Winestate Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 victoriaMorris of Best's Great shiraz & blends McPherson WineRutherglen Bin No Western Cabernet Company MWC80 Blue Imperial Sauvignon Allinda Limited Heathcote ShirazRutherglen 2016 HHHH1/2 Release Yarra Valley 2016 HHHH1/2Cinsault Great varietal Syrah 2017 HHHHH A nose of ripe plum2014 HHHH definition here; all Almost black in colour and spices. Very niceConfectionery fruit dark fruits, violets with a complex nose medium bodied palatefragrances with and hints of mint. of fresh licorice, with bright berry fruitintense chocolaty oak Lovely spicy lift to blueberries and meaty in the riper end of thecharacters and has the nose and great nuances. Generous spectrum. Some greatsome lovely delicate tannin structure to palate rich with ripe oak and high level offloral/rose petal the generous fruit fruit flavours, dark acid. 5+ $21.99flavours. $25 palate. $25 chocolate and aniseed.Rutherglen Estates Boat O’ Craigo Grampians Estate Best's LSV Great Buller WinesRenaissance Braveheart Yarra 3-5 $29 Streeton Reserve Western Shiraz BalladeerRutherglen Valley Cabernet Boat O’ Craigo Great Western Viognier Rutherglen ShirazZinfandel Sauvignon Black Cameron Shiraz 2016 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/22015 HHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 Yarra Valley Shiraz 2015 HHHHH Very fragrant and lifted Spicy, stewed rhubarbSlightly porty nose Delightful aromas of 2016 HHHHH Spicy complexity floral fruit nose. Silky nose heading towardswith liqueur-like notes blackcurrants, tobacco, Youthful dark berry to the plum/cherry smooth spicy licorice savoury with lovelyand lovely sweet violets and some bouquet with subtle nose. A riper style complexity to the violet hints. The fruitbrambly fruit fills the leathery notes. Lovely oak spiciness. Lovely palate carried well palate highlighted by driven style of palatepalate with flavour and fruit intensity on the concentration of by the savoury fruit, bright dark berry fruit with more of the violetis developing some palate with excellent varietal fruit flavours well handled oak and and showing a good floral characters. Goodcomplexity. $35 acid/tannin engagement. with well-integrated great tannin structure. grippy finish. $35 balance of acid and and elegant tannins Plenty of cellaring tannins. $25cabernet sauvignon 3-5 $30 with great line of acid. potential. $75 Grampians Estate Willem Kurt& blends Souter’s Rosewhite Blue Pyrenees Streeton Reserve Beechworth Shiraz Vineyard Alpine 5+ $30 Estate Pyrenees Grampians Shiraz 2015 HHHH1/2Yarravale Valley Cabernet McPherson Wine Shiraz 2016 HHHH1/2 Big, full flavouredReserve Yarra Sauvignon Company MWC 2014 HHHHH Leafy spicy fragrances shiraz low in tanninValley Cabernet 2014 HHHH1/2 Victoria Shiraz A riper style but very lead to a lovely structure and a tadSauvignon A lovely bright red Mourvedre good and developing sweet varietal fruit simple. The nose is2013 HHHHH wine with a purple 2016 HHHHH nicely. Dark brooding palate layered with a subtle mix of spicy“The quintessential rim. Has a bouquet Really bright plum pudding of a nose vanillin oak and some earthy fragrances. Thecabernet,” said one of blackberries with varietal fruit here which follows through ripe tannins. Good palate shows greatjudge. Lovely aged hints of ants! Rich showing excellent to the palate. Has good mouthfeel and nice varietal fruit length andcassis, tobacco and and rounded in the concentration, length grippy tannins and tannic finish. nice acidity. $36leathery aromas and a mouth with good fruit and freshness. Nose excellent use of oak. Morris ofvery generous savoury flavours and a firm has a lovely floral lift $20 5+ $75 Rutherglen Bin Nofruit palate with tannic finish. $30 and the palate displays Mitchelton Print 186 Rutherglenvibrant acidity and fine Morris of nicely handled cedary Central Victoria Terra Felix Yarra Shiraztannins. $35 Rutherglen Basket oak and silky tannins. Shiraz Valley Shiraz 2013 HHHH1/2Mitchelton Preece Press Rutherglen $21.99 2013 HHHHH 2015 HHHH1/2 Amazing nose that isNagambie Central Cabernet McPherson An excellent wine for Slightly porty and an interesting mix ofVictoria Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Company its age. Oak is still “moody” bouquet. A black berries, blackSauvignon 2015 HHHH Laneway Central prominent and tends richness and freshness currants and black2016 HHHHH Great chocolaty/cassis Victoria Shiraz to overpower the of juicy blueberry and ants! Gently ageingLight lift of leafy blue aromas and a big full 2015 HHHHH fruit. \"There's a lot of mulberry fruit flavours flavours layered withfruit fragrances and chocolaty fruit palate A great wine with winemaker in the wine,\" with hints of licorice soft lingering tannins.a complexity of fruit balanced by great acid, obvious lifted super said one judge. \"But in a and supple tannins. Good length ofand oak flavours on firm tannins and has floral touches to the good way!\" $75 Needs food. $39 acidity. $25the palate with minty/ warming alcohol. $25 red/blue fruit nose.menthol elements and Mitchelton M Seamlessly silky Rutherglen Estatessuper chewy tannins. Central Victoria palate, great structure, RED RutherglenGood ageing potential. Cabernet loads of berry fruit well Shiraz Durif$18 Sauvignon integrated with the oak 2016 HHHH1/2Montara Grampians 2015 HHHH and tannins. $21.99 A perfectly structuredCabernet Violets, plums and One Tonne wine with beautifulSauvignon spices on the nose and Wine Company brooding earthy,2015 HHHHH excellent concentration Pyrenees Shiraz chocolaty and berryA beautiful age and drive of true 2015 HHHHH aromas that leapworthy cabernet with varietal fruit flavours. Lovely expression of out the glass andfragrances of cedar, Lovely oak and great sweet shiraz fruit on full the mouth withcassis and violets. tannins. $22 the nose and palate intense flavours. WellExcellent varietal fruit and the tannins are, supported by theflavour concentration according to one judge, acidity. $15mixed with lifted \"Spot on!\" and nicelyspiciness and lovely matched by sometannins. $30 lovely quality oak. Great drink! $25 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 201

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 victoriaRutherglen Estates Dalberti The Tahbilk Central Gapsted Wines Stanton & Killeen Morris ofEstate Grown Charcoal Burner Victoria Shiraz Ballerina Canopy Reserve Rutherglen Rutherglen RareRutherglen Shiraz Great Western 2015 HHHH Alpine Valley Durif Durif 2016 HHHH Reserve Grand2016 HHHH Shiraz 2016 HHHH Lovely bright ripe 2016 HHHHH Nose is a complexity Rutherglen MuscatSpicy peppery fruit on Lifted sweet oak blueberry-like fruit, Vibrant purple wine. of dark fruits and NV HHHHHthe nose lifted with aromas and a palate good quality oak and Dense chocolaty chocolaty oak and the A brooding intensitynettle notes. Big oak that's carried by the lovely chewy tannin prune-like aromas and a palate is full of rich dark of molasses andinfluence on the palate oak but has a complex structure. \"A lot of voluptuous palate with fruits with a meaty raisined fragrances.but has the varietal mix of ripe fruit and chew,\" quipped one excellent depth and edge. Something Lovely elegantfruit generosity to spices with soft acidity. judge. $24.80 power of melded varietal different! $35 muscat palate withmatch. $24 $16 Brown Brothers Ten fruit and oak flavours maturing complexityScion Terravinia Mitchelton The Acres Heathcote with mouthcoating sweet whites but still looking veryGooramadda Bend Victoria Shiraz 2015 HHHH tannins. $31 & fortifieds fresh. “Bring out theRutherglen Syrah Shiraz A bright modern Scion Rutherglen cheese,” said one2016 HHHH 2016 HHHH style of shiraz with Durif Morris of judge. $90The dark berry fruit Nice fruit richness to excellent dark berry 2015 HHHH1/2 Rutherglen Cellar Morris ofaromas are a tad the nose and good fruit characters and Appealingly rich dark Reserve Grand Rutherglen Oldmasked by the oak concentration of dark some great quality oak chocolaty nose with Rutherglen Muscat Premium Rareand the fine tannins fruits and spices on the underscored by lovely a rich, complex and NV HHHHH Rutherglentend to dominate the balanced palate. Drink grainy tannins. $25 powerful dark fruit “World best!” Liqueur Topaquebig flavoursome fruit now or cellar for the One Tonne palate. Shows subtle according to one judge! NV HHHHHpalate. $35 future. $15 Wine Company use of oak and chewy Incredible syrupy, Massive concentrationSouter’s Rosewhite Best's Bin No 0 Grampians Shiraz tannins. Well-made toffee and dried fruit of toffee and driedVineyard Alpine Great Western 2015 HHHH wine with a ‘Wow’ complexity on the nose fruit aromas with justValley Shiraz Shiraz 2016 HHHH Quite savoury aromas factor. $42 with fabulous depth a hint of molasses.2015 HHHH Rich dark fruit/cedar with a hint of spice Anderson Winery of molasses/treacle The velvety palateSweet vanillin oak oak bouquet and a and a dash of pepper. Basket Press flavours. “An amazing coats the mouth withnose with minty/ simple ripe chocolaty Nice fruit complexity Vessier Rutherglen example!” $25 flavours of maple syrupmenthol touches. palate showing a touch to the palate with Durif Shiraz Stanton & Killeen and molasses. LongSilky smooth in the of sweetness. Shows lifted oak and some 2013 HHHH1/2 Classic Rutherglen clean finish. $90mouth with a big plenty of cellaring spiciness. $25 Dense brooding Muscat NV HHHHH Brown Brothersmouthful of flavour potential. $85 chocolaty bouquet “Amazingly complex Patricia Kingand lingering acid Mitchelton M durif & blends with a vibrant berry offering amazing Valley Noblefinish. $30 Central Victoria thread. Quite a drying value.” Dense Riesling 2011Goldman Wines Shiraz 2015 HHHH Buller Wines palate with plenty of nose projects an (250ml) HHHHHAlpine Valley Nose is brooding, dark Balladeer dark fruit flavours, intense mix of dried Richly succulentShiraz 2015 HHHH and fruity. The palate Rutherglen Durif good tannins and fruit aromas with medley of sultana,Peppery black fruit has plenty of fleshy 2016 HHHHH lingering acidity. $33 sumptuously rich honeycomb andfragrances with a berry fruit flavours with A powerful Rutherglen Estates burnt toffee, raisined toffee aromas; hintsperfumed lift and a nice drive and length. concentration of black Rutherglen Durif fruit and forest floor- of apricot-like botrytisfruit driven palate that Planky oak. A good fruit, toasty oak and 2016 HHHH like flavours. $35 elements. The crispshows a subtle use of wine. $20 aromatic violet nuances Refined delicacy of Morris of clean palate hasoak. Good tannin/acid and has delicious rich prune-like aromas Rutherglen Five excellent honeyedintegration. $35 dark fruit flavours laced mingling with spicy Generations perfumed fruit/toastyPiano Piano with lovely tannins and oak. Velvety soft in the Reserve Rutherglen oak flavours. $36.70Henry’s Block nicely underscored by mouth with powerful Tawny Port Tahbilk Cane CutBeechworth Shiraz the acidity. $28 flavours and generous NV HHHHH Central Victoria2015 HHHH tannins. $24 Appealing fruit cake- Cane Cut“Fantastic drinkability Andrew Buller like aromas with hints Marsanne 2013here,” said one judge. Wines Cannobie of the forest floor (375ml) HHHH1/2An abundance of Rutherglen Durif including mushrooms A super sweet, aged,dark berry fruits, nice 2016 HHHH which is echoed on the dessert wine that isearthiness, complex Dark licoricey aromas very rich, stunningly a delicious blend ofoak and a firm tannin with a perfumed vibrant palate. honey, orange peelstructure. $38 floral lift and lovely Incredible length of and citrus blossomAllinda Limited integration of dark fruit some great acid. $50 characters and hasRelease Yarra Valley and sweet oak flavours a delicate nuance ofSyrah 2016 HHHH with a firm tannin apricots. $24.80Aromatic complexity spine. $28 Morris ofof chocolate, stewed Rutherglenrhubarb and vanilla. Mia Pale FlorOak more expressive Rutherglen Aperaon the palate with NV HHHH1/2nicely integrated dark Appealing florfruit flavours. $29 characters obvious on the nose with intense and vibrant sherry flavours showing some interesting orange peel-like characters and a nice crisp finish. $25202 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 victoriaMorris of Andrew Buller SUBSCRIBE TO OURRutherglen Classic Wines Cannobie COMPLETE PACKAGERutherglen Tawny Rutherglen TokayPort NV HHHH1/2 NV HHHH which includes hard-copy and digital versions plus fullGorgeous chocolaty This nose is a on-line access to Winestate’s web site and reviews.nose layered with seamless marriage Available only through online order, www.winestate.com.ausultanas, mushrooms between raisins andand vanilla. The palate orange peel with GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONis crisp and clean and supporting oak. Morevery youthful with of the intense citrus Tel: 08 8357 9277voluptuous flavours characters appear on www.winestate.com.auand firm tannins. $25 the palate. $29Morris of Scion AfterRutherglen Classic Dark RutherglenRutherglen Liqueur Fortified DurifTopaque 2016 HHHHNV HHHH1/2 Brooding dark berryNose of dried fruits and chocolatewith layers of orange characters on the nosepeel fragrances. with generous darkExcellent malty fruit flavours, dryingunctuousness on the tannins and youthfulpalate showing lovely lifted spirit. $29clean spirit and goodlevel of sweetness. $25Andrew BullerWines Cannobie30Yrs OldRutherglen TawnyPort NV HHHH1/2Quite a savoury stylenose with somemushroom-likecharacters. Slightlydrying style ofpalate with loads ofmouthcoating flavoursand hints of butterypopcorn. $29Gapsted WinesAlpine ValleyTouriga2015 HHHH1/2Big inky wine withpowerful dark fruitand chalky/oakyaromatics. Luscioussweet spiciness onthe rich fruit cake ofa palate, some oak,grainy tannins and niceacidity. $31Morris ofRutherglen ClassicRutherglen MuscatNV HHHHImagine a rum andraisin chocolate barand you have thisnose! The lusciousfruit cake of a palateshows some nicenuttiness. $25 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 203

Ben Ean cellar door.new sowuatlhes THE BEST WINES OF 2018 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Riesling, Semillon & Blends, Chardonnay & Blends, Other White Varietals & Blends, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Sweet White & Fortified.204 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

HAPPY DAYS AS REDS AND WHITES DELIVER The New South Wales year in review, by Rick Allen. I think the 2018 vintage will be lookedupon in years to come as a very serious vintage, indeed, for the Hunter.TOM Ward, of Swinging Bridge winery in Orange, thought for a minute. “I’d pretty worrying, but it showed once again the Hunter’s extraordinary abilitygive the reds a nine out of 10 and the whites a solid eight,” he said. And guess to handle heat.what … it’s pretty much the same story across the state. “But 2018 was much more even ripening, without those temperature spikes. The Hunter Valley winemakers are more than pleased with 2018, despite an I think it will be closer to the fabulous 2014 vintage.incredible burst of heat late in the proceedings. “The whites have pure, clean flavours and really good natural acid, and the Mudgee was parched, in the grip of drought, but the wines are right on song. reds look great - typical medium-bodied Hunter with good colour and rich, And down in Canberra, not one of their great vintages, but a strong one all balanced flavours.”the same. In short, NSW couldn’t be happier. Vintage 2018 in Orange, despite a scary period when a bushfire raged Down in Canberra - like much of the state - there was an extended dry periodthrough the high slopes of the region, has come through not just unscathed, that had vignerons holding their collective breaths. But in the end it wouldbut well. seem they pulled through all right. That makes it six good vintages in a row - a record that would makewinemakers from other parts of the state turn green with envy. Ken Helm, generally accepted as the spokesman for the Canberra wine “We had a dry start, then some decent rain in November, so we were set up collective, was upbeat.perfectly,” Ward said. “But then it didn’t rain again until March, so with no rainwe were able to pick at full ripeness. “Overall we’d have to be happy,” he said. “It was really dry for a long time “The reds, particularly the shiraz, have bright colour and lovely aromatics. - probably the only relief we had after Christmas was a decent shower inThe whites are good, too, although in my mind, a touch behind the reds. I February. But from what I’ve seen the wines have turned out pretty well.would think the pinot gris and chardonnay are the picks there.” Picking started in early February and went through until late April - a long “I would think one or two of the less experienced winemakers might haveperiod but understandable when you have vineyards that range from 600m suffered from the lack of rain, but generally speaking it was OK.altitude to 1100m. “The fire was a bad one and three vineyards were not picked,” Ward said. “I make seven rieslings, for example, and they’ve all been rated highly. And“We were worried as a region by smoke damage, too, so we had everything riesling, more than any wine, is made in the vineyard, so that says something.AWI-tested and we came up clear, which was a huge relief,” Ward said. In the much warmer Hunter Valley there’s a real sense of optimism about ”From what I’ve tasted and heard around the region the reds have stackedthe 2018 vintage. up pretty well, too. I’ve certainly heard good reports on the shiraz and pinot.” Even on the back of the strong 2017 vintage, which has produced somewonderful wines, including the Mount Pleasant’s Old Paddock Old Hill shiraz, And what about cabernet - Helm’s other star variety? “Too early to tell, it’sthe general feeling is that 2018 will be a step up again. still early days in barrel,” he said. “But we felt pretty good about it when we Adrian Sparks, who made the Old Paddock Old Hill shiraz, believes 2017 is tasted it.”a better vintage than most thought - but admits he is really excited by what’sin barrel for 2018. At Mudgee, Bunnamagoo winemaker Robert Black was delighted with the “I think the 2018 vintage will be looked upon in years to come as a very way his region pulled through what has been a crippling drought.serious vintage indeed for the Hunter,” he said. Andrew Margan, of Margan Wines, agreed, as did Matt Burton, of Gundog “It has been dry here for 15 or 16 months now, so that was on everyone’swinery. mind,” he said. “Yields were down, mainly with the chardonnay and reds, but “The 2017 vintage was good but it had those three 46C days at the end quality was good. We certainly didn’t suffer.of the vintage,” Burton said. “For those who still had fruit on the vine, it was “The whites have come up well - good acids and the wines are performing well on the show circuit. “The reds are medium-bodied, building to full-bodied, and have great depth of colour and that extra power you get from a good vintage. “The riesling I’ve seen is very good, and the Mediterranean reds - tempranillo, sangiovese and barbera - continue to get better. “For me, it’s a nine out of 10 for the reds and an eight-and-a-half for the whites. “We’re doing it tough with the drought, but that’s strong vintages from ’15, ’16, ’17 and ’18 in Mudgee. As a region our star continues to rise.” Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 205

