This crisp, complete, medium-bodied traditional-method fizz is a blend of Chardonnay from Marlborough's cooler Awatere Valley, as well as Pinot Noir from Marlborough's clay-soiled Southern Valleys. Ample toasted stones, lemon and a bed of doughy, fennel lees is brightened with a pithy citrus acidity and a snap of lemon peel that hums along the finish. A lovely example of accessible Kiwi fizz.
Clear medium-deep gold. Medium-intensity nose of passion fruit and gooseberry. Light-bodied with lemon and lime flavours and tart acidity, with some herbal (sage?) notes in the background. Drink up.
Lively aromatics unfold gooseberry, asparagus and grassy freshness. Tart gooseberry, mineral and brisk acidity leave the palate refreshed and satisfied.
This is sourced from 6 vineyards in Kumeu and spends time in 20% new oak. The striking reductive edge classic of this winery is showing strong in this wine, still in youth. Whole-bunch pressed and wild yeast-fermented, this was entirely barrel-fermented and through MLF before 11 months maturation in wood. Ample flint, stony spice, earthy lees, white asparagus and a flush of tangerine pith on the finish to tighten. Generous and broad, but kept bright with acidity, this structured wine has presence now, but will build with short-term cellaring.
Very pale in colour, but don’t be fooled, because its bouquet is intense and very characteristic of Marlborough Sauvignon. Elderberry, passionfruit and cut-grass aromas leap out of the glass, flavours that are replicated on the palate. Medium-bodied, dry, elegant and precise: this is a beautifully balanced wine with great length and sensibly priced.
Pale straw in colour with a spicy apple nose that melds seamlessly into vanilla oak; medium- to full-bodied, dry, elegant, fresh and lively on the palate with well-extracted fruit.
Young peas, tinned asparagus, fragrant passionfruit and mandarin are scented with lively acidity and medicinal-tinged herbs. Very complete and round on the palate, with Sauvignon's vegetative side on full display. An easy, accessible, familiar style, made well.