Clear, medium-deep garnet. On the nose there are black cherries, oak spice, leather and tobacco. Medium-bodied, with more cherries on the classic Bordeaux palate and a long finish. Complexity compares well with bigger names. Now plateaued, ready to drink.
From the winery’s Mystic River Vineyard in Oliver. Lifted vibrant orchard fruits on top followed by a juicy entry and well-balanced palate of pear and citrus notes with a touch of mineral through the creamy close. Superb value.
This blend of handpicked Cab Sauv (54%), Merlot (32%), Cab Franc (9%) and Malbec (5%) brings out a Bordeaux-like nose, style and elegance. Hawke’s Bay warmth also comes through on its concentration, structure and dark fruit character. Loads of black fruit flavour, with lingering cedar and black olive. Drink until 2017.
Made from Riesling harvested in the highest (480 m) vineyard in the Clare Valley. The nose shows succulent grapefruit, peach, fresh minerals and subtle notes of mango and other tropical fruits. It’s made in a bone-dry style but is nicely balanced by ripe citrus, apple and peach notes that are lifted by firm acidity through the finish. Hold for 5 years or more.
Bright, light straw in colour. Honeysuckle, peachy-melon nose. Medium body, dry, aromatic peach and melon flavours. Beautifully balanced, lovely mouth-feel with an exotic peach and cardamom note.
The limited-release Cairdeas, meaning “friendship” in Gaelic, is mellowed in the distillery’s oldest warehouse, which dates back to the mid-1800s. The whisky rests just short of 12 years, partially in Amontillado casks, in a consistently cool, damp climate and emerges fresh and outdoorsy, smelling of smoke and seawater, tangerines, green melon, charred oak, cinnamon and soap. On the palate it’s full and deeply peated with vanilla, salted mango and hints of melon.
This full-bodied, gutsy Cab from the cooler southern Patagonia is dense purple-black in colour. On the nose it offers a bouquet of blackcurrants and vanilla oak. Sweet fruit and a soft mouthfeel but structured and finishing with a mocha sweetness.