As per my last column –
there have been many opportunities to taste new wine releases as we head toward
Auckland’s summer. I still have a heap
awaiting review but here we go with the latest.
Cheers!
Villa Maria Pinot Gris Private Bin Light 2014 $15
I was a bit cynical about low alcohol wines – but this is the real deal. At only 9% alcohol, this tastes like a full bodied, crisp and fruity Pinot Gris. It has enough complexity and balance to stand up against a regular 12-14% alcohol wine.
I was a bit cynical about low alcohol wines – but this is the real deal. At only 9% alcohol, this tastes like a full bodied, crisp and fruity Pinot Gris. It has enough complexity and balance to stand up against a regular 12-14% alcohol wine.
Craggy Range Te Muna Martinborough Pinot Gris 2014 $27
Aromas of orange blossom and minerality. This is an elegant and lean style of Pinot Gris with flavours of lime, fennel, white peach, and fresh pineapple and a crisp finish.
Gladstone 12,000 Central Otago Miles Pinot Gris 2014 $21
Citrus blossom and poached pear aromas. Time spent on yeast residue had added a layer of creaminess to the stone fruit and Nashi pear flavours.
Aromas of orange blossom and minerality. This is an elegant and lean style of Pinot Gris with flavours of lime, fennel, white peach, and fresh pineapple and a crisp finish.
Gladstone 12,000 Central Otago Miles Pinot Gris 2014 $21
Citrus blossom and poached pear aromas. Time spent on yeast residue had added a layer of creaminess to the stone fruit and Nashi pear flavours.
Vidal Marlborough Riesling 2014 $18
Citrus and floral aromas. On the palate, an elegant and delicate, just off-dry wine with lime, ripe pear flavours and a crisp clean finish at only 11% alcohol.
Citrus and floral aromas. On the palate, an elegant and delicate, just off-dry wine with lime, ripe pear flavours and a crisp clean finish at only 11% alcohol.
Waimea Classic Nelson Riesling 2014 $20
Aromas of lemon/lime and green apple, but opens up on the palate with ripe honeysuckle, lemon squash, and tropical fruit. Yet with a crisp clean finish.
Aromas of lemon/lime and green apple, but opens up on the palate with ripe honeysuckle, lemon squash, and tropical fruit. Yet with a crisp clean finish.
Dry River Martinborough Viognier 2012 $45
Nectarine and rhubarb aromas, with elegant, complex flavours of apricot, white peach and lemon squash with hint of sweetness. Crisp, dry and lengthy palate.
Pegasus Bay Waipara Gewürztraminer 2012 $29
Yellow gold colour, with aromas of honey and ripe nectarines. This wine was aged in old oak barrels. Flavours of spice, honey, grapefruit marmalade and lychee fruit in an unctuous and lush style.
Nectarine and rhubarb aromas, with elegant, complex flavours of apricot, white peach and lemon squash with hint of sweetness. Crisp, dry and lengthy palate.
Pegasus Bay Waipara Gewürztraminer 2012 $29
Yellow gold colour, with aromas of honey and ripe nectarines. This wine was aged in old oak barrels. Flavours of spice, honey, grapefruit marmalade and lychee fruit in an unctuous and lush style.
Vidal Anthony Joseph Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2013 $16
Citrus and mineral aromas. Palate of toasted almond, grapefruit, ripe pear and quince – with a lengthy aftertaste.
Citrus and mineral aromas. Palate of toasted almond, grapefruit, ripe pear and quince – with a lengthy aftertaste.
Vidal Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $25
Floral potpourri aromas, with ripe black fruit. In the mouth – ripe fruit flavours, with Black Doris plum and savoury smooth finish.
Floral potpourri aromas, with ripe black fruit. In the mouth – ripe fruit flavours, with Black Doris plum and savoury smooth finish.
Heron’s Flight Matakana Sangiovese 2012
Dark berry fruit, floral and subtle spice aromas. Dark cherry/berry and earthy fruit cake flavours with a firm tannic finish. One to cellar for a few more years.
Dark berry fruit, floral and subtle spice aromas. Dark cherry/berry and earthy fruit cake flavours with a firm tannic finish. One to cellar for a few more years.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV $140
Billecart is a family run winery, making Champagne in Epernay since 1818. Their Rosé is the flagship wine, made with about 50% Chardonnay, plus around 1/3 Pinot Noir and a dash of Pinot Meunier. Aromas of red berries, brioche and mineral. A fine beaded Champagne with subtle cherry and spiced fruit and crisp mineral finish.
Billecart is a family run winery, making Champagne in Epernay since 1818. Their Rosé is the flagship wine, made with about 50% Chardonnay, plus around 1/3 Pinot Noir and a dash of Pinot Meunier. Aromas of red berries, brioche and mineral. A fine beaded Champagne with subtle cherry and spiced fruit and crisp mineral finish.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve NV $60 - $99
Citrus flower and red berry fruit aromas. Crisp mineral acidity with flavours of pear, apple, a hint of toast, and stone fruit.
Citrus flower and red berry fruit aromas. Crisp mineral acidity with flavours of pear, apple, a hint of toast, and stone fruit.
Read Phil’s Blog at
nzwineblogger.blogspot.co.nz
Phil Parker is a wine
writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland