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new south walessparkling sauvignon Robert Stein Coolangatta Estate McGuigan The blanc & blends Mudgee Riesling Wollstonecraft Shortlist HunterThree Ponds 2017 HHHH Shoalhaven Coast Valley SemillonNeptune Hunter Light kero notes Semillon 2017 HHHH1/2Valley Sparkling developing and 2011 HHHHH A fuller style with2017 HHHH mingling with some A classic example great golden hues.Light sherbet-like Allandale Orange lovely young floral/ of a beautifully aged Rich ripe fruitcharacters on the Sauvignon Blanc lemon sherbet fruit. semillon. The rich expression on thetropical fruit nose 2017 HHHH1/2 Lots of crisp acidity developed nose is all nose; hints of lemons.with the tropical fruit Nose shows powerful for a long life. toast and honey with The high level offollowing through onto varietal tones of a gentle fruit driven acidity on the palatethe tight palate. Limey passionfruit, herbs 5+ $30 palate that still shows suggests a long wayfinish. $25 and asparagus. Long, a good level of acidity. to go. 5+ $30 pleasing and lightly semillon & blendsDe Beaurepaire tropical/grassy flavours 3-5 $35 Tempus TwoBlanchefleur balanced by hints of McGuigan Bin Pewter SeriesRylstone Central limes. $27 Series 9000 Hunter Pokolbin Estate Hunter ValleyRanges Blanc de Valley Semillon Phil Swannell SemillonBlancs 2016 HHHH 2013 HHHHH Hunter Valley 2015 HHHH1/2Complex honeyed age Ross Hill Lily Still amazingly youthful Semillon Slight toastycharacters on the nose. Orange Sauvignon with a long way to complexity to the noseVery tight palate that Blanc 2017 HHHH go yet. Attractive 2009 HHHHH with bright lemon lift.carries the honeyed aged marmalade-like Great concentration More complexity onfruit flavours very well. Complex style with characters on the of rich lemon aromas the tight palate withAperitif style. $45 tropical aromas and nose. Palate showing expressive green appleRoss Hill Orange mineral overtones. developed characters laced with toast and flavours. Years left in itBlanc de Blancs but still very fresh. honey. The palate is yet. 5+ $402013 HHHH Surprisingly soft powerful and complex Audrey WilkinsonComplex aromas 5+ $30 Hunter Valleyof yeasty melon herbaceous palate with a suggestion Semillonelements with lemon but tight acid grip to Allandale Huntertones. Broad creamy the finish. 3-5 Valley Semillon of aged honeyed 2017 HHHHHpalate with refreshing 2013 HHHHH characters. Exceptionalacidity and nice leesy $20 Very rich and balance. 5+ $40 Powerful impression Drayton's Familynotes. $35 appealing style but of pristine lemony Wines Vineyard still has a way to fruit on both the Reserve Hunter Colmar Estate go to reach its full Coolangatta Estate nose and palate with Valley Semillon Orange Sauvignon potential. Lovely Estate Grown a great acid drive 2013 HHHH1/2 Blanc 2017 HHHH minerally aged Shoalhaven Coast and flavour intensity A soft gentle wine Powerful fruit nose characters balanced Semillon that travels across with subtle lemon rind with some tropical with great varietal 2009 HHHHH the entire length of bouquet. Palate more notes and a light, fruit expression. Developing golden the palate. Good life varietal than the nose lively and crisp palate hues with amazing ahead! 5+ $NA with nice honeyed with fresh grassy/ 5+ $35 toasty/pineapple-like flavours. Good acidity. herbaceous flavours aged characters. Very Draytons Family Plenty of years to go. and tropical hints. attractive fruit flavours. Wines Hunter Still has enough acid Valley Semillon 5+ $30 3-5 $28 to ensure a long life. Excellent example. riesling 2017 HHHH1/2 Drayton's Family 5+ $45 A crisp light citrus/ Wines Susanne apple style of semillon Hunter Valley with hints of figs on Semillon Coolangatta Estate the minerally nose and 2012 HHHH1/2 Pokolbin Estate Wollstonecraft Bright lemon hues and Hunter Valley Shoalhaven Coast lovely lemon entry to aromas. A soft palate Riesling the tangy palate. Will impact filled with light 2007 HHHHH Semillon get more complexity tropical/lemon fruit Very rich aged 2009 HHHHH flavours and has a aromas - a lovely A lovely wine, still very with age. 5+ gentle finish. Ready for concentration of $20 drinking now. $60 toasty citrus fruit young, drinking well and light kero notes. now with excellent Aged honeyed palate potential for further Coolangatta Estate that still has powerful Estate Grown varietal expression cellaring. Very attractive Shoalhaven Coast and some light acid. fruit pastille-like bouquet Allandale and rich varietal Semillon Winemaker's 5+ $40 2017 HHHH1/2 expression on the Moderate varietal fruit Reserve Hunter palate. 5+ $45 Valley Semillon expression on nose but 2014 HHHH opens up with some air. Palate is a powerful Bright tropical fruit Logan Weemala nose with a hint of Orange Riesling upfront sweet/sour mango. Great lemon fruit package. Tight 2017 HHHH1/2 now but lots more to varietal characters Inviting youthful lemon on the simple and sherbet-like bouquet come. 5+ $25 beautiful ageing, with floral nuances. palate. 5+ $55 Beautiful, well balanced, palate with a light fruit expression and attractive minerally characters. 3-5 $19.95206 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new south walesMidnight's Promise Tempus Two Saddler's Creek TamburlaineUnwooded Hunter Pewter Series Alessandro Reserve Reserve OrangeValley Semillon Poppy's Hunter Hunter Valley Chardonnay2013 HHHH Valley Chardonnay Tumbarumba 2017 HHHHThis is a beautifully 2016 HHHHH Chardonnay Very lifted pear-likebalanced wine with An old fashioned 2017 HHHH1/2 intensity to the nosetypical aged characters but gentle style Delicate fruit with some lovely richmingling with the bold of chardonnay fragrances with a varietal fruit flavours onand toasty citrus fruit with appealing gentle floral lift and the long, nicely texturedelements. 5+ concentration of juicy mild oak notes. Very palate. 3-5 $33$18 pineapple/mushroomy generous varietal fruit characters and flavours with good McGuigan PersonalMcGuigan Bin distinctive smoky oak use of oak, has zesty Reserve EaglesSeries 9000 Hunter with hints of cloves. acidity and an elegant Rest VineyardValley Semillon finish. $36 Hunter Valley2017 HHHH 5+ $50 Chardonnay 2017 HHHHCrisp green apple Cooks Lot Logan Orange A simple delicate winenose with citrussy Allotment Chardonnay that goes well withfreshness. Lively 168 Orange 2016 HHHH seafood. Has delicatepalate; lovely lemon Chardonnay Mildly toasty peach lemony/green applerind flavours with good 2016 HHHH1/2 aromas with good varietal fruit charactersmouthfeel. Drink now A well-constructed clean varietal fruit with a good acidity.or cellar it. 5+ wine. Aromas of expression on the$14.99 pineapples and palate and showing 3-5 $50 Midnight's Promise mangoes with hints De Beaurepaire subtle oak characters. Hunter Valley JeannetteRobert Stein Chardonnay of vanilla and ginger. Rylstone Central 3-5 $25 other whiteMudgee Semillon 2017 HHHHH Genuine varietal varietals & blends2017 HHHH Bright golden wine characters with slight Ranges Reserve Cooks Lot with rich tropical fruit Chardonnay Allotment 3A keeper with spicy bouquet showing hints rustic notes and a crisp 2016 HHHH1/2 Handpicked Orangemineral characters over of vanilla. Very lively finish. 5+ $NA Chardonnaythe citrus fruit aromas. palate with tropical fruit Lovely floral honeyed 2016 HHHH \"ballooning\" on the mid- lift to the stonefruit, Hints of tropical fruitsTastes of fresh green palate and exhibiting Colmar Estate pineapple and melon- on the nose with spicy Molly's Cradleapples with a light acid some great acidity. Block 2 Orange vanilla notes from the Hunter Valleybackbone. 5+ $25 Chardonnay like varietal nose. Palate oak. A delightful palate Verdelho 3-5 $22 is intense with tropical that is crisp, firm and 2017 HHHHH McGuigan Personal 2016 HHHH1/2 fruit flavours across flavoursome. $35 Great varietalThree Ponds Reserve Hunter Typical chardonnay- definition hereGrosser Hunter Ridge Vineyard like bouquet; lots of the palate with gentle with the nose andValley Semillon Hunter Ridge finish. 3-5 $60 palate showing2017 HHHH Chardonnay stonefruits with light lots of tropical fruitGreen herbaceous 2017 HHHHH lemon tones. Soft and characters lacedbouquet with a minty/ Very bright and shiny rounded in the mouth Drayton's Family Ridge View with fresh citrusmedicinal edge. Very golden wine rich with with good length of Wines Vineyard Impressions Single and enticing hints oftangy palate - some peach and pineapple peach flavours and Reserve Pokolbin Vineyard Hunter bananas all wrappedripe apple-like flavours aromas with some more of the lemon Hunter Valley Valley Chardonnay up in bright acidity.and solid acidity. strong vanilla oak notes. 3-5 $38 Chardonnay 2016 HHHH characters. Complex 2017 HHHH1/2 Delicate chardonnay 3-5 $18 3-5 $25 flinty flavours carried all Moderate peach/ bouquet with gentle the way by gentle acid. nectarine aroma spiciness and subtle intensity with varietal fruit flavourschardonnay & 3-5 $50 supporting oak. Gentle with mineral notes and Berton Vineyardsblends Tempus Two crisp acid underlying Winemaker's Pewter Series the palate carries the slightly short on the Reserve Riverina Poppy's Hunter varietal fruit to a firm finish. 3-5 $35 Valley Chardonnay and lingering finish. Fiano 2017 2017 HHHHH HHHH1/2 Light delicate 3-5 $30 Saddler's Creek Inviting light tropical pineapple/nectarine Reserve Hunter bouquet with some aromas with powerful Valley Chardonnay attractive citrus oak overtones. Great McGuigan 2016 HHHH freshness. Slightly length of funky creamy Cellar Select Good green fruit oily texture to the fruit flavours nicely Tumbarumba aroma profile. Palate palate with fresh supported by the oak Chardonnay quite light and lean lively flavours and and the crisp acidity. 2017 HHHH1/2 for a chardonnay with subtle acidity. \"Be A lovely intensity of refreshing flintiness and great with seafood 3-5 $50 lifted floral pear and oak adding complexity. or poultry.\" 3-5 banana-like varietal $14 fruit on both the nose 3-5 $36 and following through to the palate with the Allandale Hunter Trentham Estate creamy vanilla oak Valley Chardonnay Grown Murray giving it complexity. 2017 HHHH Darling Pinot Gris Light bright lemon 2017 HHHH 3-5 $30 hues, broad tropical Pears and apples on aromas and great the nose and crisp varietal fruit flavours clean flavours showing with crisp acidity. Be very good varietal great with shell fish! expression and has a light acid finish. $18 3-5 $30 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 207

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new south walesTopper's Mountain pinot noir Gooree Park Colmar Estate Cooks Lot IconiqueBricolage Blanc Mudgee Pinot Noir Block 3 Orange Barrique OrangeNew England White 2016 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir Pinot NoirBlend 2015 HHHH Appealing 2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHHDescribed by one Lerida Estate concentration Vibrant and slightly Plenty of sour cherryjudge as an \"intriguing Cullerin Canberra funky nose with a and spicy complexityfruit package\". District Pinot Noir and combination complexity of meaty/ on the nose. The leanLychees dominate of strawberry, floral fruit aromas. Soft sour cherry palate hasthe nose and has soft 2017 HHHHH blueberry, meaty but assertive tannins warming alcohol and abut generous fruity Plenty of good cherry carry the generous gentle finish.flavours. berry varietal characters and slightly jammy cherry berry flavours to characters on the a long refreshing finish. 3-5 $50 3-5 $30 here with lovely spicy nose with chocolaty/ overtones and a hint of 3-5 $45 other redrosé farmyard complexity fruit flavours, subtle varietals & blends tannins and good with assertive tannins. acidity. 3-5 Berton Vineyards Some bottle age will Metal Label firm it up. 3-5 $38 $20 Audrey Wilkinson Riverina Durif Orange Pinot Noir 2017 HHHHH Saddler's 2017 HHHH Deep purple wine with Creek Saddlers Funky spice driven style lifted fruit cake-likeAllandale Hilltops Tumbarumba with a delicate red fruit aromatics and pleasantRosé 2017 HHHH Pinot Noir profile and light tannins. minty/herbal elements.Dark pink wine showing 2016 HHHH1/2 A bit closed for now just Loads of blackberry-likenice complexity and Big hit of red cherry needs a little more time flavours supported bydevelopment with and plum-like aromas to shine. 3-5 $NA elements of licoricerich pomegranate-like with some sweet and sweet spices.aromas and plenty of up- spices and tobacco De Beaurepairefront fruit flavours. $30 notes. Plenty of Perceval Rylstone 5+ $12 red fruit on the silky smooth, well Central Ranges integrated, palate. Pinot Noir 2016 HHHH 3-5 $26 Subdued bouquet withy hints of spicy cherries. Delicate mouthfeel with good length and complexity of flavours. Needs food! 3-5 $40 WINES MUDGEE• C H A R D O N N AY• SAUVIGNON BLANC• VERDELHO• ROSÈ• MERLOT• PINOT NOIR• SHIRAZ• CABERNET SAUVIGNON• SHIRAZ CABERNET• S PA R K L I N G C H A R D O N N AY P I N OT N O I R• SPARKLING SHIRAZG O O R E E PA R K W I N E SC A S T L E R E AG H H I G H WAY, M U D G E E N S W 2 8 5 0PHONE: 02 6378 1800 VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE208 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new south wales Vinifera Wines Cooks Lot Iconique Lerida Estate Organic Mudgee Barrique Orange Cullerin Canberra Graciano Hilltops Cabernet District Syrah 2015 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon 2017 HHHHH A well-made, well- 2016 HHHH1/2 Appealing plum aromas structured wine that Mixed fruit fragrances with meaty elements has an attractive with some minerality and lots of peppery floral/meaty fruity and a peppery lift. spices. Very soft and bouquet and a palate Medium bodied palate, silky smooth in the that starts soft and a touch simple but very mouth with lots of finishes dry. Need nice with lovely length varietal fruit flavours and more time to show its and balance of red berry peppery complexity. best. 5+ $35 flavours. 5+ $50 3-5 $38 Pankhurst Wines Tamburlaine Canberra District On The Grapevine Gooree Park Sangiovese Organic Orange Mudgee Shiraz 2015 HHHH Cabernet 2016 HHHHH Nicely integrated Sauvignon An intense aromatic ageing aromas with 2017 HHHH harmony of dark mushroom/forest floor Aromas of blackberries cherries and vanilla complexity. Firm grippy with a tinge of plums with sweet spice palate packed with red and light dusting of complexity. Lovely cherry/plum flavours. oak. Savoury palate leathery, nutty, licoriceAudrey Wilkinson Gooree Park with an attractive De Beaurepaire palate with plenty ofHunter Valley 3-5 $30 Crowned Glory Victor Rylstone varietal fruit supportTempranillo Topper's Mountain Mudgee Cabernet \"journey\" over the Central Ranges and warming alcohol. Wild Ferment Sauvignon palate length. 5+2017 HHHHH New England 2015 HHHHH $20 Reserve Cabernet 5+ $20Very pleasant nose Tempranillo Deep inky wine with Sauvignon Molly's Cradlethat has an intensity of 2013 HHHH black berry aromas 2009 HHHH Hunter Valleyberries and plums with Plumy/licorice nose and mushroomy/ Walter Wines Concentrated dark Shiraz with farmyard-like forest floor aged Federation Hill 2017 HHHH1/2toasty oak complexity. notes and a complex characters. Generous Single Vineyard berry bouquet with Spicy/sweet red berryBright fruit flavours flavoursome plum/red concentration of some lovely meaty bouquet with a slightwith hints of savoury cherry palate with silky blackcurrant/plum Mudgee Cabernet aged complexity. Age jamminess. Beautifully smooth tannins. Drink fruit flavours, cedary Sauvignon balanced palate withelements and assertive soon! $30 oak and a tannic grip. 2016 HHHH has nicely softened no excesses. Pleasanttannins. 5+ $NA Topper's Mountain and balanced the fruit flavours from Wild Ferment New 5+ $35 A berry driven nose palate. 3-5 $60 the start to the finish. England Nebbiolo Allandale with slight smokyDrayton's Family 2013 HHHH Single Vineyard edge. Very dense 5+ $18Wines Hunter Nose showing dark Mudgee Cabernet youthful palate that is Cooks Lot OrangeValley Tempranillo melon hints with a bit Sauvignon quite aggressive at the Cabernet Merlot2017 HHHH1/2 of spiciness. Big sour 2016 HHHH1/2 moment. Needs time 2017 HHHHSlightly jammy, cherry flavour profile Very attractive, deep to settle. 5+ $28 Blackberry bouquetvarietally intense, with assertive tannins purple cabernet with with a touch ofaromas with shiraz fruit and a crisp finish. slight confectionery- Tamburlaine greenness. Firmcomplexity obvious like raspberry fruit/ Reserve Orange palate but deliverson the palate and 3-5 $38 vanilla nose and a rich Cabernet some lovely varietalwell-integrated with Topper's Mountain fruit palate with a spicy Sauvignon flavours and chocolatyspicy oak and gunflint Bricolage New underlay and chocolaty 2016 HHHH complexity. A classic.elements and has England Rouge complexity evolving. Layered mixeda firm grippy finish. 2012 HHHH berry bouquet with 3-5 $NA An aged, subdued and 5+ $35 interesting green 3-5 $20 slightly medicinal nose. Centennial characters and a shiraz & blends Palate not overly fruity Vineyards greenish edge to 2017/2016Centennial now, but some good Bridge Creek the lean cool climateVineyards Bridge acid keeping it alive. Limited Release cabernet palate. Tempus TwoCreek Reserve Drink now. $38 Orange CabernetOrange Rondinella Sauvignon 5+ $79Corvina cabernet sauvignon 2016 HHHH1/22016 HHHH1/2 & blends A very attractive minty/ Brangayne of Copper SeriesA very different wine eucalypt cool climate Orange Orange Hunter Valleywith its appealing cabernet bouquet Cabernet Shirazstrawberry/plum aromas with a simple and Sauvignon 2017 HHHHHlayered with some pretty palate delivering 2015 HHHH Lifted red/blue fruitmeatiness, Soft palate upfront red berry fruit Another typical cool fragrances - verywith unusual herbal/ flavours and quite a climate cabernet. appealing with mineralBalsamic character and drying tannic finish. Gentle and pleasing overtones. A gentletomato leaf nuances. with leafy green complexity and impact 5+ $45 edged red berry of sour red cherry 3-5 $35 varietal characters. Needs more time. varietal characters on 5+ $NA the well-structured palate. 5+ $35 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 209

