Here are, what I consider, the top wines for 2008 in what has been a very interesting year in the wine industry.
With the over production of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in 2007 and even more in with the 2008 vintage it is not a year to remember positively for Sauvignon Blanc fans.
Prophets Rock Pinot Noir 2006 was a great discovery. The wine is all about balance and Harmony with its' textural body and good mineral qualities balanced with ripe fruit and a well proportioned use of oak. RRP $39. 18.5/20 Wine Vault points (WVP)
Rippon Pinot Noir 2006 has returned to form. This wine is from some of the oldest vines in Central Otago and it shows in the delicacy of the wine.
This wine show beautiful depth of character and is in complete balance with a very fine red fruit and just slightly savoury nose followed by a layered fruit and forest floor palate. When one finally reaches the back palate you are faced with good minerality and structure. In all this wine is one of the finest Pinot Noirs that New Zealand crafts. RRP $58. 19/20 WVP
Awaroa Stell Organic Chardonnay 2007. The fruit for this wine is sourced from the Stell vineyard in Hawke's Bay. The vineyard Fruit is organically grown and then shipped to Waiheke Island for fermenting.
The wine has a lovely citrus fruit nose with hints of butter and oak but not overly dominant. The oak on the palate is restrained and the Butter from Malo is also noticeable but does not dominate the wine. The citrus fruit and hazelnut aromas are what make this wine interesting and the lively but well balanced palate are also a point of interest. RRP $20. 18/20 WVP
Walnut Block Sauvignon Blanc 2008. Now I am not one for early drinking Sauvignon Blanc but there have been two that have caught my attention. This wine is the first that I tasted from the 2008 vintage and I was very surprised at the quality in this very average vintage.
Walnut Block have made a very textural wine with good fruit and lovely, lively acidity and some creamy minerality. RRP $22. 17.5/20 WVP
Discovery Point Sauvignon Blanc 2008. This wine is also very well layered. This was the same experience that was enjoyed with the Walnut Block 08.
There are also some other striking similarities between these two wines with regards to the creaminess, acidity, and fruit quality. RRP $22. 18/20 WVP
Craggy Range Cape Kidnappers Chardonnay 2007. This Chabliesque wine is a beautiful accompaniment to seafood and roast chicken dishes. There are layers of fruit and minerals that make it a real pleasure to drink.
The searing minerality is like sucking on an upmarket river stone and the fruit is reminiscent of a good French market. All in all this wine is great value for money at RRP $26.00. 19/20 WVP
Hatton Estate EC2 Chardonnay 2007. This wine is clean with a beautiful fragrance and a certain elegance on the palate. You do not get too much fruit, it is not overly scented, and nor is it overly oaked. In fact what you do get is a well balanced wine that has a lot of appeal.
There are hints of citrus fruit on the nose along with a dash of stonefruit. Then there is the palate! A crisp apple with some acid but not overly acidic. It as a good finish and should go well with Shellfish and chicken. RRP $24.99. 17.5/20 WVP
Glazebrook Hawke's Bay Syrah 2006. This is spicy and fruity with restrained use of oak that allows all of the components of the wine to shine through.
The Fruit is ripe and plentiful but it is within context of the rest of the wine. There is a good spicy spine and reasonable amount of tannin to support the fruit. I would consider cellaring this wine for the next 5 years to see it at its best. RRP $26. 17.5/20 WVP
Johanneshof Pinot Gris 2008. This is my least favourite NZ wine style. I think in short it is because of vine age and our lack of respect for the grape. This wine is different due, in part, to the European owners and wine makers.
They have made a classic in this wine with beautiful balance and acid. There is no oak influence to detract from the purity of the fruit. It is fermented dry and offers a great accompaniment to seafood and maybe some Asian dishes. RRP $29. 18/20 WVP.
Black Estate 2004 Pinot Noir. Texture, balance, and pure drinkability are what this wine offers the imbiber. There is plenty of fruit, plenty of structure, and plenty of depth without being to sterile the wine still has a rough edge. RRP $45. 18/20 WVP.
No comments:
Post a Comment