Lifted orchard fruit on the nose, followed by a lush palate of bright apple, citrus and tropical hints, supported by good acidity before a crisp and clean, gently zesty end.
Bright and zesty passionfruit, gooseberry, asparagus and hedgerow fill this classic Marlborough Savvy. 2015 marked the winery's 30th vintage, as well as one of the driest summers on record. That's felt in the concentration of this round, tropical-minded white, one clouded with lees and trailing with zesty and sour tangerine.
Boldly aromatic from the get-go, bursting with ample peach and honeysuckle on the nose. The round, creamy texture resulted from 20% barrel fermentation in old oak barrels, balanced well by firm acidity and lush stone fruits and citrus. Finishes with refreshing minerality. Hard to have one last sip.
From the man credited with figureheading the Swartland Revolution, this Chenin Blanc is a highlight of the South African offerings on our market. If you see it, buy. And this is his "entry-level" Secateurs line, from selected old-bush vines on granite slopes. Cream, wild herbs and meadow flowers are drawn across a very waxy palate, where spiced pear and subtle fennel notes join in. Savoury, with precise lemon-zest vibrancy, broken stones, roasted nut, medicinal lemon balm and gentle honeycomb, this young vintage finishes smoothly, with some gentle waxy warmth. Drinking now well, but will hold with short-term aging.
Pale straw colour with tiny bubbles, this non-vintage bubbly has a minerally, white peach nose with citrus notes; light to medium-bodied, it tastes like crab apples with fresh, balancing acidity.
From the grandfather of Canadian Meritage, this blend of 50 percent Cabernet. Sauvignon with Merlot (35%) and Cab Franc (%15) was aged in French oak for 15 months. Vibrant aromas of red and black berries with spice notes, followed by a luscious, mouth-filling entry of plush damson, vanilla, blackberry and cassis flavours with firm tannins and excellent structure, plus some herb and spice notes through a solid close. Excellent value.
Winemaker Andrea León adds 15% Carmenère to this variety, giving it a very dense purple colour. The oak is deftly handled projecting a bouquet of vanilla, blueberry and black fruits with an engaging floral note. There is a juicy, sweet core to this medium-to-full-bodied wine but it finishes firmly with ripe tannins.