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new south walesTrentham Robert Stein McGuigan Cellar Dindima sweet white &Estate Grown Nouveau Mudgee Select New South Orange Shiraz fortifiedMurray VBBAEULSYUTSE Shiraz 2017 HHHH Wales Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 Light herbal floral Earthy meaty aromas Berton VineyardsDarling Shiraz fragrances with a 2016 HHHH with hints of the Riverina Botrytis2016 HHHH1/2 spicy lift and a bright, Attractive purple wine farmyard and wild SemillonGreat colour with well balanced, fruity with predominately berries. An interesting, 2016 HHHHHdark purple hues. fresh palate - some dark berry aromas on well-aged and complex Deep golden wineSmells of cherries and complexity and the nose. Soft fruity palate; some cherries, with obvious honeyed/sweet spices. Velvety moderate tannins. entry to the palate that some chocolate and dry apricot botrytissmooth in the mouth firms up to a grippy plenty of tannins. characters on theand rich with a broad 3-5 $30 finish. 5+ $35 very appealing nose.spectrum of varietal 5+ $32 Powerful botrytisflavours. $18 Inner City Vinifera Wines flavours with refreshing Winemakers Gran Tinto Mudgee Three Ponds line of acid to balanceTempus Two Indenture Hilltops Shiraz Garnacha Holman Hunter the sweetness. $NACopper Series Shiraz 2017 HHHH Tempranillo Valley ShirazGundagai Shiraz Attractive floral 2016 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 De Beaurepaire2016 HHHH1/2 bouquet with Delicate nose but Great intensity of fresh Coeur d'OrVery attractive meaty/ medicinal characters. plenty of berries blue fruit fragrances Rylstone Centralplumy aromas with Generous impact evident with violet and somewhat limited Ranges Botrytisa spicy overtone. of plum/berry fruit nuances. Lean palate, flavours on the gentle SemillonPalate is rich and flavours with youthful good flavour integration but rich palate. More 2016 HHHHHcomplex with berry tannins and a sharp with assertive rustic time in the bottle will Bold intense honey/limeand plum flavours acid finish. 5+ tannins. 3-5 $35 add complexity. Drink botrytis complexity to theenhanced by the oak. $35 Gooree Park Don now or cellar. 5+ nose with smoky notes. Eduardo Mudgee Flavours of tropicalA very well-balanced Robert Stein Shiraz Cabernet $55 and stonefruits, honeywine. 5+ $35 Berton Vineyards Reserve Mudgee and caramel-like oak Reserve Limited Shiraz 2016 HHHH 2015 HHHHH Pokolbin Estate complexity with an acid Earthy chocolaty bite to the finish. $60Ridge View Gundagai Shiraz Lovely lifted black maturity to the nose Reserve Hunter Dindima OrangeImpressions Effen 2016 HHHH cherry aromas with Valley Shiraz MoscatoHill Vineyard Great inky/licorice some complexity with Balsamic-like 2011 HHHH1/2 2017 HHHH impression and these Lifted Turkish DelightHunter Valley intensity to the coming from the gentle characters following Nose has hints of aromatics with tropicalShiraz nose with rich and oak. A plumy, nutty plums with earthy notes and semi-sweet2016 HHHH1/2 warm varietal fruit and chocolaty driven through to the well nuances and intense palate with exotic fruit balanced, nicely flavours and good acidSome white pepper flavours and a firm dry palate. 5+ $50 structured, palate. A Balsamic-like level to balance. $22notes sitting on top of finish. Age will add elements. Juicy in thethe intense blackberry/ complexity. 5+ Lerida Estate good blend. Needs mouth with lots of A Remarkable meat! 5+ $38violet nose. Good $17 Synergy Canberra cherry flavours and softassertive sour cherry District Shiraz tannins with a livelypalate with nutty Ross Hill Jack's Lot Viognier Walter Wines finish. 5+ $60 Orange Shiraz 2016 HHHH Federation Hillcomplexity. Needs 2016 HHHH A leaner style with Single Vineyardmore time - will age Aromas in the good integration Allandale Hilltopswell. 5+ $40 Balsamic-like spectrum of fresh varietal Mudgee Shiraz Shiraz 2015 HHHH with some dark cherry fruit, attractive oak 2013 HHHHH notes and bright sweet/ characters and soft Powerful and appealing Great nose; lots ofLogan Ridge Of spicy fruit flavours with tannins on both the dark berries, lotsTears Orange dusty tannin backbone. nose and palate. spicy fruit aromas. of chocolate and Palate is rich andShiraz 3-5 $25 3-5 $75 plentiful with delicious lots of spices. Nice2016 HHHH1/2 sour red cherry fruitGood intensity of berry and plum flavours impression on the and the oak adding nicestrawberry-like aromas. complexity. Plenty of lean palate. HighFirm fruit flavours Lerida Estate alcohol. 3-5 $35with oak giving spicy Canberra District firm tannins. Years to Shiraz 2016 HHHH shiraz & blends go yet. 5+ $28complexity. Some Typical cool climate 2015 & older Ross Hill Pinnacleslightly grippy tannins. shiraz with subdued Series Griffin RdHas a good life ahead nose and tight palate Centennial Vineyard Orange structure, a bit closed Vineyards Limitedof it! 5+ $45 at the moment but will Release Single Shiraz 2015 HHHH soften and open with Berry and plumAudrey Wilkinson age. 5+ $26.50 Vineyard aromas with niceHunter Valley Brangayne of Hilltops ShirazShiraz 2017 HHHH Orange 2015 HHHH1/2 licorice overtones. ItSubdued fruit aromas Orange Shiraz is soft and pleasing inat this stage with the 2015 HHHHH Meaty plumy intensity the mouth with somevibrant young palate A purple wine with to the nose withshowing some nice Gooree Park plenty of fruit on the hints of tobacco oak. alcohol heat on thecomplexity and a Crowned Glory nose - predominantly finish. 5+ $45warming alcohol finish. Mudgee Shiraz black fruits and a nice A soft harmoniously 2016 HHHH lift of sweet spices. balanced palate with 3-5 $NA Generous weight of Palate has gentle long flavours that dark berry fruit with mouthful of warm linger across the sweet spice characters fruit flavours and big palate with lots of and some chocolaty assertive tannins. pepper and sweet overtones. Appealing spices. 3-5 $45 aromas and soft palate. 5+ $NA 3-5 $35210 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019



Kangaroo in Brash vineyards, Margaret River.waeustsetrranlia THE BEST WINES OF 2018 CONTENTS Includes: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Semillon & Blends, Chardonnay, Rosé, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Shiraz Blends, Sweet White & Fortified.212 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

RETURN OF THE GOOD TIMES The West Australian year in review, by Mike Zekulich. It could not have been better. If I could dial up a vintage, this would be it.THE 2018 Swan Valley vintage in WA has been declared the best in Such a positive outlook sees winemakers expecting revenues to rise30 years. Reports say this is due to a mild summer and lower than on the heels of the stellar season, with more good news ahead based onaverage temperatures combining to produce near-perfect grape growing predictions that 2019 is also shaping up as a year to remember.conditions. It is also a year of record wine export earnings for the State,producing the highest prices in 10 years while achieving major milestones. The turn in fortune is a welcome relief for producers after the Swan ValleyJames Talijancich, of the family-owned Talijancich Wines marked his 40th was declared a disaster zone in 2017 when record rains flooded the areavintage and plans the release of a port-style wine, the first in 36 years. in early February submerging vineyards with many growers losing an entireBased on an amazing range of award-winning fortified wines produced season’s work. Juri Berns, president of the Swan Valley and Regionalat their humble winery, the port will be worth waiting for. That applies as Winemakers Association and principal of Sittella Wines, said the seasonwell to table wines made by another proud Swan Valley family, the Manns. was shaping up as one to remember. Fourth-generation Robert Mann is back near where it all began more “It was almost a normal winter for rainfall which we have not had for thethan a century ago. His great grandfather George came from the Barossa previous five years followed by a remarkably cool and dry spring andto make wine at Houghton followed by his grandfather Jack, who in 1937 summer without many extreme days, which is very unusual,” Berns said.created the region’s most recognised wine, Houghton White Burgundy,since renamed Houghton White Classic. “It meant we had a very long, cool and steady ripening period which is what we want for retaining acids and having the fresh fruit aromatic Robert’s father - former Australian Test cricketer Tony - operates from compounds. These kinds of vintages are what we experienced in the mida small Swan Valley vineyard which, when a youngster, he helped his to late 1980s and have not really experienced since.”father establish. Now it is a source of fruit for Robert and winemakingwife Genevieve’s own Corymbia label first released in California where the Meanwhile prominent WA producer Peter Fogarty had 10 reasons tocouple had four vintages before transferring to WA “to do their own thing”. smile. His three labels - Evans and Tate, Millbrook Winery and Deep Woods Estate won 10 trophies at this year’s 2018 Perth Royal Wine Show Robert’s professional wine journey began at Coonawarra (Stonehaven) in - five going to the 2016 Evans and Tate Broadway Chardonnay, including1998 moving on to McLaren Vale (Tintara), Margaret River (Cape Mentelle) Best Wine of the Show. WA chardonnays dominated the event winningand then to Newton in California’s Napa Valley where the couple set about 11 of the 20 gold medals awarded to the 2016 and 2017 wines againstestablishing a high-profile international reputation for their winemaking skills. some of the best from around Australia. But it was the small Stringybark producer at Chittering - an hour north of Perth - that raised eyebrows on They have released two wines this year (2018), a red blend of tempranillo, malbec the show circuit when its 2018 verdelho starred against some of the bigand cabernet sauvignon, and a chenin blanc. guns in the Swan Valley area where the variety has found a happy home over many years. Though Margaret River wines will no doubt feature in the future, Robert willalways have a soft spot for the Swan, given the family’s long involvement. “I am Stringybark won three trophies, despite some concerns during vintagevery optimistic about the future and the potential for the region which can produce with alcohol levels rising quickly.wonderful wines of great character and style with modern sophistication,” he said. As one could imagine, principals Bruce and Mary Cussen who purchased Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 213

Above left: Millbrook Winery overlooking the lake. year, wine lovers should sit up and take notice. “It could not have beenAbove right: Historic Talijancich vineyards. better,” he said. “If I could dial up a vintage, this would be it.” He alsoBelow: Autumn vineyards at Deepwoods Estate. spoke of “amazing” for riesling and pinot when asked which varieties would do best in the conditions. Despite the successes, 2018 has notthe property in 1985, were delighted with the result. Another reason for been a party time year for all in the WA industry. Frost caused devastationgreat elation in the West was the awarding of the coveted Jimmy Watson to chardonnay in some areas, with big-name producers like Moss WoodMemorial Trophy to Margaret River producer Xanadu for its 2016 cabernet severely affected. Nearly 80 per cent of its prime chardonnay vines on itssauvignon - a WA success for the fourth time in a decade. The win, it is original 1976 plantings were damaged as the temperature plummeted toclaimed, was against the hottest field of red wines assembled at any almost zero in early September (2018). The estimated loss by owner andcapital city wine show in Australia this year. Other WA previous winners winemaker Keith Mugford was put at 4800 bottles. (Moss Wood chardonnayhave been Cape Mentelle (in l983 and 1984), Flame Tree (2008), HarveyRiver Bridge Estate (2010) and Deep Woods (2016). sells for about $85 a bottle). “The last time we had frost this severe was 1981,” Mugford said. Now Robert Diletti, of Castle Rock in the Porongurup, has a reputation ofbeing a cautious wine man. So when he says 2018 has been an excellent Chardonnay was the only variety affected. Others like cabernet sauvignon were still in their dormancy phase and escaped damage. A Great Southern producer reported chardonnay losses of 25 per cent. The 2018 WA Wine Press Club award of the Jack Mann Memorial medal for an outstanding contribution to the WA wine industry went to Gavin Berry who operates West Cape Howe from facilities near Denmark on the south coast of WA and is a part owner. 214 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 western australiariesling Galafrey Reserve semillon & blends chardonnay The Lake House Dry Grown Premium ReserveTrevelen Farm Vineyard Mount DenmarkGreat Southern Barker Riesling ChardonnayRiesling 2017 HHHH 2015 HHHH2017 HHHH1/2 A very youthful wine Spicy and pungent onA pure, beautifully with loads of flavours the sweet/sour nose.focussed varietal with and plenty of potential Pleasant subtle palatelime and lemongrass but is tight wound that has high level ofcharacters to the and austere for the acid that extends thenose and a palate that moment. Needs time. length of the palate. $40has some body andis soft in the mouth 5+ $25with some minerality. Capel Vale Whispering Hill 5+ $25 Single Vineyard Reserve MountPlantagenet Barker Riesling Story Bay VBBAEULSYUTSE Brash Vineyard Swings &Angevin Mount 2017 HHHH Margaret Margaret River RoundaboutsBarker Riesling Delicate lifted bath River Semillon Chardonnay Backyard Stories2017 HHHH1/2 salt and blossom-like Sauvignon Blanc 2016 HHHHH Margaret RiverLemon lime sherbet fragrances. The palate An attractive, elegant, Chardonnaycharacters to the nose is clean, fresh and perfumed style that 2017 HHHH1/2with oyster shell-like very flavoursome with shows citrus and Perfumed floral lift tominerality. A tight true a nice mineral finish. vanilla characters on the nose with somevarietal palate with the nose and nicely attractive varietal fruitlime overlay and some 5+ $32.95 integrated varietal fruit, aromas. Creamy oakypiercing acidity creating good oak, and juicy palate with citrusinterest. $28 sauvignon blanc acidity on the tight fruit underneath and & blends palate. $34.95 supported by a softChalkboard Great 2017 HHHHH Plantagenet York acid spine. $45Southern Riesling Forester Estate Nice colour with a Mount Barker Millbrook2016 HHHH1/2 Margaret River bright lifted nose that Chardonnay Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc smells of green beans 2017 HHHH1/2 Western AustraliaMusky floral 2017 HHHH and asparagus. Tight Attractive honeyed Chardonnayfragrances with A lovely \"beguiling\" notes to the nectarine/ 2016 HHHH1/2honeyed notes nose with a complexity mid palate with some citrus nose. A nicely Pungent buttery Flowstone of citrus, toast and lovely sweet fruit textured light bodied nose with biscuity Margaret Rivercreeping in. Elegant some apple-like notes. showing a hint of citrus palate with juicy fruit complexity and Chardonnayfloral palate, nicely Long more-ish palate flavours, some creamy honeyed notes. A 2014 HHHHtextured, with clean, that is saturated with with a fine line of soft complex notes and nutty oak driven A sweet musk stick flavour. $29.99 acidity. $7 crisp acidity. $35 palate that opens up bouquet and tightlyfresh, green pear Willow Bridge to reveal nice fruit. structured palate thatand crunchy apple Estate Bookends High level of acidity has retained elegance,flavours. Very good Geographe Brygon on the finish. $50 some sweet fruit and awine. 3-5 $NA Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Wines Houghton Margaret phenolic grip. $36 Semillon Hummingbird River ChardonnayTrevelen Farm 2017 HHHH Series Margaret 2016 HHHH roséGreat Southern Great example of River Semillon Vibrant perfumed noseRiesling this blend with the Sauvignon Blanc with a spicy lift and an Fishbone2011 HHHH1/2 sauvignon blanc 2017 HHHH elegance to the palate Ruby WesternA very lifted and tending to dominate. A spicy peppery that has toasty oak and Australia Rosécomplex wine - ageing Crisp herbaceous complexity of aromas acid freshness with a 2017 HHHH1/2well but with plenty of notes to the nose and and a lean, clean lingering finish. $NA Pale pink wine with afreshness to it. Subtle a fresh and vibrant palate that has good nose that opens up tokero development to palate. $NA weight and length with pretty berry notes withthe lime driven nose attractive grilled nut a floral perfumed edge.and long lingering characters. $24.99 Nice palate structuregrapefruit flavours. and good flavour profile supported by a crisp 5+ $40 line of acidity. $25Gilberts Mount Jane BrookBarker Riesling Shovelgate2017 HHHH Vineyard MargaretTight nose opens up River Chardonnayto citrus minerality. 2015 HHHHCrunchy green pear Smells of lemon pith,fruit concentration on oatmeal and toastythe fresh well-balanced oak. Nice fruit vibrancypalate. Attractive on the youthful palatephenolic finish. $24 with honeyed notes and a high level of acidity. $35 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 215

