Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay, Coal River Valley 2022

Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay, Coal River Valley 2022

Struck matches on the nose; the wine has a fantastic tension between precise laser-like lime acidity and rich, almost exotic peach fruits. Very concentrated, well-balanced with great length. The oak is there but, in the background, the acidity fresh and integrated. Drink now or keep a decade or more.

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Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2022, Auckland, New Zealand

Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2022, Auckland, New Zealand

Fresh citrus blossom aromas, with a touch of oak; gorgeous mineral-driven lemon and lime zest with green apples and some rich fruit too. Linear with a distinctive saline finish. Not unlike a top Puligny-Montrachet with its racy acidity and structure. A brilliant wine, but one for the long haul.

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Felton Road Bannockburn Block 6 Chardonnay 2022, Central Otago, New Zealand

Felton Road Bannockburn Block 6 Chardonnay 2022, Central Otago, New Zealand

A relatively rich powerful Chardonnay with forward aromas of white flowers. The palate is full, almost lush, with ripe succulent pure yellow stone fruits – peaches and nectarines, underpinned by subtle notes of toasted nuts. It is all held nicely in check by a core of juicy mineral acidity. It lingers nicely. A young promising…

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Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Akarua Bannockburn 2021 – Central Otago

Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Akarua Bannockburn 2021 – Central Otago

The wine has a ruby color of medium intensity. The nose offers depth, a juicy and ripe fruitiness, as well as savoury and enveloped spiciness and delicate herbaceous notes. It expresses the aromas of morello cherry, red cherry jam, roasted red cherry, crushed blackcurrant (with a touch of crème de cassis), wild blackberry, raspberry coulis,…

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Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Rimapere Single Vineyard, Sauivignon Blanc 2022 – Marlborough

Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Rimapere Single Vineyard, Sauivignon Blanc 2022 – Marlborough

The wine has a pale lemon color, with green reflections. The nose expresses intense and fresh aromas of citrus and exotic fruits, combined with fragrant floral notes. We find the aromas of grapefruit, lemon juice, lemon zest, blood orange, passion fruit, fresh pineapple, white flowers (acacia, honeysuckle, hawthorn, almond blossom), as well as a refreshing…

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Bel Echo by Clos Henri 2017 – Marlborough, New Zealand

Bel Echo by Clos Henri 2017 – Marlborough, New Zealand

The nose is fruity and offers a fine concentration/intensity. It reveals notes of quetsch plum, Boysen berry, small notes of cassis associated with touches of chocolate, bigarreau cherry as well as fine touches of pulpy redcurrant and very fine mineral/graphite hints. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers freshness, juiciness, a good gourmandize as well…

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Seresin, Leah Pinot Noir 2017 Marlborough

Seresin, Leah  Pinot Noir 2017 Marlborough

Named after Michael Seresin’s daughter, Leah has a surprising rose petal and smoke leading aromas, with plush black fruits, an earth mineral character, and a slight herbaceous kick. The palate is tart and refreshing with grippy tannins and a very firm structure.

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Ata Rangi McCrone Pinot Noir 2016 Martinborough

Ata Rangi McCrone Pinot Noir 2016 Martinborough

Very expressive Pinot Noir, with bursting aromas of bramble berries, fresh cranberries, cherries, wild strawberries, clove, anise, and stone minerality. It has a robust style with muscular tannins and heavy concentration, but still with detailed harmony and firm acidity.

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Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Martinborough

Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard  Pinot Noir 2016 Martinborough

It’s a very approachable Pinot noir with fragrant and spicy aromas of wild cherries, boysenberries, violets, cinnamon, clove, and caraway. The palate is rich and texturally complex with added savory notes and a very silky finish.

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Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2018 North Canterbury

Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2018 North Canterbury

A rich and decently concentrated pinot noir with cherry, violet, dried herbs, sage, subtle oak and elegant accents of cedarwood, and dried orange. It’s a distinctive wine, with a light, thin body, smooth texture, and a moderately lengthy finish.

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