoky, some pyrazine notes, bold tannins, edgy, long finish, give it time
White
2022 Framingham Sauvignon Blanc F-Series
Low grassy notes, spicy, fresh, light with riper stone fruit, med body, fun to drink, different
White
2021 SPOKE Brink
This is a blend if 75% Sauvignon Blanc 25% Semillon. Hand harvested from the oldest organic vineyard in Marlborough.
French in style, ripe fruit, bigger in palate, much more fruit, broad, sweet notes, green fruit, full body, long finish, interesting
French in style, ripe fruit, bigger in palate, much more fruit, broad, sweet notes, green fruit, full body, long finish, interesting
White
2022 Loveblock Vintners Ltd Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley
Green, spicy, cardamon, broader palate, green apple, pear, tight, high acidity, very youthful, high intensity, long finish
White
2022 Loveblock Vintners Ltd Sauvignon Blanc tee Marlborough
Herbal notes, lively, like a low-intensity Loire, grapefruit, quince, some CO2 in palate, lively acidity, pear, apple, med body, interesting
White
2022 Neudorf Chardonnay Moutere
Lighter and more flinty than I remember, citrus, nutty, full body, tight, youthful, green fruit, almond, toasted notes, needs time
White
2021 Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc Estate
Quite pyrazine fuelled nose, peppery, green tropical fruit in the back, same palate, more fruit, apple, med body, long finish, 13.50% warmth
Red
2020 Clos Henri Pinot Noir Waimaunga
Thicker cherry oak frame, ripe strawberry in the back, palate shows oak frame, lean, green fruit, med dusty texture, med finish
White
2022 Pyramid Valley Sauvignon +
Grassy, weird, lime, spice/resin mix, mastic notes too, grassy in palate, high acidity, long finish
Red
2020 Pyramid Valley Pinot Noir
Fruit in balance wth oak, sweet spices, a touch angular, med body, lean red fruit, edgy tannins
Red
2020 Fromm Pinot Noir The Curation
Strangely gamey for a NZ Pinot, ripe black fruit, floral notes, palate is light, lacks depth, cherry notes, tight and lean tannins
Red
2020 Schubert Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard
Different, fragrant, spicy, ripe red and black fruit, cherry, currant, floral notes. Palate is lean, planky oak notes, green tannins and fruit, med finish
White
2021 Trinity Hill Chardonnay Gimblett Gravels
37% oak vfor 11 months. Big in the nose, heavy oak frame but not aggressive, ripe stone fruit, citrus, palate finesse, elegant, nutty, biscuit, full body, long finish
Red
2020 Trinity Hill Syrah Gimblett Gravels
Bold nose, floral ntoes, ripe black fruit, berries, whole spice, palate with juicy tannins, bold frame, black fruit, nice texture, long finish
White
2022 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc SP Spitfire
Tight, green, asparagus, lime, green fruit, grapefruit, palate tight, nice texture, balanced, big bold flavours, long finish, nice acidity keeping everything vibrant, nice
White
2023 Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc
Reductive, low intensity, grassy, green fruitm palate with the same profile, shows acidity, med body, a bit angry from so2 though
White
2018 Tinpot Hut Grüner Veltliner McKee Vineyard
peppery, spicy, ripe green fruit, palate follows nose, bold, shows body and texture, long spicy finish
White
2022 Framingham Riesling Classic
citrus, pineapple, quite evident sweet notes, some rubbery notes, palate shows its 23gr of sugar, nice acidity, vanilla scents, with tea/chamomile notes, med body and finish
White
2023 Framingham Sauvignon Blanc
low intensity, a touch grassy, med body, juicy fruit, citrus, med finish
White
2023 Blank Canvas Winery Sauvignon Blanc Holdaway
Rather reserved for now, geen fruit, lime notes, palate bright, grassy, citrus/lime peel, lacks a bit of oomph!