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 western australiaother red varietals Palmer Wines After Hours shiraz Jane Brook Back sweet white& blends Purebred Margaret P.J. Margaret Block Western & fortified River Cabernet River Cabernet Evans & Tate Australia ShirazWillow Bridge Merlot 2014 HHHH Sauvignon Metricup Road 2014 HHHH TalijancichEstate Solana Dark riper style 2016 HHHH1/2 Margaret River Subdued brooding Julian James BlendGeographe with some age Lovely bright spicy Shiraz bouquet showing No 4 1974Tempranillo development. Nice peppery blackberry 2014 HHHHH earthy blackcurrant Rare Pedro Solero2016 HHHH herbaceous character lift to the nose with A very deep red characters. A lovely Swan Valley RareLicorice and to the nose and a a smooth, long and crimson wine with a lively and elegant palate NV (375ml) HHHHHsarsaparilla on the lusciously sweet fleshy mulberry and pure dark fruit nose full of pure cabernet Nice deep dark brownnose and cedary oak blackberry palate. $48 Satsuma plum palate, laced with savoury flavours. $28 colour with greennotes. Long weighty good balancing oak and oak and vibrant silky Palmer Wines edges and smells ofpalate with intense cabernet sauvignon chewy tannins. $30 fruit flavours matched Purebred Margaret dates and raisins andblueberry-like flavours Miles From with chocolaty oak and River Shiraz brown sugar with aand savoury tannins. Brash Vineyard Nowhere Best some delicious chunky 2014 HHHH creamy smooth toffee-$NA Margaret River Blocks Margaret tannins. $24 A big style with big like palate that has lotsPalmer Wines Cabernet River Cabernet Plantagenet everything! Excellent going on. $70Purebred Margaret Sauvignon Sauvignon Three Lions Great spicy fruit intensity on Gralyn EstateRiver Malbec 2015 HHHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 Southern Shiraz the nose and palate Artizan Margaret2014 HHHH Beautiful intense violet A savoury oak driven 2015 HHHH1/2 balanced with spicy River Rare MuscatAn intense coloured wine with style of cabernet Gorgeous intensity of oak and savoury NV HHHHHconcentration of fruit a bouquet of sweet but has lovely mulberry and raspberry tannins. $39 A lovely deep tawnyfragrances with nice berries with a floral concentration of fruit aromas lead to wine that has a lovelyuse of cedary oak. perfumed lift. Palate blackberry and red a lean and savoury shiraz blends floral musky lift to itsBrooding inky cassis still fresh and elegant currant-like varietal palate that has dark lush dried fruit nose.palate with a robust and tasting of licorice fruit underneath and chocolaty characters, Deep Woods The elegant palate hasfinish. $39 and sandalwood with supported by slightly black fruits and lovely Estate Shiraz et a viscous texture and softening tannins. drying tannins. $32 line of acid. $25 al Margaret River big spirit hit on thecabernet blends $39.95 Forester Estate Miles From Shiraz Blend back palate. $90 Willow Bridge Margaret River Nowhere Margaret 2014 HHHH Talijancich AgedPalmer Wines Estate Coat Of Cabernet River Shiraz A soft and supple 30 Years SwanThe Grandee Arms Geographe Sauvignon 2016 HHHH wine with fleshy and Valley Rare TawnyReserve Margaret Cabernet 2016 HHHH1/2 Brooding meaty nose savoury red fruit, some NV HHHHRiver Cabernets Sauvignon Brooding leafy/black and a dense and fragrant oak and lovely Complex toffee-like2014 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 plum bouquet with a youthful palate with chocolaty characters aromas followed by aGreat concentration Very lifted aromas; all herbal edge and dash delicious sweet ripe fruit with a long grainy viscous smooth palateof leafy/brambly and black fruits and spices of spice. A powerful flavours. Needs some finish. $20 loaded with raisinedeucalypt regional with a dash of cedar. and yet elegant palate more time! $18 Fishbone Western fruit and plenty ofcharacters obvious A fresh and elegant with nice intensity of Sandalford Australia Shiraz rancio characters. $75here on both the nose palate with good cabernet fruit and oak Margaret River Cabernetand palate. Good complexity of cassis flavours. $39.99 Range Wilyabrup 2014 HHHHuse of oak and lovely fruit and vanillin oak Sandalford Estate Vineyard Margaret A silky smoothtannins softened with flavours. $NA Reserve Margaret River Shiraz aromatic style withage. Drinking well. River Cabernet 2016 HHHH lovely floral red fruits$37.50 Sauvignon Intense spicy black and the oak keptDeep Woods 2016 HHHH1/2 fruit and fragrant oak nicely in check andEstate Margaret Aromas of mulberries, aromas. Generous all wrapped in lovelyRiver Cabernet plums and spices with palate that's woven bright acidity. $24Sauvignon Merlot a nuance of black tea with juicy red fruits,2016 HHHH1/2 and flavours in the light oak and grainy STAR RATINGS A soft and generous blackberry spectrum tannins. $21.95core of mulberry nicely layered with Sandalford Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs ofand blackcurrant- velvety tannins and Margaret River excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.like varietal fruit good acidity. $45 Shiraz All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industrycharacters with Evans & Tate 2016 HHHH professionals and are compared in peerherbaceous elements, Breathing Smoky meat classes by three judges.cedary oak adding Space Margaret characters dominate CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters,complexity and a nice River Cabernet the nose and the palate a major mail-order business.level of tannins. $35 Sauvignon is brimming over with CD Cellar door price. 2016 HHHH fleshy blueberry and CDO Cellar door only. A tight high acid style mulberry fruit and SO Sold out. but it opens up nicely grippy tannins. $21.95 $N/A Price not available at time of printing. to lovely layers of dark  Contact information pg 232-233. sweet varietal fruit freshness with delicate RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). floral elements. $19 BEST VALUE for $20 & under. For a complete list of what we tasted please refer to www.winestate.com.au216 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

n ezwealan d THE BEST WINES OF 2018Autumn landscape view of vineyard rows, Otago region, South island of New Zealand. CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Other White Varietals & Blends, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Syrah. Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 217

QUENCHING A BIG THIRST The New Zealand year in review, by Michael Cooper With perfect December flowering conditions, the hottest January on record and the wettest February by far, vintage 2018 was ripe with challenges.ABOUT five-million glasses - that’s how much New Zealand wine is pinot noir (8.7 per cent), chardonnay (6.5 per cent), pinot gris (5.6 perconsumed around the world every day. Reflecting Americans’ fast-growing cent) and merlot (2.6 per cent).thirst for Marlborough sauvignon blanc, wine is now NZ’s fifth most valuableexport commodity and is on track to generate $NZ2 billion a year in export “With perfect December flowering conditions, the hottest Januaryreceipts by 2020. on record and the wettest February by far, vintage 2018 was ripe with challenges,” observed Winepress, Marlborough’s regional wine Wine is popular in NZ, too, so it’s hard to believe that Kiwis are drinking publication. After its warmest ever growing season, Marlborough producedless of it than a decade ago. The figures tell the story. In 2009, New 77 per cent of the country’s wine. The region’s sauvignon blancs are slightlyZealanders consumed an average of 21.5 litres of wine a year, but by less herbaceous than usual, with a stronger expression of ripe, tropical2018 the typical consumption had eased to 19.2 litres a head. fruit aromas and flavours. It’s no surprise, then, that the wine industry is going through a period Elsewhere, after the country’s hottest-ever summer, opinions were split onof consolidation. Many small wineries were established during the 1990s the prospects for fine wine. Warm, wet growing seasons are not normally aby affluent baby boomers, then aged in their 40s. Now they are in their recipe for high quality wines, but many winegrowers were surprisingly upbeat.mid-late 60s and keen to sell up. Exports accounted for over 82 per cent of all NZ wine sales in the year The number of wineries in NZ peaked six years ago and the industry is to mid-2018, with the US, UK and Australia absorbing most shipments.facing more and more consolidation. Some of these small wine companies Australia imported $NZ367 million of NZ wine in 2018, mostly white (oversimply close down; others are acquired by the biggest companies which 51 million litres, of which nearly 40 per cent was in bulk), plus a significantare often overseas-owned. amount of red (about 500,000 cases) and 40,000 cases of sparkling. In the UK - NZ’s first major export market for wine in the 1980s - nearly half In a reverse flow across the Tasman, NZ imported over 31 millionof last year’s shipments were in bulk. “With the jump in NZD against GBP, litres of Australian wine - and things didn’t always go smoothly. “For athere was incentive for larger operators to package exports in-market,” handful of value brands,” declared New Zealand Winegrowers, “therenoted New Zealand Winegrower magazine. But according to Wellington- was uncomfortable media attention focused on whether they were beingbased wine writer, John Saker: “It is not uncommon for the Marlborough transparent enough about their use of imported wine under a familiarwine to marry up along the way with a little sauvignon grown somewhere Kiwi brand.”else, like Chile.” The flare-up was triggered by a decision by Pernod Ricard NZ to bottle Hence the 2018 launch of Appellation Marlborough Wine. Dr John Australian wine under its Montana Sauvignon Blanc label. The firstForrest, deputy chair, emphasised that he was “not saying that reputable sauvignon blanc ever produced in Marlborough was Montana Marlboroughcompanies can’t send bulk wine to other places (Australia or the UK, for Sauvignon Blanc 1979, and for many New Zealanders, the brand Montanainstance) for bottling successfully, but I am saying that if we have no rules is intrinsically Kiwi.or checking around how that’s happening 100 per cent of the time with 100per cent integrity, we have to draw the line about being bottled at source.” “We are committed to delivering quality wines at good value for money inThe group’s members have agreed to use exclusively Marlborough grapes the under $NZ10 category,” declared Kevin Mapson, managing director,in their sauvignon blancs and to bottle their wines within NZ. Pernod Ricard NZ, “and feel this is best achieved by sourcing grapes from outside New Zealand.” Wines marketed under the Montana brand What can we expect from the 2018 vintage? At 419,000 tonnes, 2018 are not exported.was NZ’s third-largest grape harvest, six per cent bigger than 2017, butsmaller than 2016 (436,000 tonnes) and the record 2014 vintage (445,000 Draped across a north-facing crescent, 220 to 370m above sea level intonnes). Sauvignon blanc dominated the crop (73.3 per cent), trailed by the Cromwell Basin, Bannockburn’s vineyards include some of the biggest names in Central Otago pinot noir, including Felton Road and Mt Difficulty.218 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

But is NZ’s most prized district for pinot noir passing out of Kiwi hands? The sale of Mt Difficulty to American billionaire Bill Foley - who alsoowns Vavasour, Grove Mill, Goldwater and Te Kairanga - in late 2017caught many by surprise. Founded in 1998 by the owners of four separatevineyards, the company produces a significant volume of impressive whiteand red wines. For around $NZ55 million, Foley, based in Las Vegas,acquired all of the company’s assets, including 40ha of vineyards. The star Felton Road winery, founded in 1992 by Stewart Elms, a formerDunedin hotelier, was purchased by Nigel Greening, an Englishman, in 2000.Terra Sancta, the oldest producer, founded as Olssen’s in 1991, remains in NZhands; so does Carrick, purchased in 2016 by Auckland-based Ying Zhong;and Akarua, established by Skeggs Group in 1996. But Bald Hills, an 11hasite planted by Blair and Estelle Hunt in 1997, was purchased by Isao Mita,a Japanese investor, in 2015, and other top vineyard sites have been sold orleased on a long-term basis to overseas wine producers. Mark Weldon - former CEO of NZX and Mediaworks - and Sarah Eliott,a branding consultant, bought Terra Sancta in 2011. The crucial factordriving land purchases in Bannockburn, says Weldon, is its strictly limitedsupply. “Bannockburn is seen by overseas buyers as being the blue-chip land. It shares some of the characteristics of grand and premier cruland (in Burgundy) in that, with a river in front and DOC (Department ofConservation) mountain land behind, there is a fixed amount of land andit cannot be extended. If their bets on sub-regionality prevail, the landprices will accordingly grow in lockstep.” Steve Green, a former part-owner of Carrick, who also chaired NewZealand Winegrowers until recently, adds that many of Bannockburn’swine pioneers “are nearing retirement age, with no family members keento take over. And there’s not enough capital in NZ to keep the industrygrowing, so we need overseas input.” Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 219

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new zealandsparkling Terrace Edge Liquid Villa Maria Single Villa Maria Loveblock Babich Family Geography Riesling Vineyard Southern Cellar Selection Marlborough Bone Estates CowslipOsawa Prestige 2017 HHHH1/2 Clays Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Dry Riesling Valley RieslingCollection Methode Very opulent aromas Blanc 2017 HHHHH 2017 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHHTraditionnelle Brut of mango and Riper style of Very striking Mature aromas An opulent style with aNV HHHH1/2 papaya. Succulent sauvignon with some cooler expression; of kerosene, lime touch of botrytis givingThis stylish sparkling flavours with a little yellow plum, melon elderflower, green marmalade and toast some Manuka honeywas matured for 3½ gingerbread and and passionfruit. capsicum and freshly jostle with those of and dried apricotyears on its yeast lees, lemon curd and a Vibrant fruit with squeezed lime. Bright fresh grapefruit and aromas intertwinedwith base wine dating nice citrus spine of a lovely ripe juicy and juicy. Crisp with lime. Succulent, fruity with citrus and greenback to 2009. Bright, acidity. Not especially character rounding a fine line of acidity yet with a touch of pear. Medium dry, alight lemon/green, complex but for those out the palate. running right across austerity, this is fully very fleshy succulentit has an invitingly looking for a sweeter There is real density the palate. $20 dry style of riesling with palate. $24.95fragrant, lively, yeasty style, this is very and weight with a Osawa a firm chalky, briney Vidal Estatebouquet. Crisp and appealing. $19.50 moderate finish. $30 Winemaker’s character. $22 Dry Rieslinglively, with citrusy, Mount Brown Esk Valley Collection Hawke's Ceres Black Rabbit 2016 HHHHbiscuity flavours, Estates Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Bay Sauvignon Riesling Just starting toit shows excellent Blanc 2017 HHHH 2017 HHHH1/2 Blanc 2015 HHHH 2017 HHHH1/2 show a wee touch ofvigour, complexity and Very lifted snow pea, Lovely bright cut grass, Maturing well, this A touch of gun flint bottle development;length. $55 cut grass, lime. A hint capsicum and snowpea hand-harvested, barrel- which quickly blows some toast and chalk of white florals and a on the nose. Vivid and aged wine is bright, off to reveal aromas creeping in. Strongother white touch of icing sugar lifted, not especially light lemon/green, of crisp nashi pear citrus spine of lemonvarietals & blends too. Mouthwatering concentrated but with fresh and full-bodied. and red apple. Mouth- and lime curd. Off acidity gives a real a really vibrant and Mouthfilling, it has watering acidity dry, taut acidity.Anchorage Reserve lift to the palate and succulent juicy palate. good intensity of ripe with a really crunchy Excellent value forGewurztraminer supports succulent Excellent value for peach and nectarine key lime pie and money. $162017 HHHH1/2 white peach, lime money. $20 flavours, oak-derived red grapefruit note.Strongly floral with and gooseberry fruit Villa Maria complexity and a Sweet but very light pinot grisdried bourbon rose flavours. Pretty and Single Vineyard tightly structured on its feet, delightfulpetal, pot pourri aromatic. $16 Taylors Pass finish. Drink now or concentrated for such Ceres Swansongtogether with wild Sauvignon Blanc cellar. $65 a poised, taut wine. Pinot Grisginger and a gentle sauvignon blanc 2017 HHHH1/2 Absolutely delightful. 2017 HHHHHhint of spice. Palate & blends Lovely bright aromas riesling $27.95 This is delightful.has some sweetness of red capsicum, Hawkshead Precise pinot grisbut well balanced Villa Maria Reserve passionfruit and lime. Zephyr Riesling Riesling aromas of conferencewith the fruit and the Clifford Bay The flavours are 2017 HHHHH 2015 HHHH pear and ripe red applelittle lift of acidity. An Sauvignon Blanc youthful and there is Lovely mouthwatering Vivid aromas of lemon with a whiff of smokyaromatic, delicate 2017 HHHHH a noticeable thread of aroma, almost gin curd and mandarin complexity. Very cleangewurztraminer with Intensely aromatic with mineral citrussy acidity. and tonic-like with flesh are joined by and crisp, there is aan appealing vibrant classic Marlborough Great concentration subtle lemon and bottle developed notes little hint of sweetness,character. $18 notes of icing and length on the lime. Off dry with very of toast and honey. but the palate is so sugar, green apple, palate. $30 attractive succulent With just a touch of poised and delicate the passionfruit and Vidal Reserve peachy flavours sitting sweetness, this is a wine carries it well. pear. The palate has Sauvignon Blanc alongside those of relatively full flavoured Lovely persistence and a succulence and 2016 HHHH citrus and red apple. broad, fleshy wine flavour. Good stuff. intensity of fruit that is A brisk, lively fresh Nice length, well that shows plenty of $27.95 concentrated yet retains wine showing green made, not forced. flavour and depth. Askerne Hawke's a bright juicy character. apple, passionfruit and Super stuff. $23 Long finish. $29 Bay Pinot Gris Super stuff. $27 lime aromas with a 2017 HHHH1/2 Villa Maria Reserve faintly tropical, almost This Alsace-style pinot Wairau Valley white nectarine edge. gris is delicious young. Sauvignon Blanc The flavours are vivid Ripely scented, it is 2017 HHHHH and well defined and full-bodied, rich and Very pungent guava, the wine has a crisp smooth, with a gentle red capsicum and dry finish. $20 splash of sweetness fresh basil aromas with and concentrated plenty of passionfruit peach, pear, ginger and and mango. Really spice flavours. $23 vibrant on the palate with a good depth of flavour lifted by mouthwatering, taut acidity. Lovely mid palate sweetness with length and line. $27220 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new zealandMonowai Hawke's Mount Brown Askerne Reserve Smith & Sheth Smith & Sheth Cru Trinity HillBay Pinot Gris Estates Pinot Gris Hawke's Bay Cru Heretaunga Howell Vineyard Gimblett Gravels2017 HHHH 2017 HHHH Chardonnay Hawke's Bay Hawke's Bay Hawke's BayInvitingly scented, Lovely lifted aroma of 2016 HHHHH Chardonnay Chardonnay Chardonnaythis wine is from fresh ripe pear, red Offering fine value, 2016 HHHHH 2016 HHHHH 2016 HHHHHan inland, elevated apple and a hint of this very stylish young Already delicious, From mature vines in A model of refinement,site at Crownthorpe. tropical fruit too. Light wine was fermented this debut vintage the Bridge Pa Triangle, this classy young wineAlready drinking well, and pretty with just a in French oak barrels was hand-picked this debut vintage was was fermented andit is medium-bodied, touch of sweetness (40% new). Light from mature vines hand-harvested and matured in French oakwith vibrant, peachy, rounding out the lemon/green, it is and fermented and fermented and matured puncheons (35% new).slightly spicy and palate. The finish is mouthfilling, fresh and lees-aged for 11 for 11 months in French It has a fragrant, slightlyhoneyed flavours, a crisp and dry. $16 lively, with strong, months in French oak barriques (67% smoky bouquet, leadingsliver of sweetness, Aronui Nelson citrusy, peachy, oak barriques (40% new). Light lemon/ into a vibrant wine withand impressive vigour, Single Vineyard slightly smoky and new). Light lemon/ green, it has a fragrant, grapefruit-like flavoursvarietal character and Pinot Gris nutty flavours, and green, with a fragrant, complex, slightly buttery to the fore, a subtledepth. $18 2017 HHHH lovely delicacy and complex bouquet, it is bouquet. Still youthful, it seasoning of oak, andQuartz Reef Single Taut, focussed aromas length. Best drinking weighty, with highly is full-bodied, citrusy and lovely delicacy, poiseVineyard Pinot Gris of baked pear, stewed 2020+. $32 concentrated grapefruit peachy, with excellent and length. $402017 HHHH apple. Attractive crisp Esk Valley and peach flavours, intensity, well-integrated Villa Maria ReserveVery appealing and freshly fruited Winemakers finely integrated oak, oak, slightly funky notes Hawke's Bayaromas of red apple with a nice line of Reserve Hawke's and a rounded, lasting adding complexity, Chardonnayand poached pear acidity to counter Bay Chardonnay finish. Still youthful, it appetising acidity and 2016 HHHHHwith just a touch of balance the very small 2017 HHHHH should be at its best a tightly structured, Still very youthful, thisspun sugar. A dry, touch of sweetness. A classic regional 2020+. $40 persistent finish. Well mouthfilling, tightlylighter bodied wine An appealing, style, this sturdy, rich worth cellaring. $55 structured wine isthat is subtle and taut, uncomplicated wine. wine was hand-picked Smith & Sheth Cru bright, light lemon/with a little hint of $19.75 and fermented with Mangatahi Hawke's green, with a fragrant,bran biscuit giving a indigenous yeasts in Bay Chardonnay smoky bouquet.degree of complexity. chardonnay French oak barriques. 2015 HHHHH Concentrated andThe finish is supple Bright, light lemon/ Full of personality, complex, with fresh,yet defined, ending Villa Maria Reserve green, it is fragrant, this classy wine was grapefruit-like flavourson a lovely juicy citrus Marlborough with a hint of gunflint. hand-picked from to the fore, somenote. $35 Chardonnay The flavours are deep, mature vines in the peachy notes, andVilla Maria Single 2015 HHHHH ripe and peachy, with elevated, inland district mealy, biscuity notesVineyard Seddon Some delightful aged excellent complexity of Mangatahi and adding richness, itPinot Gris notes of nougat and and a finely balanced, fermented and aged for should break into full2017 HHHH toast just starting powerful finish. 11 months in French oak stride 2020+. $32Strongly aromatic to edge in and sit Already delicious, it barriques (35% new). Babich Irongatewith lots of baked alongside the smoky should be at its best Drinking well now, but Hawke's Bayapple and pear and a gunflint aromas. 2020+. $32 worth cellaring, it has Chardonnaylittle touch of manuka Flavours of ripe Mills Reef Elspeth a fragrant, complex 2017 HHHH1/2honey peeping nectarine, grapefruit Gimblett Gravels bouquet, leading into a Still very youthful,through. Plenty of and rock melon are Hawke's Bay weighty, generous wine this single-vineyard,flavour, a small hint of balanced by a taut acid Chardonnay with layers of grapefruit, barrel-fermented winesweetness yet finishes spine. Great length and 2015 HHHHH peach and biscuity was estate-grown incrisply with good persistency and though Delicious now, but oak flavours. Slightly the Gimblett Gravels.length. An excellent delightful now would still developing, minerally and earthy, it's Light lemon/green,effort in a difficult continue to develop this rich, pale straw a seamless, 'complete' it is full-bodied, withvintage. $30 well. $35 wine was fermented wine, with lovely strong grapefruitMatawhero Single Saint Clair Pioneer and matured for 10 delicacy and depth. $55 and peach flavours,Vineyard Pinot Gris Block 11 Cell Block months in French finely integrated oak2017 HHHH Chardonnay oak hogsheads (46% adding complexity andBeautifully fragrant 2016 HHHHH new). Mouthfilling, a long finish. A veryaromatics of ripe pear This is a charming wine it is weighty and harmonious wine,and baked apple with that has masses of sweet-fruited, with it’s still a baby; opena little rose petal too. red grapefruit, white concentrated stonefruit 2020+. $40Succulently peachy, nectarine and meyer and toasty oak flavoursjust ever so slightly lemon aromas with to the fore, and mealy,off dry, but balanced a little mealy biscuity buttery notes addingby an attractive citrus note too. Whilst there excellent complexity.spine of acidity. This is plenty of oak, giving Best drinking 2019+. $40is a lighter, very a savoury, toasty layerpretty floral style of of complexity, therepinot gris. $23 is more than enough intensity and weight of fruit to support. Long sustained finish. Very impressive. $32.90 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 221

