Lemon blossoms, pear and sheering green apple open this Marlborough traditional method fizz, 100% Chardonnay, but not labeled Blanc de Blanc (in line with the Keep It Simple Stupid camp). Tight and lively, with dusty stone, lemon, a light sweet pear core and overt pithy white grapefruit throughout. Leaves a powdery citrus note on the finish.
This 60/40 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay has spent 42 months on the lees before disgorging July 2013. Grapes were sourced from Marlborough's Aware and Southern valleys. Ample toast and dough come across coarse on the palate, though there is a pleasant cherry, firm pear and red apple-fruit core. A plastic note lingers on the shorter finish. Drink now.
Light golden in hue, this biodynamic Pinot Noir/Chardonnay from Bendigo, Central Otago spent 24 months on the lees, and it is integrated beautifully. That savoury lees is joined by red apple, delicate florals and cherry, all grounded by a subtle brioche nuttiness and lifted by crisp mineral and pink-grapefruit vibrancy. Fresh and complete, with a lingering pithiness on the very lengthy finish.
Pretty much textbook Kiwi Sauv Blanc, with tropical/grapefruit nuances combined with some leafy/cut-grass notes. Crisp and zesty in the mouth with a nice blend of citrus and herbs and enough ripe fruit to prevent it coming off as shrill.
Very pale in colour with an intense bouquet of gooseberries and grapefruit. Medium-bodied, dry, rich and full on the palate with a satisfyingly long, lemony finish. Good value.
Opens with ripe plum and rich earthy, herbal, vanilla-accented spice on the nose and sweet dark plum and cherry in the mouth. Bright fresh fruit and lively acidity reveal cool-climate origins.
Enticing scents of ripe strawberry and spice lead into strawberry and red cherry flavours with a splash of milk chocolate and vanilla in the mouth. Lightly dry tannins and lively acidity bring harmonious balance to the finish.