Bright radiating black/red cherry colour is followed by an aroma of wild berries, herbs and flowers. The palate is bright, energetic with beautiful acidity, medium body and the most unique tannins that are subdued with a lovely savoury twist.
This individual expression of Hawkes Bay Syrah was inspired by the exponents of captivating whole bunch macerated wines of the northern Rhone. Lavender, clove and aniseed meld with intense black cherry fruit. The suggestion of underlying tar and earth notes hint at bottle development traits yet to emerge. The palate is lithe, sinuous and sappy – tightly structured via very fine textural tannins, low acidity, and vivid fruit characters.
This warm vintage produced ripe flavours at low potential alcohol. The initial aromatic impact is gunflint, peach and citrus blossom. The palate belies its relatively low alcohol level with rich flavours and a creamy texture punctuated by vivid fresh citrus fruits. This wine is a keeper; offering great maturation potential over the next 5-7 years.
This less trodden sub-district of Martinborough produces highly structured Pinot Noir. The combination of exacting viticulture with uncommon winemaking technique has resulted in a Pinot Noir that we would count as the finest wine of our winegrowing careers.
Flavours are reminiscent of ripe pears and white stone fruit with delightful soft texture ensuring a long commanding finish. A dry style has enhanced the fruit flavours Pinot Gris is renowned for. Partial malolactic fermentation and lees stirring has improved the texture and mouth feel allowing it to match most entrée dishes. A great alternative to Chardonnay it has been inspired by the classical French approach to the variety. It is an accurate reflection of Martinborough’s unique terroir. Cellar for up to five years or more, successfully.
Currently the wine shows the pear/white stone fruit flavours this variety is renowned for. This wine will make a great aperitif or combine beautifully with light fish or pasta.
94/100 – Bob Campbell, www.bobswinereviews.com, February 2018
Currently the wine shows the pear/white stone fruit flavours this variety is renowned for. This wine will make a great aperitif or combine beautifully with light fish or pasta.
90/100 – Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, November 2017
A full bodied style with great backbone and a long lingering finish. An immediately accessible wine, which will improve over the next 2 years. Enjoy with full flavoured fish dishes, any red meats or vegetarian plates.
Hand-picked and matured on its yeast lees for up to eight months, it is not highly aromatic, but weighty and sweet-fruited, with melon, lime and slight passionfruit flavours. A restrained style, it offers very satisfying drinking, with a touch of complexity and excellent mouthfeel, delicacy and depth.
Bright straw-yellow in colour, this vintage has the classic John Forrest winemaking style and embodies all the best characteristics of the previous 2010 and 2011 vintages. The bouquet is seamless with aromas of delicious lemon pudding and stone-fruit, framed with biscuity, mealy nuances. The palate has medium weight with a beautiful creamy mouth feel, balanced with vibrant acidity, exuding flavours of buttery pastry and an almond, pear tarte tatin, enveloped with subtle French oak. The wine has great length with the minerality lingering on the finish.