Part of Kim Crawford's premier "Small Parcels" tier, this opaque and thick Hawkes Bay Merlot is doused with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon. Ample wood is evident from the start, with 14 months in French and American oak, 31% of which was new. Black cherry and kirsch aromas continue on the full-bodied palate, along with bitter black chocolate, mint, dried blackberry and fruitcake. The wood tannins are strident, propping up the ripe, weighted fruit before a black espresso finish. A bit clumsy; best poured with rich short ribs and mashed root vegetables.
Pale yellow with abundant foamy bubbles. Light nose of Granny Smith apple, yeast, lemon and apricot jam. On the palate it is fruity with mouth-watering acidity, a slight sweetness, and pineapple and marmalade flavours leading to almond on the finish. Drink over the next year or so.
This brilliant and focused Sauv Blanc pumps out a huge perfume of nectarine, followed by bergamot, passion fruit, guava, jalapeño and papaya. Fresh acidity, a concentrated mid-palate and long finale make this a sublime partner for a ceviche infused with some tropical fruit or tuna/salmon sashimi.
A truly great wine from Kevin Judd, formerly winemaker at Cloudy Bay. Ruby-violet in colour with a nose of raspberries and a floral grace note; elegant and sensual on the palate with great balance.
A refreshing and crisp savvy from New Zealand with a grassy, herbaceous nose that shows grapefruit, gooseberry and citrus accents. It’s zesty and flavourful on the palate with good acid lift.
A Pinot Gris with flavour. Straw colour with a green tint; a minerally, peach nose with citrus notes; medium-bodied, dry, well-extracted peach and nectarine flavours with a long, clean finish.
In the Maori language, the word “Momo” means “offering.” This is classic Marlborough Sauvignon – very pale straw in colour with a grassy, guava nose. It’s crisply dry, light-to-medium-bodied on the palate with a flavour of crushed elderberries. Serve it with seafood dishes or goat’s cheese.