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new zealandMills Reef Bespoke Pask Declaration Coopers Creek Left Field Hawke's Villa Maria Reserve Domaine RoadHawke's Bay Hawke's Bay Select Vineyards Bay Chardonnay Marlborough Vineyard DefianceChardonnay Chardonnay Limeworks 2017 HHHH Chardonnay Chardonnay2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 Hawke's Bay This is classier 2016 HHHH 2016 HHHHThis fleshy, high- This is a refined, Chardonnay than most sub-$20 There is an appealing Very attractive aromasflavoured wine fragrant, tightly 2017 HHHH chardonnays. Light touch of reduction of cinnamon andwas fermented and structured wine, well Grown near Havelock lemon/green, it is which contributes spice with some justmatured for over a worth cellaring. Bright, North, this barrel- mouthfilling and aromas of gun smoke ripe stone fruit giveyear in French and light lemon/green, it is fermented wine has vibrantly fruity, with and struck match but a complex appealingAmerican oak casks, medium to full-bodied, a fragrant, biscuity, good intensity of in no way overwhelms nose. A slightto ‘pay tribute to the with youthful, ripe, toasty bouquet. A grapefruit-like flavours, the fruit which sits grapefruity texturalfamous old school citrusy, peachy flavours, strongly oak-influenced slightly smoky notes firmly in the red edge gives the palate astyle, with lashings finely integrated oak style, it has generous, adding complexity, grapefruit and white toothsome, succulentof toasty oak.’ Light and a mealy, lasting ripe, peachy fruit restrained oak, fresh nectarine spectrum. character and whilstlemon/green, with an finish. Best drinking flavours, with buttery, acidity and a lingering Well-judged oak gives there is a definiteoaky, creamy bouquet, mid-2019+. $50 mealy notes adding finish. Far from the a faint nutty mealy layer of oak runningit is an ‘upfront’, softly Te Awa Single complexity. Best ‘big, fat and buttery’ quality. Good thread of across the palate it ismouthfilling wine, Estate Hawke's Bay drinking mid-2019+. style, this is an acidity. Attractive and restrained and wellpacked with peachy, Chardonnay $25 unexpectedly elegant not overworked. $35 integrated. $28toasty flavours, 2017 HHHH1/2 Coopers Creek wine. (From Villa Zephyr Chardonnay Monowai Upperbuilding to a rich, well- Worth tracking down, Select Vineyards Maria.) $18 2016 HHHH Reaches Hawke'srounded finish. $35 this is an unusually Plainsman Hawke's Mills Reef Reserve Nicely done; not Bay ChardonnayOsawa Prestige complex wine in its Bay Chardonnay Hawke's Bay forced but a lovely 2015 HHHHCollection Hawke's price category. Bright, 2016 HHHH Chardonnay gentle chardonnay Still unfolding, thisBay Chardonnay light lemon/green, Drinking well from 2017 HHHH with plenty of flavour, fresh, youthful wine2014 HHHH1/2 with a smoky bouquet, now onwards, this Enjoyable young, some new oak very was estate-grownHighly enjoyable it is full-bodied, very harmonious wine this regional blend much in support. Just at Crownthorpe andnow, this bright, light with strong, vibrant, was grown on the was mostly (87%) a tiny hint of struck matured for a yearyellow/green wine peachy flavours, Heretaunga Plains fermented and aged for match reduction to in barrels (partlywas estate-grown at hints of butterscotch and barrel-fermented. seven months in casks, complement the fleshy new). Bright, lightMangatahi. Fragrant, and gunflint, finely Bright, light lemon/ mostly (75%) French) succulent palate. Juicy yellow/green, withit has rich citrus and integrated oak, and green, it is full-bodied, and partly (27%) acidity too. $33 a toasty bouquet, itstonefruit flavours, very good vigour and with ripe stonefruit new. Full-bodied, it is is mouthfilling, withoak complexity and a intensity. Best drinking flavours seasoned generous, peachy and balanced acidity andslightly buttery, very 2020+. $25 with oak, good smooth, with a slightly strong, peachy, slightlyharmonious finish. $55 Villa Maria Reserve concentration and a creamy texture and buttery flavours, Hawke's Bay buttery, smooth finish. savoury notes adding showing considerable Chardonnay $22 complexity. Best mid- complexity. Best 2017 HHHH1/2 Esk Valley Hawke's 2019+. $25 drinking mid-2019+. $30 Still very youthful, Bay Chardonnay this is a refined, 2017 HHHH Saint Clair Pioneer Osawa delicate wine with Partly barrel- Block 10 Twin Hills Winemaker’s a light lemon/green fermented, this wine is Chardonnay Collection Hawke's hue, fresh, strong already drinking well. 2016 HHHH Bay Chardonnay grapefruit and peach Light lemon/green, A more subtle, 2014 HHHH flavours, a subtle with a fragrant, slightly restrained style of Maturing gracefully, seasoning of oak, smoky bouquet, it chardonnay with this full-bodied, sweet- and obvious potential is mouthfilling, with aromas of white stone fruited wine was for cellaring. Best generous, vibrant, fruit and ripe melon. hand-picked and French drinking 2020+. $32 peachy flavours, a hint The palate has a oak-aged. It has good Askerne Hawke's of butterscotch and creamy texture with concentration of citrusy, Bay Chardonnay good complexity. Fine hints of melting butter peachy flavours, with 2017 HHHH value. $20 and hazelnut. Not one well-integrated oak Worth cellaring, this of the bigger wines and some bottle-aged well-priced wine in the lineup, but one The Landing complexity. $85 was fermented and with an understated Chardonnay Villa Maria Cellar matured for 10 months intensity. $32.90 2016 HHHH Selection Hawke's in barrels (35% Very pungent aromas Bay Chardonnay new). Light lemon/ of vanilla, sweet spice 2017 HHHH green, it is full-bodied, and butterscotch Already drinking fresh and dry, with leap out of the glass. well, this full-bodied balanced acidity and A full throttle super wine was fully barrel- ripe, peachy, toasty charged peachy style fermented (mostly flavours, showing very of chardonnay with French, 17% new). good complexity and masses of tropical Light lemon/green, depth. $23 fruit. Rich and creamy it is sweet-fruited, with a long, sustained with generous, finish. Not for the peachy, slightly toasty faint hearted but for flavours, showing those seeking a bold good complexity. Best chardonnay this is a drinking mid-2019+. winner. $39.95 Great value. $18222 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new zealandother white rosé Villa Maria Single Mondillo Central Babich Winemakers Maude Pinot Noirvarietals & blends Vineyard Seddon Otago Pinot Noir Reserve Pinot Noir 2016 HHHH Villa Maria Single Pinot Noir 2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 Just starting toVilla Maria Single Vineyard Braided 2014 HHHHH The nose has started An appealing, show a little maturityVineyard Braided Gravels Hawke's This is a densely fruited to develop some lighter bodied pinot with some buttonGravels Hawke's Bay Rosé wine just starting to gentle leafy forest noir, moderately mushroom and truffleBay Albariño 2017 HHHHH show some bottled floor characters which concentrated with peeping out. Very2017 HHHHH Full of flavour, this is developed characters sit alongside the bright some red berry and pretty with lovely floralBenchmark stuff, this an organically certified of forest floor, button red cherry and plum currant fruit flavours aromatics of rose petaltightly structured wine wine, from merlot mushroom and leaf. fruit. Not a bold wine and softish tannins and lavender with awas hand-picked in the hand-harvested in the Ripe and harmonious, but one with lots of underpinned by subtle cinnamon spiced noteJoseph Soler Vineyard, Gimblett Gravels. Pale there is undoubtedly charm and appeal. A oak. A dry and savoury creeping in at thefermented in a concrete pink, it is fragrant, fresh lots of richness and lovely silky pinot with finish. $44.95 edge. A really attractiveegg vessel and lees- and medium-bodied, flavour, though the a subtle, compelling Villa Maria Single density of flavouraged for a year. Highly with very generous, wine retains a degree character. $45 Vineyard Taylors presented in a lighter,scented, it is a vigorous, strawberryish flavours, of elegance too. Long Quartz Reef Loop Pass Pinot Noir red fruited way. $36medium to full-bodied hints of spices and finish. $55 Road Pinot Noir 2014 HHHH1/2 Domain Thomsonwine with intense, peaches, and a Villa Maria Single 2017 HHHH1/2 Starting to show some Surveyor Thomsonpeachy, slightly yeasty basically dry finish. $30 Vineyard Southern A tightly constructed bottle developed Single Vineyardflavours, a minerally Villa Maria Private Clays Pinot Noir subtle wine with cherry characters of Pinot Noirstreak and a crisp, dry, Bin Hawke's Bay 2014 HHHHH and wild plum. The mushroom and leather, 2014 HHHHlasting finish. $32 Rosé 2018 HHHH Very pretty aromatics, palate is creamy and the nose combines Densely fruited, thisAskerne Bright pink, this just starting to show smooth; a very fine fragrant violet and is a firm style ofHawke's Bay charming rosé has some developed line of papery tannin rose petal florals with pinot noir with lots ofGewürztraminer vibrant, strawberryish forest floor and running across the fresh red plum and blackberry and cherry2016 HHHH1/2 flavours, hints of mushroom alongside palate. Not the biggest raspberry. There is a fruit. Not as supple asFull of personality, this spices and apricots, raspberry and wine on the bench but real density of vivid some, this is a wineis a weighty, medium- and good delicacy and strawberry fruit. A one with a very pretty juicy bright fruit which with structure anddry style, fermented depth. A dryish style, touch of coffee bean detailed character. $35 gives a succulence and backbone. $55in tanks and old oak it’s finely poised and oak. Lovely silky Babich Black Label intensity to the palate Lowburn Ferry Thebarrels (15%). Bright, priced sharply. $16 palate, generous yet Pinot Noir whilst the touch of Ferryman Pinotlight yellow/green, retains elegance. 2016 HHHH1/2 powdery tannins keeps Noir 2014 HHHHit is full-bodied, with pinot noir Great length. $55 Bright youthful aromas the wine in balance. Some bottle developedfresh, strong, peachy, Doctors Flat Pinot of plum and berry, this Just lovely. $55 notes starting tospicy, slightly gingery Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2015 HHHHH is a pretty pinot that Nor’Wester by emerge, the nose isflavours, showing Noir 2015 HHHHH Highly aromatic with sits firmly in the red Greystone Pinot highly aromatic withexcellent ripeness and Boldly aromatic, sitting crisp red cherry and fruited spectrum. A Noir 2016 HHHH1/2 forest floor, leafy notescomplexity. Drink now very firmly in the darker wild raspberry fruit touch of dried thyme Big bold aroma; almost and some buttonor cellar. $23 fruited spectrum; joined lavender and and rosemary, a real a touch of exotic mushroom too. Still aSaint Clair Origin blackberry, currant and thyme and a touch of core of fruit sweetness marshmallow and little touch of tannin butHawke's Bay plum with some star smoky new oak. Just with crisp acidity and a red liquorice with a the palate has a lovelyViognier anise and liquorice too. a hint of reduction moderately long finish. lovely ripe doris plum silky supple texture.2017 HHHH There is new oak giving gives a complex, Still quite closed but and black cherry fruit Perfect now. $75Instantly appealing, this structure and backbone meaty quality. The very promising. $OPO character. Silky tannins, Domain Thomsonis a single-vineyard, and the tannins are still palate is restrained and (On Premise Only.) plenty of concentration Rows 1 – 37 SingleGimblett Gravels wine. quite marked. The finish buttoned down but but retains a degree of Vineyard Pinot NoirBright, light lemon/ is long and generous. with time in the glass grace. Highly attractive 2014 HHHHgreen, it shows good Plenty of potential here reveals a good deal of pinot noir. $29 This is a biggervarietal character, just needs longer in character and flavour. Terrace Edge Pinot framed, dense stylein a medium-bodied bottle to harmonise Beautiful persistence Noir 2015 HHHH1/2 of pinot noir thatstyle with strong, properly. $51 and poise, not a showy Lovely aromatics. is starting to showfresh, peachy, gently Saint Clair Omaka wine but one with bags Plenty of fresh, ripe lovely complexity andspicy flavours, dry and Reserve Pinot Noir of appeal that would fruit; black cherry, punch. Darkly fruitedsmooth. $22 2016 HHHHH definitely reward time plum and berry but with damson plumMount Riley A bold aroma of doris in the cellar. $48 also some secondary and morello cherry,Gewurztraminer plum, boysenberry and notes of mushroom the palate is showing2017 HHHH cherry underpinned and leafiness starting some maturity thoughVery pungent spicy by sweet spice oak. to emerge. A big, there is still quite a bitgewurztraminer Generously fruited, decadent style of of tannin. Structuredaromas; turkish delight, this is a big rich style pinot noir with lots but with length androse petal and musk. of pinot noir showing of richness with soft intensity of flavour. $79Fairly sweet on the flesh and density. Nice tannins in support. $30palate but plenty of length and intensity offleshy fruit and an flavour. A lovely wineappealing savoury bite that manages to beon the finish. A good powerful and eleganteffort and very well at the same time. $44priced. $15 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 223

