This is a very good Central Otago pinot noir from Valli’s Gibbstone vineyard and the 2017 vintage. It has restrained blackcurrant, dark cherry and undergrowth aromas, with Burgundian echoes. The palate has medium tannins, high acid, medium length and a full body, and a dried herb character. Ready to drink now. Rating: Good to VeryContinue reading “Valli Gibston Vineyard Pinot Noir Central Otago 2017”
Tag Archives: New Zealand
Escarpment Pinot Noir Martinborough 2017
This is a pleasant pinot noir from Escarpment in Martinborough, New Zealand. It has a subtle aroma of spice, rosemary and green stalks. On the palate, the fruit is ripe and youthful with a gentle petulance at times and the tannins are low to medium and finely knit. The oak is very well integrated (25%Continue reading “Escarpment Pinot Noir Martinborough 2017”
Kumeu Village Chardonnay 2018
From benchmark New Zealand producer Kumeu River, this chardonnay proved a little too sculptured for me, with the hand of the winemaker evident. It opens to aromas of flint and smoke. The palate has high acidity, the body is full and the wine finishes on acidity rather than fruit. It proved somewhat hard work. Rating:Continue reading “Kumeu Village Chardonnay 2018”
Coleraine Te Mata Estate Hawkes Bay 2007
Coleraine Te Mata Estate from Hawkes Bay in New Zealand is regarded as a leading cabernet blend from this part of the world. The 2007 vintage here fell somewhat short of (high) expectations. Its aroma reminds of tomato bush and dried herbs and its palate is fully mature. It retains a quiet elegance and hasContinue reading “Coleraine Te Mata Estate Hawkes Bay 2007”
Church Road Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2018
This pinot gris is influenced by the Alsace style, and is from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s north island. In the glass, there are muted aroma of herbs, stones and almonds. The palate is off-dry, full bodied and the acidity racy. Pleasant enough, and something different, although not in a style I would seek. ItContinue reading “Church Road Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2018”
Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels 2015
This is a high quality merlot blend (76% merlot, 14% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 2% malbec) from Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay in New Zealand. It has blackcurrant, clove and earth aromatics that are Bordeaux like, although more left bank than right. The palate has great length and ripe tannins. Ready to drinkContinue reading “Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels 2015”