Red
2020 Blank Canvas Winery Pinot Noir Settlement Vineyard
lower intensitythan remember, cherry notes, sweet spices, the palate is lacking intensity, red berry notes, think oak and spice frame, some toast notes at the end
White
2021 Greywacke Wild Sauvignon
Extrovert, flinty, tight, the fruit gets more upfront in palate, flinty again, lime, greapefruit, thick oak frame, long finish
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Red
2021 Greywacke Pinot Noir
Toasty, bold fruit notes, ripe strawberry, palate with ripe fruit, black cherry, spice notes, edgy tannins, medium length, crunchy
Red
2020 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir
Smoky, spicy, toasty, red cherry, berry, some floral notes, palate is juicy, crunchy, spicy, showing fresh black fruit, elegant, balanced acidity, long finish
Red
2020 Wild Earth Pinot Noir
Full on spicy and oak frame, ripe strawberry notes, fragrant oak notes, palate with the same profile, nutty, nice tannins, med finish
Red
2020 Burn Cottage Pinot Noir Burn Cottage Vineyard
floral notes, ripe black berry notes, strawberry notes, spicy oak frame, palate shows body, licorice, stalky/herbal notes, spice, ripeness, nutty, alcohol warmth despite only 13% ruining it for me, edgy angry tannins
Rosé
2022 Wither Hills Pinot Noir Rosé
low intensity, light cherry notes, low fruit concentration, palate light, with co2 still there
White
2023 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc
low intensity of fruit, grassy, citrus, grapefruit, pineapple, pear notes, palate better, juicy, med acidity
White
2022 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc Rarangi
bright, juicy, grassy, green fruit, vibrant, lively, nice ripe fruit, same palate, med body, long finish, balanced, beatiful
White
2022 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc Early Light
green fruit, forward, expressive, pleasant, light, grassy, green fruity, tropical notes, med acidity, apple flavoured med finish
Red
2020 Wither Hills Pinot Noir
25% new oak, 12 months in oak
Veyr warm, ripe berry, planky, black fruit, palate smoky, same fruit core, sweet notes, cinnamon, edgy tannins, med finish
Veyr warm, ripe berry, planky, black fruit, palate smoky, same fruit core, sweet notes, cinnamon, edgy tannins, med finish
Rosé
2022 Wither Hills Pinot Noir Early Light Rosé
Pinot noir, herbal, low intensity, cherry notes, palate fresh, subtle tannins, easy and smooth
White
2022 Wither Hills Pinot Gris Early Light
A touch spicy, juicy, lime, lemon peel, white floral notes, palate smooth, nice acidity, crunchy, low alcohol and shows, freshness
Red
2020 Wither Hills Pinot Noir Single Vineyard
Fragrant, sweet spice notes, cinnamon, nutmeg, toasty, red fruit, sour cherries, floral notes, palate showing med body, spice again, toast, freshness, nice tannins, med finish
White
2023 Wither Hills Wairau
This feels more precise than the other Sauvignon blanc of the range, green fruit, citrus, lime peel, "warmer"grassy notes, lime, mineral notes, palate full on fruit, juicy, lime, pear, lemon, nice acidity, med body and med finish.
This has a 11 pound price tag, which makes great value
This has a 11 pound price tag, which makes great value
White
2022 Marlborough Heartland Wines Sauvignon Blanc
green fruit, grassy, citrus freshness, palate showing body, nice texture, lemon and peach flavoured, easy, smooth, party wine
White
2023 Marlborough Heartland Wines Sauvignon Blanc
Fresher and spicier than 2022, showing density, grapefruit notes, palate shows ripe fruit, concentration, lime, citrus, green fruit, some grassy notes, more lively too, med finish
White
2023 The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc
Light, grassy, almost watered down, palate again light, herbal notes, citrus, pear, green apple, everyday wine
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Red
2021 The Crossings Pinot Noir
Ripe, fragrant, red cherry notes, spicy frame, light and lean palate, red cherry, med body
White
2022 The Crossings Pinot Gris
spicy, vibrant, concentrated fruit core, palate nice and fresh, green fruit, lime, med acidity, med body
White
2022 Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc
Spice, ripe citrus, green fruit, some so2, palate is fresh, ripe white fruit, biscuit/spice note, med body and finish.
Interesting, aggressive pricing though
Interesting, aggressive pricing though
Red
2020 Akitu Pinot Noir A2
Fragrant, red cherry notes, berries, some floral notes, nice spice frame, palate shows the same flavor profile, rew cherry, med body and finish.
drinking nicely
drinking nicely
Red
2020 Akitu Pinot Noir A1
90% Abel clone
Far spicier than A2, more robust too, thick oak frame, toasty, roasted nutty almond, whole spice, black fruit
Palate is juicy, more airy than the nose, ethereal despite its youth, black fruit, toasted frame, nice acidity, a touch warmer, med finish
Far spicier than A2, more robust too, thick oak frame, toasty, roasted nutty almond, whole spice, black fruit
Palate is juicy, more airy than the nose, ethereal despite its youth, black fruit, toasted frame, nice acidity, a touch warmer, med finish
Red
2019 Nautilus Estate Pinot Noir
Whole bunch, fresh, fragrant, interesting, red fruit, a small toasty note, palate is juicy, smooth, some smoky notes, almost med body, it does seem rather lean for what it is, maybe lacking a bit of depth, med finish
White
2021 Nautilus Estate Chardonnay
20% new oak, flinty, nutty, toasty, a touch overpowering for now, palate with med body, nutty, toasty, tasty, juicy finish
White
2023 Nautilus Estate Albariño
A touch greener for an Albarino, fresh, mineral, lime, lemon, palate rounded by the 5gr RS, fresh, nice acidiyt, med finish, easy and highly drinkable
White - Sparkling
N.V. Nautilus Estate Cuvée Marlborough Brut
70% pinot noir 30% chardonnay, 3 years on its lees
citrus, fresh, yeasty, palate again fresh, vibrant, nice co2, fun party wines, some red cherry notes in the back
citrus, fresh, yeasty, palate again fresh, vibrant, nice co2, fun party wines, some red cherry notes in the back
White
2023 Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 6
3gr RS, 7.4gr/l acidity, 3.14pH, 5% of juice was fermented with a non-saccharomyces yeast and 1% was barrel fermented. After fermentation, the wine was kept in contact with the lees for 3 months
-/-
Vibrant, fresh, extrovert, green and tropical fruit, palate shows high acidity, grippy texture, grassy/grapefruit peel notes, med body, long finish
interesting
-/-
Vibrant, fresh, extrovert, green and tropical fruit, palate shows high acidity, grippy texture, grassy/grapefruit peel notes, med body, long finish
interesting
White
2023 Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard
Bright, citrus, green fruity, grassy, lime, fragrant, texgtured, fresh, a bit green but ok, nice acidity, tight
White
2019 Auntsfield Chardonnay Single Vineyard
Flinty, reductive, tight, needs time, palate fresh, nutty, spice, tight texture, med finish
Red
2021 Auntsfield Pinot Noir Single Vineyard
Cherry infused nose, fragrant, floral notes, palate is juicy, a bit warm, med body,
Rosé - Sparkling
N.V. Kumeu River Crémant
60% Chardonnay 40% Pinot noir
Toasty, citrus, yeast, palate is juicy, pear notes, apple notes, med body, nice co2
Toasty, citrus, yeast, palate is juicy, pear notes, apple notes, med body, nice co2
White
2021 Kumeu River Pinot Gris Estate
Spicy, thin nutty frame, pear notes, lime, green tropical note, evident rs, smooth, med body, some bitter notes too, long finish
Red
2022 Kumeu River Pinot Noir Village
Cherry based nose, fragrant, spice notes, palate juicy, easy, light
Red
2019 Kumeu River Pinot Noir Rays Road
Toasty compared to Village Pinot Noir, fresh, smoky, ripe fruit, palate shows angry tannins, aggressive acidity, lacks depth
White
2020 Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon Waipara
Fllinty, so2 ntoes, pear, green apple, evident rs, fresh, crunchy acidity, highly drinkable
White