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new zealandSeifried Nelson Luna Estate Pinot Wild Earth Pinot Askerne Reserve Coopers Creek cabernet sauvignonPinot Noir Noir 2016 HHHH Noir 2015 HHHH Hawke's Bay Select Vineyards & blends2017 HHHH Pretty damson fruit A big chewy wine Merlot Cabernet Gimblett GravelsPerfumed red cherry with some cherry with plenty of creamy Franc Cabernet Hawke's Bay Babich Irongateand raspberry fruit and red plum too. oak combining with Sauvignon Malbec Merlot Malbec Cabernet Merloton the nose. Some Attractive and damson and red cherry 2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH Cabernet Francred plum with a hint unforced, a little touch fruit. Slippery and Well worth cellaring, Well worth cellaring, 2015 HHHHHof rose petal florals. of cinnamon spice. supple on the palate this estate-grown red this blend of merlot Likely to flourish for aNice density of fruit, Background of finely with a little tannin lying was matured for 18 (54%) and malbec decade, this eleganthint of spice, maybe a grained tannin gives in the background. $46 months in barrels (50% (46%) was matured red has deep, youthfullittle whole bunch? An structure and poise. new). Deeply coloured, in French oak barrels. colour. Fragrant andappealing juicy style. Not a big wine but merlot & blends it is full-bodied, with Full-coloured, it is supple, with strong$20 beautifully constructed fresh, deep, plummy, fresh and vibrant, with blackcurrant, plum andZephyr Pinot Noir and definitely speaks Babich spicy flavours, ripe and strong, ripe plum and spice flavours, finely2016 HHHH of sense of place. $30 Winemakers’ savoury, and a finely spice flavours, finely integrated FrenchA thought provoking Neck Of The Woods Reserve Hawke's textured, persistent balanced tannins and oak and a savoury,wine that instigated Gibbston Pinot Bay Merlot finish. Best drinking savoury notes adding sustained finish, it’sdebate. Not immediately Noir 2016 HHHH 2015 HHHHH 2020+. $32 complexity. Best a classic ‘Bordeaux-alluring, this pinot is Sitting firmly in the Likely to be long-lived, Mills Reef drinking 2020+. $25 style’ red, showingquite restrained at more darkly fruited this full-coloured, Elspeth Gimblett Delta Hawke's Bay impressive complexityfirst with a cinnamon spectrum this is a big Gimblett Gravels red Gravels Hawke's Merlot 2017 HHHH and harmony. $40spice and dried herbs chewy style of pinot was estate-grown in Bay Merlot Still youthful, this Babich Thecharacter. But the palate noir, with plenty of the Irongate Vineyard. 2016 HHHH1/2 single-vineyard red Patriarchis silky and there is a tannin and structure. Fragrant, with a warm, This ageworthy, is deeply coloured, 2015 HHHHHcompleteness to the A little shy when first ripe, savoury bouquet, medium-bodied red fragrant and full- This very refined,wine that makes it very tasted, this really it is mouthfilling, with was hand-picked in the bodied, with greater savoury Gimblettbeguiling. $33 needs a little time in deep, plummy, spicy, Mere Road Vineyard intensity that you’d Gravels red is a blendSaint Clair James the cellar to show at its nutty flavours, showing and matured for 17 expect in its price of cabernet sauvignonSinclair Pinot Noir best. $37 excellent structure and months in French range. Packed with (51%), merlot (27%)2016 HHHH Rockburn Pinot complexity, and good oak casks (34% plummy, spicy fruit, and malbec (22%),A lovely fruit focused Noir 2016 HHHH tannin backbone. Best new). Deep ruby, it is it is moderately firm, estate-grown in thearoma of juicy cranberry, A bold, decadent drinking 2021+. $35 fragrant and vibrant, with a long life ahead. Irongate Vineyard. Darkstrawberry and red opulently fruited pinot Villa Maria with strong, youthful $20 and highly fragrant,plum. Medium bodied with lots of blueberry Reserve Gimblett blackcurrant, plum Saint Clair Origin it is full-bodied, withwith a vivid red fruit and damson. The Gravels Hawke's and spice flavours, Hawke's Bay concentrated, ripecharacter, a real core palate is fleshy Bay Merlot seasoned with quality Merlot 2017 HHHH blackcurrant, plum,of fruit sweetness and and dense with a 2015 HHHHH oak, and good tannin This powerful young spice and nutty oaksome crunchy tannins cinnamon edge and Still unfolding, this support. Best drinking red was grown in flavours, that buildon the finish. $28 a soft lick of tannin refined, concentrated 2020+. $50 the Gimblett Gravels. across the palate to aTohu Single on the finish. Decent red was grown in Te Awa Single Deeply coloured, it has lovely, long finish. BestVineyard Pinot Noir length. $50 the Omahu Gravels Estate Gimblett good concentration of drinking 2020+. $902016 HHHH Thornbury Central Vineyard and matured Gravels Hawke's plummy, spicy flavours, Esk ValleyA cooler expression Otago Pinot Noir for 18 months in Bay Merlot good tannin backbone, Winemakersof pinot noir; lifted 2016 HHHH French oak casks Cabernet and a hint of dark Reserve Gimblettredcurrant, raspberry Appealing bright red (28% new). Dense and Sauvignon chocolate. Best 2020+. Gravels Cabernetand cherry. Some fresh cherry fruited pinot, youthful in colour, it is 2016 HHHH1/2 $25 Sauvignonherbs, a lighter, brighter with some dried wild fragrant and supple, This refined, generous Villa Maria Merlot Malbeccrunchy style of red thyme and made in a with rich, well-ripened and youthful red has Cellar Selection 2016 HHHHHthat has a very subtle pretty, lighter bodied plum and spice flavours full, purple-flushed Hawke's Bay Still a baby, this is abackbone of spicy oak. style. A subtle layer of that build across the colour. Fresh and Merlot Cabernet very elegant red, setA restrained, elegant tannin adds a savoury palate, savoury notes full-bodied, it has Sauvignon for a long life. Darkwine. $27.95 edge. $25 adding complexity, and concentrated plum and 2016 HHHH and purple-flushed, itVilla Maria Single Toi Toi Central obvious potential. Best blackcurrant flavours, Delicious young, this is mouthfilling, withVineyard Attorney Otago Pinot Noir drinking 2021+. $50 a subtle seasoning of dark, purple-flushed vibrant, well-ripenedOrganic Pinot Noir 2017 HHHH oak and fine-grained blend was matured blackcurrant, plum and2014 HHHH A lighter bodied pinot tannins. Well worth for 20 months in oak spice flavours, showingA moderately intense with youthful juicy cellaring, it should be barriques. Fragrant excellent density, andaroma of red berry, raspberry and parma at its best 2020+. $30 and full-bodied, it has a seamless, persistentcherry and plum fruit. violet aromas. The generous, plummy finish. Open 2021+. $60Not the most obvious palate has a lovely flavours to the fore,wine in the line-up slightly stalky edge that hints of blackcurrantsbut one with a lovely gives interest and bite. and spices, and acreamy, silky texture and $26.95 smooth finish. $18succulent fruit character.A touch of tannin addsstructure. $60224 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new zealandVilla Maria Coopers Creek Osawa Prestige other red varietals Smith & Sheth syrahReserve Gimblett Select Vineyards Collection Hawke's & blends Cru Hawke's BayGravels Cabernet Gimblett Gravels Bay Cabernet Cantera SculptureumSauvignon Merlot Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Merlot Villa Maria Cellar 2016 HHHH1/2 Matakana Syrah2015 HHHHH Cabernet Merlot 2013 HHHH1/2 Selection Gimblett This blended red 2014 HHHHHSet for the long haul, 2015 HHHH1/2 Grown at Mangatahi Gravels Hawke's is named after the We debated this winethis bold 70/30 blend Offering very good and maturing Bay Grenache Spanish word for at length. There is awas matured for 18 value, this is an gracefully, this fleshy, 2016 HHHHH quarry (cantera). Deep little brett on the nosemonths in French ageworthy blend of full-flavoured red If you want to see and purple-flushed in giving a funky animaloak casks (35% cabernet sauvignon was matured for 20 how rewarding New colour, it is mouthfilling edge but rather thannew). Dense and (53%) and merlot months in French oak Zealand grenache can and vibrant, with detract, it gives anyouthful in colour, it (47%). The colour casks (65% new). Still be, try this. Deep ruby, concentrated, plummy, interesting complexityis full-bodied, with is deep and bright; moderately youthful, it it is sturdy (14.5% gently spicy flavours, and importantly hasn'thighly concentrated the palate full- is concentrated, with alc/vol), with very oaky, savoury notes dried out the palate.blackcurrant, plum and bodied and refined, blackcurrant and plum generous, vibrant adding complexity and There is some ripespice flavours, braced with concentrated characters, savoury cherry, plum and spice a moderately firm, peppery fruit and aby firm tannins, and berry, plum and and complex, and good flavours, layered, sustained finish. Still little red plum andimpressive complexity. spice flavours, tannin backbone. Drink complex and very very youthful, it should spice. Finely grainedOpen 2020+. $50 complex, savoury now or cellar. $55 finely textured. Best reward cellaring. $55 gentle tannins giveVilla Maria and structured. Best Coopers Creek drinking mid-2019+. Te Awa Single structure and the finishReserve Gimblett drinking 2021+. $28 Select Vineyards $25 Estate Hawke's Bay is long. $36Gravels Hawke's Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Askerne Hawke's Tempranillo Esk ValleyBay Cabernet Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Bay Cabernet Franc 2016 HHHH WinemakersSauvignon Merlot Hawke's Bay Cabernet Merlot 2016 HHHH1/2 Offering lots of current- Reserve Gimblett2016 HHHHH Cabernet Merlot 2016 HHHH Priced sharply, this drinking appeal, this Gravels Hawke'sDensely coloured, 2016 HHHH1/2 Blended from almost characterful red was is a deeply coloured Bay Syrahthis is a fragrant, From the company’s equal portions of matured for 18 months Gimblett Gravels 2016 HHHHHvibrantly fruity, still vineyard in Mere Road, cabernet sauvignon in oak barrels (38% red. Vibrantly fruity, This classy youngvery youthful red. Full- this is a youthful, (51%) and merlot new). Promisingly it has good intensity red was grown inbodied and supple, it full-coloured, medium (49%), this full-coloured deep in colour, it of fresh, berryish, the Cornerstoneis highly concentrated, to full-bodied red. red is still youthful. is mouthfilling and plummy flavours, with Vineyard, hand-picked,with well-ripened Fresh and vibrant, Mouthfilling, it is fresh, vibrantly fruity, with a seductively smooth fermented withblackcurrant, plum and it is sweet-fruited, vibrantly fruity and strong, ripe berry, plum finish. $25 indigenous yeastsspice flavours, long and with concentrated firmly structured, with and spice flavours, Villa Maria Cellar and matured for 15smooth. Best drinking blackcurrant, plum and strong berry, plum and finely integrated oak, Selection Gimblett months in French oak2021+. $50 slight nut flavours, spice flavours. Open gentle tannins and Gravels Hawke's barriques. Dark andCoopers Creek refined tannins and oak 2020+. $28 good complexity. Well Bay Grenache purple-flushed, withReserve Gimblett complexity. $50 worth cellaring. $23 2017 HHHH fragrant plum and spiceGravels Hawke's Mills Reef Mills Reef Elspeth Offering great aromas, it is sturdy andBay Cabernet Elspeth Gimblett Gimblett Gravels drinkability, this well structured, withSauvignon Gravels Hawke's Hawke's Bay medium to full-bodied concentrated, youthful2016 HHHH1/2 Bay Cabernet Cabernet Franc red has spicy, plummy plum and black pepperStill a baby, this dark, Sauvignon 2016 HHHH1/2 aromas and flavours. flavours, good tanninpurple-flushed red 2016 HHHH1/2 Buoyantly fruity, this is Ruby hued, with backbone, and lovelyhas a slightly earthy Fragrant, fresh and a full-coloured, sweet- oak complexity and harmony and length.bouquet, leading into full-bodied, this elegant fruited red, worth gentle tannins, it’s Best drinking 2021+. $60a dense, structured red was hand-picked cellaring to 2020+. still youthful and well Smith & Sheth Crupalate. A single- from mature, 21-year- Berryish and rich, worth cellaring. $25 Omahu Syrahvineyard wine, it is old vines in the with oak complexity, Sculptureum The 2015 HHHHHfull-bodied and highly company’s Mere Road it is supple, with red Rodin Bordeaux Built for cellaring, thisconcentrated, with Vineyard. Likely to be berry, plum and spice Blend 2015 HHHH ‘old vine’ Gimblettcassis, plum and at its best from 2021 flavours, fine-grained Starting to begin its Gravels red wasspice flavours. Open onwards, it has strong, tannins and obvious journey to maturity, barrique-matured.2021+. $60 vibrant, ripe-ripened potential. $50 the nose is beginning Deep and bright in blackcurrant and to show some colour, with a fragrant, plum flavours, spicy complexity as primary plummy, peppery and nutty characters fruit aromas of bouquet, it is a full- adding complexity, and blackcurrant and red bodied, clearly varietal obvious potential for plum marry those of wine, concentrated, cellaring. $50 school ink, graphite savoury, complex and cigar box. Oak and structured. Best is well judged as are drinking 2021+. $55 the finely integrated tannins. The wine retains a degree of florality; this isn’t a blockbuster but a gentle, savoury intricate wine. $66 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 225

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2018 new zealandSUBSCRIBE TO OUR Coopers Creek Babich Winemakers Villa Maria CellarCOMPLETE PACKAGE Select Vineyards Reserve Hawke's Selection Hawke's Chalk Ridge Bay Syrah Bay Syrahwhich includes hard-copy and digital versions plus full Hawke's Bay Syrah 2017 HHHH 2016 HHHHon-line access to Winestate’s web site and reviews. 2016 HHHH1/2 This fresh, full-bodied Still unfolding, thisAvailable only through online order, www.winestate.com.au Priced right, this red was grown in the is a full-bodied, single-vineyard red Bridge Pa Triangle vibrantly fruity red, GIFT SUBSCRIPTION is deeply coloured, and French oak-aged with invitingly deep, full-bodied and well for eight months. youthful colour. Tel: 08 8357 9277 structured. It has fresh, Deep ruby, it has Elegant and clearly www.winestate.com.au concentrated plum and strong, plummy, spicy varietal, it has good spice flavours, a hint flavours, showing concentration of of black pepper, fine- good complexity, and plummy, spicy grained tannins and a backbone of fine- flavours, and the impressive complexity. grained tannins. A structure to mature Open 2021+. $28 ‘forward’ vintage, it gracefully. $25 Te Awa Single should be at its best Sculptureum Estate Hawke's Bay 2020+. $35 Cezanne Syrah Syrah Coopers Creek 2015 HHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 Hawke's Bay Syrah Some ripe plum and A good drink-now or 2015 HHHH cherry, with a touch cellaring proposition, Looking for a good, of roasted meat and this Gimblett Gravels affordable syrah? This spice. Firm tannins, red is deeply coloured skilfully crafted red attractive density of and full-bodied. has bright, youthful fruit. Not the most Sweet-fruited, it has colour, good density powerful of wines but concentrated, vibrant of ripe, plummy, spicy has a floral quality that plum and black pepper flavours, savoury notes is very appealing. $44 flavours, a subtle adding complexity and seasoning of oak, good a well-rounded finish. complexity and a finely Drink now or cellar. textured finish. Best $22 drinking 2020+. $30 Mills Reef Elspeth Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Syrah Hawke's Bay Syrah 2016 HHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 Already approachable, Well worth cellaring, this graceful, supple this elegant red has red is full-coloured, deep, purple-flushed with a plummy, spicy colour and an inviting, fragrance. It has floral bouquet. Full- strong plum and black bodied, it has ripe pepper flavours, in a plum and black pepper clearly varietal, elegant flavours, showing style. $50 excellent vibrancy Saint Clair James and depth, finely Sinclair Gimblett integrated oak and a Gravels Hawke's good foundation of Bay Syrah tannin. Best drinking 2017 HHHH 2020+. $40 Already enjoyable, Askerne Hawke's this is a skilfully Bay Syrah crafted red, full- 2016 HHHH coloured, with a Delivering excellent floral bouquet. It value, this refined has strong plum and young red was spice flavours, in a matured for 18 months clearly varietal, but in barrels (30% new). savoury, style that Full-coloured, it is shows impressive mouthfilling, with good complexity, harmony density of plummy, and potential. Best peppery flavour and drinking 2020+. $28 a long, spicy finish. Best drinking 2020+. $23226 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

rbeecsetnotf rNeleZases BEST OF 2018 RELEASESJANE SKILTON MW MICHAEL COOPER CONTENTS Includes: A selection of 4, 4.5 & 5 star reviews from 2018. Jane Skilton MW, successfully helmed the ship for most of the year, and after what felt like the blink of an eye, we welcomed back our long-term New Zealand editor, Michael Cooper. The following New Zealand tastings are a collation of their reviews. Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 227

BEST OF 2018 RECENT RELEASES new zealand Pegasus Bay Prima Coal Pit Tiwha Martinborough Coal Pit Tiwha Peregrine Central Donna Pinot Noir Pinot Noir Vineyard Pinot Noir Central Otago Otago Pinot NoirBannock Brae Pinot 2013 HHHHH 2016 HHHHH 2016 HHHHH Pinot Noir 2016 HHHHHNoir 2015 HHHHH Super charged aromas Big juicy ripe aromas, Lovely aromatics, 2017 HHHHH Still very youthful, thisThis is a bold highly of doris plum, rose quite plush and just starting to move Still a baby, this estate- refined red is a blendaromatic wine; red petal and almost a forward with masses into the darker fruit grown, Gibbston red of Bendigo (45%), Pisaliquorice and sweet hint of freesia give an of black cherry, berry spectrum so raspberry was hand-picked and (47%) and Gibbstonspice sitting next to exotic opulence to the and plum. A softly and strawberry joined matured in French (8%) fruit. Barrel-red and black berry nose. Some red cherry, textured, fuller bodied by a little morello oak casks (40% new). aged for 10 months,fruits. Starting to plum and a little currant red that has plenty cherry. A lovely florality Floral and deeply it is deep ruby andshow some attractive peeping through. of flavour harnessed too with some dried coloured, it is sweet- attractively scented,bottle developed Maybe not much by by silky tannins and lavender and rose fruited, with fine- with strong, vibrantcharacters of forest way of elegance, a touch of cinnamon petal. Restrained grained tannins and cherry/plum flavours,floor, mushroom and but so much power spice. A great example and subtle, the oak bold red berry, plum, oak complexity,leather too. A little and flavour, this is an of Central Otago pinot very much in the spice and dried herb impressive delicacylick of tannin gives a immensely appealing noir. $49 background, and flavours. Best drinking and a lasting finish.firmness to the palate luxurious style of pinot Vavasour Anna's the wine finishes 2021+. $52 (A) Best drinking 2020+.but there is enough noir. $95 Chardonnay with length and Maori Point Barrel $45 (A, UK, US)concentration to Domaine-Thomson 2016 HHHHH concentration. Reserve Central Rockburn Centralsuggest the wine will Rows 1-37 Single Attractive floral Excellent value. $69.96 Otago Pinot Noir Otago Fumé Blanccontinue to develop Vineyard Central tinged aromas of Vavasour Rosé 2016 HHHHH 2015 HHHHHwell. $60 Otago Pinot Noir white blossom with Sauvignon Blanc Delicious now, this This is a rare beast – aAotea By The 2014 HHHHH some lemon, lime 2017 HHHHH single-vineyard wine memorable sauvignonSeifried Family Very aromatic with and mandarin flesh. Very appealing style was hand-harvested, blanc from CentralNelson Sauvignon wild raspberry and There is a little new of sauvignon blanc. fermented with Otago. A single-Blanc 2017 HHHHH red plum, a touch oak giving a smoky Not so much of the indigenous yeasts vineyard wine, estate-A muted, subtle of exotic star anise toasty nougat edge and pungent passionfruit to full dryness in grown at Parkburnaroma with a touch and dried herbs too. some gunflint struck but instead yellow French oak barrels, and barrel-fermentedof gunflint and smoke After the opulence of match too. Restrained skinned apple, wet and wood-aged for with indigenouscomplementing the the nose the palate and focussed, not big stone and blossom. two years. Pink/pale yeasts, it is fragrant,snowpea and fresh comes as a surprise; and bold. Very stylish. The palate is bone dry orange, it is full-bodied, weighty, concentratedlime. The palate is this is structured, $42.95 with a lovely density in a ‘serious’ style and complex,ripe with flavours dense pinot noir with Walnut Block and weight to the fruit. that is maturing very with deep, ripelyof passionfruit, finely grained tannin Nutcracker Pinot Strongly appealing, gracefully. Showing herbaceous flavoursblackcurrant bush firmly in support. Noir 2016 HHHHH this is an understated unusual complexity and a well-rounded,and elderflower, a Lovely concentration A more restrained dry wine that has for a rosé, it has lasting finish. Full ofvery crisp line of acid of fruit and a long, style of pinot noir length and intensity. strawberry, peach and personality. $40 (A)keeping everything in sustained finish. Good but one that still has $22.95 spice flavours, wovenbalance and a juicy, dry stuff, just needs a abundant interest. Palliser Estate with fresh acidity, andfinish. A restrained yet little more time to be Smoky, toasty oak Chardonnay a long finish. $36compelling example of at its best. $68 lies alongside crisp 2017 HHHHHsauvignon blanc. $29 Martinborough juicy red plum and A subtle yet complexEllero Pisa Terrace Vineyard wild raspberry. Bright nose that has struckCentral Otago Chardonnay and focussed with a match, gunflint aromasRiesling 2016 HHHHH lovely cinnamon spice sitting alongside2015 HHHHH This is delightful. finish. $42 those of cinnamonA beautifully poised, Ripe white nectarine and nutmeg newhighly aromatic wine and fresh apricot oak. Opens up onthat combines real on the nose, joined the palate to revealconcentration yet by a touch of red delightful lemon tartretains elegance and grapefruit, flavours that characters of citrus,charm. There is a run right across the baked pie crust and awealth of crisp green palate. There is some little fresh cream. Theapple, nashi pear and cinnamon and sweet wine has intensity,lime with some white spice from barrel concentration andblossom and petal. A ageing, a little drizzle poise leading to a long,drier style of riesling of melting butter and sustained finish. Awith a fantastic mineral a lick of fresh cream. deliciously attractiveedged line of acidity. Real concentration chardonnay that will$25 mid palate, this is a reward those who structured, serious have the patience to poised chardonnay that wait. $42 has layers of flavour and length. Perfect now though would develop well in bottle. $42.95228 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

