Carrick Organic Pinot Noir 2018, Bannockburn, Central Otago – A very enticing bouquet with aromas of ripe red berry fruits, warm clay, silty chalk soil scents, sweet French oak barrel with mild toasty wood smoke aromas, wild red flower and raspberry. Equally complex on the palate with flavours of red berries and spicy plum, mineral soils and barrel spices of toasty wood. Firm tannins and acidity enhance a savoury complexity adding mouthfeel and length. Youthful and still developing, but drinking well now especially with food. Ideal drinking window from 2022 through 2028. 94 Points, Excellent, RRP $45.00
Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Gris 2020, Marlborough – Fruity, varietal and detailed bouquet of Gris with aromas of fresh and baked pear, fresh and baked apple, fruit spices and a core of leesy complexity. Lots of weight, flavour and complexity on the palate with pears and quinces, apples and white peach. There’s an apple custard cream texture enhanced by the spices of fruit and natural white pepper note from the variety. Balanced, well made and ready. Best drinking upon purchase and through 2023+. 94 Points, Excellent, RRP $22.99
Akarua RUA Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago – Aromas of plump, ripe red cherries, dark roses, brown baking spics and red currant. Mild French oak scents of vanilla and bacon, a whisper of clove and toasted barrel. Fleshy red berry fruit centric flavours on the palate with cherries and red apple, raspberry and plum. Moderate tannin presence with a firm youthful texture, medium+ acidity and fruit flavours that mirror the nose. Delicious, fresh, youthful and tasty example. A great by the glass option in restaurants and well suited to a variety of cuisines. Best drinking from 2021 through 2025+. 93 Points, Excellent, RRP $21.99
Framingham F-Series Old Vine Riesling 2020, Marlborough – Intense bouquet – pure, ripe, complex, fruity, detailed and enticing. Aromas and flavours of preserved lemon and sour peach, apple and fresh roses, honeydew melon and white spice. Fresh, vibrant, tense and youthful – high acidity contrasted by a core of citrus and mineral flavours, honeysuckle, roses, lemon and stones. Lengthy and dry on the finish. A fabulous wine perfect as an aperitif or with seafood. Best drinking from today and through 2030. 94 Points, Excellent, RRP $44.99
Villa Maria Earth Garden Merlot Cabernet 2019, Hawkes Bay – Dark plum and fresh blackberries, clove and vanilla with a smooth toasty barrel complexity. Fresh, youthful, fruity and enticing. On the palate – a core of dark berry flavours that reflect the nose, plus a cassis and marmite, a clay and stony soil layer then a moments of red flowers and toasty barrel spices. Fine chalky tannins with a dusty textured edge, plenty of acidity and a satin textured mouthfeel through to the finish. Balanced and well made, ready to drink upon purchase and through 2024. 92 Points, Premium, RRP $13.99
Eva Pemper Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough – Classically styled aromas of Sauvignon Blanc, a plush almost sensuous bouquet with scents of white flowers and white fleshed tree fruits. Layers of tropical fruit and soft sweet herbs add complexity and charm. On the palate – crisp, refreshing, fruity, salivating and dry. Flavours of citrus and tree fruits then tropical. Herbaceous, silky, persistent, fleshy and balanced. A lovely wine with charm and elegance as well as classic power and tension that only Marlborough Sauvignon can deliver. Best drinking upon purchase and through 2023+. 94 Points, Excellent, RRP $24.90
Lawson’s Dry Hills Pink Pinot Rosé 2020, Marlborough – Fragrant, pure, fleshy fruit lift with aromas of strawberries and red melon, cold peach tea and roses. On the palate – vibrant, refreshingly crisp and fruity. Salivating acidity with gently warming alcohol. Fruit flavours mirror the nose, all in harmony, balanced and well made. Best drinking upon purchase and through 2022. 91 Points, Premium, RRP $21.99
Neudorf ‘Home Block’ Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Moutere, Nelson – Youthful, complex, layered and varietal with a core of red berry fruits, scents of soil and place, a perfumed floral layer and enticing curiosity only Pinot Noir can do. On the palate – youthful, tense, complex and dry. Flavours of red berries, currants, flowers and baking spices of oak. Firm tannins and acidity ensure this wine will age well. There’s a vibrato and energy at the core carrying flavour and texture evenly. A lovely wine that belongs in your cellar for a while – with best drinking from 2022 through 2030. 95 Points, Outstanding, RRP $65.00
Amisfield Brut 2016, Methode Traditionnelle, Central Otago – Seductive aromas of ripe citrus flesh, stone fruit, stony mineral and layers of baked-goods-autolysis effect. Complex, full-bodied, spicy, fresh crisp and dry. Baked stone fruit, orange pith and brioche with a bold refined mousse. This is an absolutely delicious wine that encapsulates texture and new world boldness as well as elegance and charm. Fantastic drinking from today and through 2026. 94 Points, Excellent, RRP $42.99
Kahurangi Estate Vintage Reserve 2017 Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionnelle, Nelson – Complex, fine and alluring bouquet. Aromas of freshly baked goods, stone fruit and citrus. A developed autolysis layers in complexity and distinctiveness. Dry, crisp, refreshing, salivating and tasty wine on the palate. Flavours mirror the nose merged together with a buoyant crisp mousse and plenty of acidity. Balanced, refreshing and well made – what’s not to like! Best drinking upon purchase and through 2025. 94 Points, Excellent, RRP $36.00