2022 Pegasus Bay Riesling
A touch rubbery, pear scented, green apple, grapefruit, palate is jukcy, ripe fruit, freshness, evident rs, very easy to drink, balancing acidity, highly drinkable
White
2022 Pegasus Bay Riesling Bel Canto
reductive, tight, dry fruit, green apple, palate smoother, light, same flavor profile, elevated acidity, crunchy
Red
2021 Valli Pinot Noir Gibbston Vineyard
A touch warm, spicy, nice red fruit, cherries and strawberries, palate is smooth, juicy, smoke and spice notes, shows tannins, med body and finish
Red
2021 Valli Pinot Noir Bannockburn Vineyard
Very fragrant, spicy, toasty, smoky, ripe red fruit, palate is juicy, smooth, red fruit, spice frame, med body, shows tannins, med finish
White
2022 Te Whare Ra TWR SV 5182 Toru
Spicy, fresh, virbat, green notes, pear, apple, palate is fresh, light, mineral, same flavor profile, fragrant, easy, med finish
White
2021 Te Whare Ra Riesling 'D' Single Vineyard 5182
Rubbery, citrus notes, green fruit, notes, feshness and extovert.Palate shows the same profile, citrus, apple and pear, concentrated, textured, crunchy, full body and long finish
White
2022 Te Whare Ra Pinot Gris Single Vineyard 5182
Fresh and spicy, green notes, fruit forward, citrus, stone fruit, palate is juicy, spicy, green notes, tasty, some earthy and spicy notes adding layers
White
2023 Tiki Pinot Gris Single Vineyard
More lively than "normal" Pinot Gris, bright, pear, grapefruit notes, palate showing its 7gr but better in balance, peel notes, green, fresh,
White
2022 Tiki Pinot Gris
Vegetal notes, riper in style, stale green apple, mewd body, 5gr RS that are quite evident, pear drops, lime/citrus green notes
White
2020 Tiki Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard
Precise, fragrant, juicy fruit, lime, citrus notes, palate is fresh, ripe, citrus, green apple, grapefriut, lemon tight texture, long finish
White
2023 Maui Sauvignon Blanc
Juicy, fresh, easy, light, less intensity, same palate , pear, green apple, lime, nice party wine
White
2023 Te Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh, green fruit, fresh and spicy, ripe citrus, palate juicy, green fruit, some chamomile notes, juicy, interesting, different
White
2022 Waipara West Sauvignon Blanc
Very fragrant, green, some reduction notes, onion-like notes (needs some time to open up), grassy and asparagus notes, palate is juicy, med body, tropical fruit notes, med body, med finish
White
2019 Waipara West Riesling
Herbal notes, citrus, green notes, showing depth, palate green apple, mear, rich texture, 6.8gr evident, med finish
White
2018 Waipara West Chardonnay N Block
Ripe fruit, green notes, there is a strange airy/lemon-scented/carbonated drink/sprite-like note which is strange. Palate round, juicy, lime, lemon, green fruit, med finish, friendly, easy drinking
White
2019 Waipara West Chardonnay
Flinty, bright, light palate, nutty, almond, ripe fruit, med to full body, long finish
Red
2020 Waipara West Pinot Noir Two Terrace Pinot Noir Red
Fragrant, spicy, sweet spice, palate juicy, spicy again, earthy, maybe lacking a bit of depth, nutty, cinnamon, med body, savoury
Red
2018 Waipara West Pinot Noir
Much more savoury than Two Terrace Pinot Noir, spicy, earthy, fragrant, red ripe fruit, palate with the same profile, spicy frame, tight texture, med finish
Red
2018 Waipara West Cabernet Franc
Spicy, red cherries, berrues, floral notes, some pyrazine notes, palate is juicy, red and black fruit, some stalky bits, peppery, nice
Red
2014 Waipara West Ram Paddock Red
1/3 of each for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot plus 1% (!) Syrah
Spicy, savoury, smoky notes, ripe red cherry and berry, palate with freshness, soft silky tannins, black fruit, herbal notes, med finish
Spicy, savoury, smoky notes, ripe red cherry and berry, palate with freshness, soft silky tannins, black fruit, herbal notes, med finish
White
2023 Invivo Sauvignon Blanc Graham Norton's Own
Grassy, green fruit, easy, fruit forward, palate with more grassy notes, greapefruit, crunchy textured, nice acidity
White
2022 Invivo Sauvignon Blanc X SJP Sarah Jessica Parker
A bit more reserved, riper "grassy" notes, grapefruit, lime, pear notes, palate shows vibrant notes, tropical fruit, med acidity, med body, med finish
White
2023 Seifried Riesling
warmth, citurs, lemon peel, rs evident, round, apple, stone fruit and pear drops
White
2022 Te Awa Albariño Leftfield
light, green pepper, a touch spicy, green, some reduction, grapefruit bitter notes
White
2023 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Te Muna Road Vineyard
"Self pour table"
ripe, tense, dense, asparagus, grassy, whtie berry notes, spicy, pepperu, med body, high acidity, med finish
ripe, tense, dense, asparagus, grassy, whtie berry notes, spicy, pepperu, med body, high acidity, med finish
White
2020 Te Pa Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Oke
Flinty, oaky, dense, needs time, ripe stone, fresh, melon, freshness, palate with the same flavor profile, more flinty, lime, citrus, high acidity, long finish
White
2022 Black Estate Chenin Blanc Home
Different, lean, raw veggie-like notes, in a way like a low intervention Loire, palate shows the same flavors but its tight, austere, citrus, quince, med body, long finish
Weird
Weird
White
2021 Dancing Petrel Viognier Barrique Réserve
Mostly oaky notes, fruit in the back, toasty, almond, palate is much lighter and fresher than expected, easy, lacks depth though and then plank-y aftertaste kicks in
White
2022 Matawhero Chardonnay Church house
Rather numb, oak frame, low in fruit, palate the same profile, med body, nitty, fruit way in the back
White
2022 Askerne Chardonnay Reserve
Dense oak frame, flinty, toasty, palate is balanced, a little bit on heavy side, oaky, citrus, give it time, med finish
White
2022 Nockies Palette Chardonnay Dame Diesel
Different, fruit, vegetal notes, fresh, smooth, forward, palate is the same, light, fresh, nice aftertaste
Red
2021 Carrick Pinot Noir
Low intensity, smoky notes, low in fruit, ripe berry, palate the same, thin, lean
Red
2021 Greystone / Grey's Peak Pinot Noir Vineyard Ferment
Ripe and oaky, fruit and toasty, some rubbery notes, palate leaen, short finish, thin
Red
2020 Novum Pinot Noir
bold in the nose, ripe red and black fruit, thin spice frame, palate is thinner, astringent tannins, med body, not much fruit, med body, med finish
Red
2020 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir McCrone
Spicy profile, clean, red fruit, dusty, sweet spice notes. Palate showing the same profile, red cherry, high acidity, tight tannins, med body, smoky, med finish, austere for now. Can't see the reason behind its price tag
Red
2019 Q Pinot Noir
Intersting, full on spicy, ripe strawberry notes, thin oak frame, palate is juicy, fruit forward, savoury, same profile as the nose, med body, med finish
Red
2022 Kelly Washington Syrah
Ripe, blue fruit, black fruit, cinnamon, spicy notes, some floral notes, palate the same as the nose, a touch bitter, tight tannins, it would benefit from time, toasty, full body, a bit warm, long blue berry-flavored finish
Red
2021 Te Mata Estate Cabernets / Merlot Awatea
Warmth, heavy oak, whole spice and planky, some green stalky notes, palate still planky, warm, lean, stalky, varnish, full body, long finish
Why use so much oak????
Why use so much oak????