BEST OF 2018 RECENT RELEASES new zealand½ Ataahua Peregrine Central Sacred Hill Reserve Pegasus Bay Finale Mondillo Pinot Noir Waipara Riesling Otago Pinot Gris Hawkes Bay Noble Sauvignon 2015 HHHH1/2Te Pa Noble 2017 HHHH1/2 2017 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay Semillon Decadent opulent fruit;Sauvignon Blanc Richly scented, with Still unfolding, this is a 2017 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 bold and plummy with2017 HHHH1/2 a citrusy, slightly blend of Bendigo (62%) There is some ripe No mistaking the a lovely red liquoriceHighly aromatic and honeyed bouquet, and Pisa (38%) fruit, papaya and white influence of botrytis and sweet spice note.exuberantly fruity, this is a medium- hand-harvested and nectarine fruit on the here; dried apricot, Some dried herbsthe essence of bodied, gently sweet partly barrel-fermented nose that, combined mango and papaya too. With a richlygolden peach and ripe style. Peachy and (10%). Bright, light with concentrated with plenty of manuka textured palate, goodpineapple with some citrusy, with a hint of lemon/green, it is a aromas of smoke, honey and beeswax. concentrated fruitmanuka honey and passionfruit, balanced mouthfilling, dryish biscuit and oak, gives Intensely sweet with flavours and a long,dried apricot too. Super acidity and excellent wine with strong, a degree of complexity lots of barley sugar but sustained finish this issweet, mouth-coatingly intensity, it should fresh, peachy, spicy and interest. Not a there is a lovely limey just starting to hit itsrich, but with a strong blossom with cellaring; flavours, showing showy wine but one acid spine that keeps stride. $45line of passionfruit open 2020+. $26 a distinct touch of that builds slowly the palate fresh and Clos Margueriteacidity keeping the Domain Road complexity, and across the palate. Ripe juicy. Great length. $40 Sauvignon Blancflavours crisp and vivid. Duffers Creek obvious potential; open and complete with a Waimea Estates 2017 HHHH1/2$29.95 Bannockburn mid-2019+. $30 (A, UK) long, sustained finish. Sauvignon Blanc Very lovely prettyAtaahua Central Otago Saddleback Central $25 2017 HHHH1/2 aromatics; freshly cutWaipara Merlot Riesling Otago Pinot Gris Pegasus Bay Sitting firmly in the grass, elderflower and2015 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 2018 HHHH1/2 Maestro Merlot cooler spectrum, this lime. Richly textured,Here’s proof that Delicious now, this is a Instantly appealing, this Cabernet Malbec youthful sauvignon with succulent whiteyou can make medium style, hand- tank-fermented wine 2015 HHHH1/2 has pungent aromas peach and ripeexcellent merlot in picked at two sites. is a blend of Bendigo Densely fruited of snow pea, freshly red apple flavours.the South Island. Light lemon/green, with (39%), Pisa (34%) and with lots of fresh cut grass and lime. Crisp acidity, goodHand-picked from 20 slightly toasty, bottle- Gibbston (27%) grapes. blackcurrant, dark There is a good depth concentration andyear-old vines and aged notes emerging, Briefly lees-aged, it plum and a touch of flavour, bright and length. An attractive,barrel-aged for over it is vibrantly fruity, with is intensely varietal, of fruitcake. There mouth-watering, with carefully crafted wine.a year, it has deep, penetrating, citrusy, with mouthfilling body, is plenty of fruit a lovely citrus edge. $28moderately youthful appley, slightly sweet vibrant, concentrated sweetness and a Finishes dry and Pask Declarationcolour. Sturdy, it’s a flavours, finely poised pear, peach and lychee whoosh of warming precise. $17 Merlotpowerful wine with and long. $25 (A) flavours, fractional alcohol to round out Alpha Domus AD 2013 HHHH1/2well-ripened plum, sweetness, finely the palate. Lots of Chardonnay A very glossy bold takered berry and spice Main Divide North balanced acidity and a new oak but there is 2016 HHHH1/2 on merlot; lots of blackflavours, vibrant Canterbury Pinot floral bouquet. $24 (A) so much fruit intensity A complex aroma that liquorice, star anise andand concentrated, Gris 2016 HHHH1/2 Terrace Edge it is soaked up, the marries hints of struck red plum with hintsand good tannin Full of personality, this Waipara Valley flavours harnessed by match with biscuit and of Christmas fruitcakebackbone. Drinking is a gently botrytis- Pinot Noir a touch of silky tannin. baking spice oak. Fruit too. Exotically fruitedwell now, it’s well influenced, medium 2016 HHHH1/2 Long finish. $50 sits in the ripe stone with a generous richworth cellaring. $30 style, drinking well Certified organic, Saint Clair fruit spectrum with savoury flavour though now. Bright yellow, this highly attractive James Sinclair white nectarine, apricot there is still quite a grip with a slightly honeyed North Canterbury red Sauvignon Blanc and peach. Strong of tannin on the palate. fragrance, it is weighty, was hand-picked, 2017 HHHH1/2 citrussy acid spine Long, sustained finish. with concentrated, fermented with This is a lovely keeps the palate bright No hurry to drink. $50 well-ripened peach and indigenous yeasts and example of a lighter and vivid. A bold style Vavasour Felix's apricot flavours, spicy, matured for 11 months style of sauvignon. of chardonnay that Pinot Noir honeyed notes and a in French oak casks Very pretty, elegant has plenty of flavour, 2016 HHHH1/2 rich, slightly sweet, (25% new). Bright aromatics that sit but still retains poise. Very red fruited; lots of very harmonious finish. ruby, it is fragrant, firmly in the citrus, $38.90 fresh cranberry, plum (From Pegasus Bay.) full-bodied and sweet- cucumber, fresh basil Brennan B2 and cherry. There is a $21 (A, UK) fruited, with generous spectrum. Lovely Pinot Noir wee hint of stemmy cherry, plum and spice bright acidity and 2015 HHHH1/2 cinnamon suggesting flavours, showing almost a hint of sea Highly aromatic some whole cluster. good complexity and spray. Vibrant and nose with some wild A taut, decisive style, harmony. Best drinking delicious. $24.50 thyme, cherry and a pinot that is still 2020+. Fine value. $32 Spiny Back plum, deliciously vivid very much a baby Sauvignon Blanc and bright. There is a but has that edgy 2017 HHHH1/2 background layer of character that is so The nose shows an tannin and a little whole very attractive. Decent appealing balance bunch contributing length suggesting between tropical notes some cinnamon tinged this will develop well. of mandarin and lime notes but a really $42.95 and some green apple attractive wine. Not the and pear. A cooler biggest but beautifully climate interpretation poised. $30 of sauvignon blanc that works well. Tart and tingly. $15 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 229

BEST OF 2018 RECENT RELEASES new zealandVavasour Pinot Noir Domain Road Main Divide Riwaka River Waimea Nelson Wooing Tree2016 HHHH1/2 Bannockburn North Canterbury Estate Resurgence Chardonnay Central OtagoA super example of Central Otago Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Nelson Sauvignon 2016 HHHH Rosé 2018 HHHHhow good Marlborough 2018 HHHH 2018 HHHH Blanc 2017 HHHH Drinking well now but Looking good for thispinot noir can be. The Delicious from the start, Pungently aromatic, This hand-harvested, also worth cellaring, summer, this vivaciouswine sits firmly in the this pinot noir-based this is a tangy, single-vineyard wine this is a full-bodied, rosé was made fromvibrant red fruited rosé is freshly scented, medium-bodied wine has punchy aromas. sweet-fruited estate-grown pinotspectrum with fresh with an inviting, light with penetrating Medium-bodied, it wine, bright, light noir. Bright pink, it israspberry and juicy pink hue. Vibrantly fruity, passionfruit and lime is vibrantly fruity, lemon/green, with full-bodied, with strong,cranberry joined by it has gentle strawberry, flavours. Vibrantly fruity with good intensity generous, stonefruit vibrant, strawberryish,some delicate floral peach, apricot and spice and tightly structured, of tropical fruit and flavours to the fore spicy flavours, finelynotes of rose petal and flavours, dryish and it’s still very youthful, herbaceous flavours, and considerable balanced for easylavender. A restrained finely poised. $25 (A) but offers good threaded with complexity. Good drinking. $27 (A)layer of savoury Domain Road drinking during 2019. appetising acidity. value. $22 (UK) Wooing Treecinnamon oak overlies Defiance (From Pegasus Bay.) $22 Waimea Nelson Tickled Pink 2018the fruit. Plenty of Bannockburn $21 (A, UK) Rockburn Central Gewürztraminer (375ml) HHHHappeal here. $30 Central Otago Maori Point Central Otago Sauvignon 2017 HHHH Hard to resist in its Pinot Gris Otago Pinot Noir Blanc 2016 HHHH Attractively perfumed, infancy, this Central 2018 HHHH Rosé 2018 HHHH Drinking well now, this this full-bodied wine Otago pinot noir was Pale and perfumed, Full of drink-young vibrant, medium-bodied has strong pear, lychee late harvested andAtaahua Waipara this youthful, single- charm, this single- wine was fermented and spice flavours, stop-fermented withGewürztraminer vineyard wine was vineyard wine was in a 2:1 mix of tanks gentle sweetness and 146 grams/litre of2016 HHHH mostly handled in hand-picked and and French oak barrels. acidity, and excellent residual sugar. PaleStill youthful, this tanks; 14 per cent fermented to near Light lemon/green, it harmony. $22 (UK) red, it is deliciouslyNorth Canterbury wine of the blend was dryness. Bright pink, it has crisp, dry, tropical Waimea Nelson fruity, sweet andis finely textured and barrel-fermented. is very fresh and lively, fruit and herbaceous Riesling smooth, with rich,perfumed. Weighty, Mouthfilling, with with delicate plum and flavours, with a gentle 2017 HHHH berryish, plummywith ripe, citrusy, spicy fresh pear and lychee strawberry flavours, seasoning of oak Delicious young, this flavours. A distinctiveflavours, showing a aromas, it is vividly finely balanced and adding complexity, and bright, light yellow/ wine, it’s well worthtouch of complexity, varietal, with very good vivacious. $25 excellent depth and green wine is a trying. $38 (A)and excellent depth, delicacy, depth and Marsden Bay of harmony. $25 (A, UK) lush, medium-dry Seifried Nelsonit should be at its best harmony. Open mid- Islands Black Rocks Saddleback Central style. It has rich, Chardonnay2020+. $26 2019+. $25 (A, UK) Chardonnay Otago Pinot Noir citrusy, peachy, limey 2016 HHHHAwatere River by Domain Road 2017 HHHH 2017 HHHH flavours, a hint of Showing ripe yetLouis Vavasour The Water Race A ‘full-on’ style, Offering good value, honey, and a fragrant elegant peachy,Marlborough Pinot Bannockburn this Northland wine this blend of Pisa bouquet. $18 (UK) pineapple fruit on theGris 2017 HHHH Central Otago Dry was hand-harvested (50%), Bendigo (39%) Waimea Nelson nose, the palate hasDrinking well now, Riesling and fermented and and Gibbston (11%) Sauvignon Blanc some creamy notes,this pale, freshly 2016 HHHH matured in French oak grapes was matured in 2017 HHHH a little toasty oak andscented, vibrantly This highly scented, barriques. Pale straw, it seasoned French oak Drinking well now, a lovely citrus spinefruity wine has good vibrant wine was is weighty and creamy- barrels. Full-coloured, this is a weighty, of acidity. Offeringdelicacy and drive, hand-picked at two textured, with rich, it is mouthfilling and fleshy, light lemon/ plenty of interestwith clearly varietal Bannockburn sites. Pale peachy, buttery, toasty fruit-packed, with green wine, with and great value forflavours of pears lemon/green, it is light flavours. $40 strong, plummy, spicy good concentration of money. $18and lychees, hints of to medium-bodied, with Riwaka River flavours, gentle tannins tropical fruit flavours Rurupeaches and spices, grapefruit-like flavours, Estate Resurgence and lots of drink-young and a dry finish. $18 Gewurztraminerand a dryish finish. hints of apples and Nelson Pinot Noir charm. Best drinking (A, UK) 2017 HHHH$19 (A, UK, UK) peaches, good intensity 2015 HHHH mid-2019+. $29 (A) Wooing Tree A lovely, veryAwatere River by and a dryish finish. $25 Drinking well now, this Waimea Nelson Central Otago pretty style ofLouis Vavasour (A, UK) single-vineyard red has Albariño Pinot Gris gewürztraminer fullMarlborough Main Divide North a fragrant, savoury, 2017 HHHH 2018 HHHH of old bourbon rose,Sauvignon Blanc Canterbury Rosé slightly herbal bouquet. Showing clearcut Fragrant and full- Turkish delight and2017 HHHH 2018 HHHH Deep ruby, it is full- varietal character, this bodied, this Cromwell musk. A little touchOffering very good This fresh, vivacious bodied and smooth, is a punchy, medium- Basin wine was of sweetness on thevalue, this fresh, rosé is a blend of with very satisfying bodied wine, with firm hand-picked and palate complementsmedium-bodied wine pinot noir, cabernet depth of cherry, acid spine, a slightly mostly tank-fermented; the vibrant juicyis crisp and vigorous, sauvignon and plum, spice and nut salty streak and strong 26% of the blend textural edge. Lightwith strong, ripely cabernet franc. Light flavours, showing good peachy, citrusy, spicy was fermented in on its feet yet retainsherbaceous flavours pink, it is vibrantly complexity. $35 flavours. Drink now or seasoned French a great depth ofthat linger well. $16 fruity, with strawberry cellar. $20 (UK) oak barrels. Made in flavour. $26 and spice flavours, an off-dry style, it is threaded with weighty, with vibrant appetising acidity, and pear, lychee and spice a dry, lingering finish. flavours, showing (From Pegasus Bay.) excellent freshness, $21 (A) delicacy and length. Best drinking mid- 2019+. $32230 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

BEST OF 2018 RECENT RELEASES new zealandAnchorage Pinot Mount Brown Clark Estate Block Pask Hawkes Bay Domain Thomson Catalina SoundsGris 2017 HHHH Estates Pinot Gris 8 Riesling Estate Cabernet Explorer Single Sound of WhiteA tighter, focussed 2017 HHHH 2017 HHHH Merlot 2014 HHHH Vineyard Pinot Noir Marlborough Pinotstyle of pinot gris with A confident, juicy Very enticing aroma; No mistaking the 2017 HHHH Noir 2016 HHHHa heady aroma of pinot gris with plenty some bright citrus cabernet here; very Very exotic aromas A boldly fruited style ofjasmine, honeysuckle of peach and baked notes of mandarin attractive fresh with rose petal, pinot. Lots of intensity;nectar and white pear fruit. A soft, and freshly squeezed blackcurrant and lavender and spice juicy dark berry andblossom sitting creamy texture, lime with a touch of morello cherry with sitting alongside some damson plum. Thealongside satsuma generously fruited. white florals. Mouth- a lovely thread of blueberry and black palate marries ripeand red grapefruit too. Full flavoured, a good watering succulent tapenade and dried cherry fruit. There is a tannins with redTextural with a touch deal of concentration acidity with a hint of thyme. A wine that faint stalky, stemmy liquorice, cherry andof ginger spice. $18 and a bright dry finish. honeyed sweetness tastes much more edge that adds a real plum. Generous andGunn Estate Excellent value. $16 just rounding out expensive than its degree of interest fleshy and drinking wellReserve Brennan Pinot Noir the palate. A crisp, lowly price tag would and a little creamy now. $47Marlborough Pinot 2014 HHHH juicy delicate style of suggest. $12 nutmeg new oak in Pegasus BayGris 2017 HHHH Just starting to show riesling. $23 Fat & Sassy support. Not a big wine Merlot CabernetFloral infused some bottle aged Allan Scott Chardonnay but plenty of appeal, 2016 HHHHaromatics; jasmine and characters with the Marlborough 2017 HHHH with the touch of grip A bold wine; powerfulrose petals intertwined red fruit being joined Sauvignon Blanc Very pungent tropical adding interest and blackberry and doriswith mandarin and by forest floor, button 2017 HHHH aromas; mango, bite. $29 plum on the nose with alime. There is a definite mushroom and A very youthful wine papaya with some Bannock Brae whiff of charry oak too.touch of sweetness tobacco leaf. A gentle, but beginning to open white peach and bran Dry Riesling The palate is silky andon the palate but attractive pinot with out and develop cassis, biscuit. Generously 2017 HHHH ripe, with a fruitcake andthe creamy, silken a lovely silky flavour. lime and passionfruit fruited, there is plenty Strong citrus aromas damson note, showingtexture and good There is a touch aromas. Ripe of flavour here, but the of mandarin, fresh how delicious welldepth of flavour more of tannin but very flavours with some acidity is succulent and lime and a hint of ripened merlot can be.than supports the subtle; this is drinking concentration and tight meaning the wine talcum powder. Bone A bigger framed, moresweetness. $17 perfectly now. $55 depth. Clean mouth- retains a good deal of dry with a knife edge opulent take on the watering acidity lifts presence and lift. Not succulent acidity. Very ‘classic red’ style. OneRuru Reserve Pinot Wild Earth Pinot the fruit profile leading overly complex but has tight and focussed for the cellar. $46Gris 2017 HHHH Noir 2015 HHHH to a vibrant, persistent a real drink-me-now with a wet stone, Jackson EstateAn understated wine Bright, juicy red fruited finish. $18 character. $20 mineral pithy texture Homestead Pinotthat has baked red pinot noir with a very Cecilia Brut Linden Estate driving the palate. For Noir 2016 HHHHapple and pear aromas bright aroma of kirsch, Methode Reserve those looking for crisp The nose is beautifullywith a touch of bran plum and red cherry. Traditionelle Chardonnay dry riesling, this is aromatic; juicy fruitsbiscuit. There is good The palate shows 2013 HHHH 2015 HHHH excellent. $25 of the forest with aconcentration albeit in a touch of tannin An appealing touch Big and bold with Giesen Estate little floral and spice.a lighter, more lifted to support the fruit of bottle developed masses of white Sauvignon Blanc An interesting pinot,style, with a focussed but very restrained autolysis gives aromas stone fruit. A layer 2017 HHHH one that is vibrant andmouth-watering line of allowing the flavours of fresh pastry crust, of new oak adds Restrained and taut openly fruity at firstacidity running across to sing. Fully ready to hazelnut and brioche cinnamon and with citrus and white but then builds acrossthe palate. $24 drink. $46 which mingle with nutmeg characters fleshed peach aromas, the palate, unfolding to yellow skinned apple, but well-judged and some apple and reveal a backbone ofMount Brown Wooing Tree Pinot pear and just-ripe in harmony with the nashi pear too. Good tannin coupled to someEstates Pinot Noir Noir 2014 HHHH nectarine. Subtle, fruit. $35 concentration and savoury spicy oak. A2016 HHHH Perfumed and bold, an delicate and poised Te Kairanga John weight and a slight complex, interestingVivid red fruits; almost exotic liquorice with a crisp, satisfying Martin Chardonnay briny, salty character wine. $23strawberry and edge creeping in. Very dry finish. $26 2016 HHHH on the palate. Dry and Palliser Estateraspberry with touches lovely bright raspberry, Pask Declaration Not the boldest wine succulent. $17 Sauvignon Blancof dried herb. A little red cherry and dark Cabernet Merlot on the bench but a Sacred Hill Reserve 2017 HHHHnew oak in support. plum aromas with a little Malbec 2013 HHHH very attractive wine Marlborough Intensely aromatic withNot a big wine but one dried thyme too. A juicy, Good to see a wine in a quiet restrained Sauvignon Blanc pungent aromas of redthat carries a lovely densely fruited palate showing some style. Lemon flesh, 2017 HHHH capsicum, snow peajuicy bright flavour. with a layer of finely bottle development. red apple and pear The aromas aren’t and nettle. There is a$22 grained tannin in support. Luxuriantly fruited aromas lead to a immediately upfront little gun smoke too.Old Coach Road Good length. $48 with bold dense plum tight, lean and poised but with a little time The palate has weightNelson Sauvignon Mondillo Bella cake and dark berry palate that displays a in glass give plenty of and concentrationBlanc 2017 HHHH Reserve Pinot Noir fruit and lovely olive lovely taut succulent wet stone and mineral with a really delightfulLovely vibrant, grassy 2015 HHHH and dried sage notes character. Great length notes that mingle generous texturegooseberry fruit on the Very rich and opulent too. Firm cabernet and though too young with citrus and stone enhanced by mouth-nose, a moderately with masses of dark tannins still playing a now, shows plenty of fruit. On the palate the watering citrus acidity.intense palate with cherry fruit, plum and major role. Long and potential. $50 flavours build to give $28a thread of mineral spice on the nose. It savoury with a gentle, a satisfying, crunchyacidity. Not a particular could almost be too dusty finish. $50 vibrant flavour withcomplex wine but with much but there is a an appealing edge ofplenty of charm and lovely freshness and a citrus acidity. $22appeal. $15 touch of finely integrated tannin to give support and to balance to the rich fruit flavours. Long sustained finish. $85 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 231

contact detailsBEST OF VICTORIA Scarpantoni Estate Wines The Landing Wines Ltd NZ Monkey Business SA P/L Dog Day Wines Phone: 08 8383 0186 Phone: +64 21 439 200 Phone: 0400 406 290 Phone: 0402 050 820Buller Wines Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: 03 8794 7544 Web: www.scarpantoniwines.com Web: www.thelandingvineyard.com Web: www.monkeybiz.net.au Web: www.rustymutt.com.auEmail: [email protected] Sidewood Estate Pty Ltd BEST OF NZ RECENT RELEASE Nillahcootie Estate Eden Hall WinesWeb: www.bullerwines.com.au Phone: 08 8389 9234 Phone: 03 5768 2685 Phone: 0400 991 968 Email: [email protected] Coal Pit Vineyard NZ Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.sidewood.com.au Phone: +64 27 693 6111 Web: www.nillahcootieestate.com.au Web: www.edenhall.com.auPhone: 0427 041 146 Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Springton Hills Wines Web: www.coalpitwine.com No.1 Family Estate Fox Creek WinesWeb: www.dalberti.com.au Phone: 08 8337 7905 Phone: +64 3 572 9876 Phone: 08 8557 0000 Email: john@springtonhillswines. 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Email: [email protected] OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Phone: 08 8584 9014 Phone: +64 3 570 5192 com.au Web: www.gumparawines.net.au Email: pam@whistlingkitewines. Email: [email protected] Web: www.pertaringa.com.auBrash Vineyard com.au Web: www.tepawines.com Hahndorf Hill WineryPhone: 0427 042 767 Web: www.whistlingkitewines. Shingleback Wine Phone: 08 8388 7512Email: anne_chris@brashvineyard. com.au BEST OF NEW RELEASES Phone: 08 8323 9199 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] com.auWeb: www.brashvineyard.com.au BEST OF NEW SOUTH WALES Alex Russell Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.shingleback.com.au Web: www.hahndorfhillwinery. Phone: 0400 684 654 com.auColes Liquor Group Allandale Wines Pty Ltd Email: [email protected] Silver Spoon EstatePhone: 1300 300 640 Phone: 61 2 4990 4526 Web: www.alexrussellwines.com.au Phone: 0412 868 236 Haselgrove Wines Pty LtdEmail: customerservice@ Email: [email protected] Email: vineyard@silverspoonestate. 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Artwine Pty Ltd Phone: 08 8323 7940 withwine.com Phone: 08 8389 9399 Email: [email protected] Wines Pty Ltd Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Email: [email protected] Web: www.mclarenvaleiiiassociates.Phone: 08 8323 8706 Estates LP Greenock Estate Wines Web: www.artwine.com.au com.auEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 8563 2898Web: www.haselgrove.com.au Web: www.smithandsheth.com Email: [email protected] Barossa Boy Wines Mollydooker Wines Web: www.gewines.com Phone: 08 8565 7550 Phone: 08 8323 6500Hollick Estates Loveblock Vintners Ltd (NZ) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: 08 8737 2318 Phone: +64 9 365 1471 Gumpara Wines Web: www.barossaboywines.com.au Web: www.mollydookerwines.Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 0419 624 559 com.auWeb: www.hollick.com Web: www.loveblockwine.com Email: [email protected] Berton Vineyards Web: www.gumparawines.net.au Phone: 02 6968 1600 Morgan Simpson Wines/Songvaar P/LMajella Wines Mondillo Vineyards NZ Email: [email protected] Phone: 0417 843 118Phone: 08 8736 3055 Phone: +64 3 442 6641 Haselgrove Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.bertonvineyards.com.au Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 8323 8706 com.auWeb: www.majellawines.com.au Web: www.mondillo.com Email: [email protected] Cassegrain Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.morgansimpson.com.au Web: www.haselgrove.com.au Phone: 02 6582 8347Mollydooker Wines Osawa Wines / Flying Sheep NZ Email: [email protected] Reillys WinesPhone: 08 8323 6500 Phone: +64 6 874 9050 McLaren Vale III Associates Web: www.cassegrainwines.com.au Phone: 08 8358 0480Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 8323 7940 Email: [email protected]: www.mollydookerwines. Web: www.osawawines.co.nz Email: [email protected] Delta Wine Company Ltd NZ aucom.au Web: www. Phone: +64 3 578 8695 Web: www.reillyswines.com.au mclarenvaleiiiassociates.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.deltawines.co.nz Riverbank Estate Phone: 08 9377 1805 Email: [email protected] Web: www.riverbankestate.com.au232 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

contact detailsSalena Estate Wines Taylors Wines Pty Ltd NEW RELEASES Follow us and keep up toPhone: 08 8362 6092 Phone: 08 8849 1115 date with all our latestEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Bendbrook wine info, tastings andWeb: www.salenaestate.com.au Web: www.taylorswines.com.au Phone: 08 8388 9773 Email: wines@bendbrookwines. events on facebook,Schubert Estate Trentham Estate Pty Ltd com.au twitter and instagram.Phone: 08 8431 1457 Phone: 03 5024 8888 Web: www.bendbrookwines.com.auEmail: maxgu@schubertestatewine. Email: [email protected] Connect on social withcom Web: www.trenthamestate.com.au Capel Vale Wines WinestateWeb: www.schubertestate.com.au Phone: 08 9727 1986 Wingara Wine Group Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/Winestate-Singlefile Wines Phone: 03 9682 5000 Web: www.capelvale.com.au MagazinePhone: 0410 321 321 Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Web: www.deakinestate.com.au Duxton Vineyards twitter.com/winestateedWeb: www.singlefilewines.com Phone: 0417 413 446 www.instagram.com/winestate/ GRUNER VELTLINER Email: casey.mohr@Spook Hill Wines duxtonvineyards.com.au www.winestate.com.auPhone: 0428 403 235 Hahndorf Hill Winery Web: www.petespure.com.auEmail: [email protected] Phone: 08 8388 7512Web: www.spookhillwines.com Email: cellardoor@ Fox Creek Wines hahndorfhillwinery.com.au Phone: 08 8557 0000Twinwoods Estate Web: www.hahndorfhillwinery. Email: [email protected]: 0419 833 122 com.au Web: www.foxcreekwines.comEmail: [email protected] Misty Cove Wines New Zealand Gatt WinesWhistling Kite Vineyards Phone: +64 3 579 4368 Phone: 0410 437 557Phone: 08 8584 9014 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: pam@whistlingkitewines. Web: www.mistycovewines.com Web: www.gattwines.comcom.auWeb: www.whistlingkitewines. Mt Bera Vineyards Greenock Estate Winescom.au Phone: 08 8389 2433 Phone: 08 8563 2898 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Wine Pty Ltd Web: www.mtberavineyards.com.au Web: www.gewines.comPhone: 0422 802 220Email: [email protected] ROSÉ Loveblock Vintners Ltd (NZ)Web: www.zwine.com.au Phone: +64 9 365 1471 Email: [email protected] OF BEST BUYS Web: www.loveblockwine.comBerton Vineyards Allandale Wines Pty Ltd Mollydooker WinesPhone: 02 6968 1600 Phone: 61 2 4990 4526 Phone: 08 8323 6500Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: www.bertonvineyards.com.au Web: www.allandalewinery.com.au Web: www.mollydookerwines. com.auBlaxland Vineyards Ltd Castel Freres (Group)Phone: 08 8304 8879 Phone: 0403 063 658 Reillys WinesEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 8358 0480Web: www.blaxwine.com.au Web: www.groupe-castel.com/en/ Email: cellardoor@reillyswines. group/ com.auColes Liquor Group Web: www.reillyswines.com.auPhone: 1300 300 640 Hemera Estate WineryEmail: customerservice@ Phone: 08 8524 4033 Rosenvale Vineyardsliquorlanddirect.com.au Email: [email protected] Phone: 0407 390 788Web: www.liquorland.com.au Web: www.hemeraestate.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.rosenvale.com.auMacaw Creek Wines Jb winesPhone: 0418 890 203 Phone: 0400 115 996Email: rod@macawcreekwines. Email: [email protected] Web: www.jbwines.comWeb: www.macawcreekwines.com.au Murray Street Vineyards Phone: 08 8562 8373Pernod Ricard Australia Email: [email protected]: 02 8874 8354 Web: www.murraystreet.com.auEmail: [email protected]: www.pernod-ricard- Paracombe Premium Wineswinemakers.com Phone: 08 8380 5058 Email: [email protected] Estate Web: www.paracombewines.comPhone: 0417 831 076Email: [email protected]: www.sanguinewines.com.auScarpantoni Estate WinesPhone: 08 8383 0186Email: [email protected]: www.scarpantoniwines.comShingleback WinePhone: 08 8323 9199Email: [email protected]: www.shingleback.com.au Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019 W I N E S TAT E 233

aftertasteELISABETH KINGPUSHING TIN IN A CAN-DO FUTURECanned wine is easier to carry, there’s no danger ofbreaking the container as there is with glass and youdon’t have to commit to a 750ml bottle if you only wantto drink the equivalent of one or two glasses of wine.SCANNING the shelves at BWS filled with come into contact with the metal. The result? A the craft beer market. Aluminium cans are 100 percans of Elephant in the Room pinot noir and sulphur smell that reeked of old socks or rotten cent recyclable, unlike bottles with labels, foils,Crafters Union sauvignon blanc would lead most eggs when the cans were opened. Longevity was corks and screw caps. Cans are also easier topeople to believe that canned wine is a new the major issue and many canned wines had a jazz up for youth appeal. Just look at the majorityphenomenon. Let alone the breathless articles shelf life of only six months. To solve both problems, of canned wines sold in Australia such as Take Itgiving consumers “permission” to sip their wine Bally Corp in the US started packaging wines in To The Grave and Le Chat Noir.from a tinnie. I even read one story that claimed cans with a cold-fill process similar to the processAustralia’s Barokes Wines launched the world’s used for beer. Across the Pacific, Barokes Wines Another plus of canned wine is that it can be takenfirst wine in a can in 1996. developed its Vinsafe technology, a breakthrough anywhere - to parks, concert venues and anywhere which vastly increased shelf life and much more. else that bans glass bottles. Recent research from Did someone finally “break the Internet” as US heavyweight E&J Gallo has rubber-stampedKim Kardashian failed to do? Canned wine first Barokes was spectacularly successful with that alternative packaging is a strong driver ofappeared in California in 1936, a year after beer its wines and licensing Vinsafe, the only wine- growth across the alcohol industry. In a survey ofmade its appearance encased in metal. Back in-a-can technology protected by patents and 23,000 consumers for its 2018 Consumer Alcoholthen it was mainly dessert and aperitif wines that patents pending. The company’s products have Beverage Study, Gallo reveals that 41 per cent ofwere deemed sturdy enough to withstand being won hundreds of medals at international wine respondents said they would buy wine in alternativepackaged in iron cans with a plastic lining. The competitions, and international expansion in Asia, packaging if they knew it was high quality. Whilewine snobs of the day came out in force, of course. Europe and more was rapid. Unfortunately, Barokes 25 per cent said they were more open to try newBut the main reasons the concept didn’t fly was has been involved in court actions over intellectual wines if they didn’t have to buy a full-size bottle.the inherent instability of the wine, the “Fresno property rights several times, most recently withmold plague” of the time and occluding too much Japanese giant Daiwa and Treasury Estates which Last year saw major breakthroughs in theoxygen in the packaging. are far too complex and lengthy to discuss here. widespread acceptance of canned wine in Australia. In July 2018, Pernod Ricard launched The Americans didn’t give up, though. Many The stakes are high. According to Robert Williams its first canned wine - Jacob’s Creek Moscatoof the pluses that have prompted the renewed Jr, assistant professor of marketing at the Sigmund - following a successful trial run in Canada.popularity of canned wine were apparent decades Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University Described as a “deliciously refreshing frizzanteago. Canned wine is easier to carry, there’s no in Pennsylvania, wine in a can is not a fad. “It style wine”, the moniker of one of the nation’s mostdanger of breaking the container as there is with represents a significant new wine category that is popular wine names almost guaranteed interest forglass and you don’t have to commit to a 750ml finding a permanent, positive place in the overall the summer season. Available in a four pack for anbottle if you only want to drink the equivalent of wine market,” he says. RRP of $22, the packaging is a magnet to attractone or two glasses of wine. eyes of young Millennial women. Over the past three years sales of canned wines In the mid-1950s, the US market saw the release in the US have been climbing fast, increasing 43 No one is advocating that top end wines shouldof canned wines whose names alone probably per cent from June 2017 to June 2018, to sales of venture into cans. As George Radman, Head ofguaranteed their demise. Carina Kan-O-Wine, $US32 million. Williams has become something Wine for Dan Murphy’s, is on record as pointingCalifornia white port and Mother Goldstein New of a connoisseur of the canned wine market and out: “Our customers have embraced wine in a canYork State 100 per cent Sacramental Concord his research team has compiled a data base of due to its convenience. These products are lighter,Grape Wine. The French threw their hat in the ring more than 450 wine-in-a-can offerings from 130 typically less expensive and more portable thanin 1971 and tried their hand at exporting canned countries around the world. The most popular sizes bottled wine. Based on the growth of canned craftbeaujolais to the US. Airlines are always looking are 250ml (49 per cent), followed by 375ml and beers over the past year, we have seen a huge shiftfor ways to lighten their loads and save on fuel. In 187ml. An insight that re-confirms that one of the in consumer attitudes. It’s now recognised that a1980, Taylor California Cellars won contracts with major attractions of canned wine is portion control. can does not mean compromising on quality.” AnUnited Airlines and Delta to supply canned wines. A’Tivo Rose´ Spritzer or Joiy Prosecco anyone?Unfortunately, although the airlines loved the idea, Just as the wine cooler mega-trend of the 1980stheir passengers didn’t. was driven by the 20-somethings of the time, so is today’s canned wine wave. Millennials like Ghastly memories lingered from some of the early canned wine because they can buy individualattempts. The plastic coating on the liners of some servings, says Williams, and there’s also a strongcanned wines deteriorated and allowed them to environmental aspect similar to the shift to cans inn e x t i s s u e : Some great tastings to kick off the new year! From Italian & Spanish varietals through to chardonnay and the latest new releases. We also visit the Barossa/Eden Valley and Central & Western Victoria.234 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2019

THE ART OF WINE.DOWN TO EARTH.Austrian wines are invitations. of nature, Austrian wines proudly standPh 1800 220 029Simply open a cellar door to meet themost approachable international stars among the world’s greatest wines and are pouredAaut sretrnaoliwanweiddereestnaquuriarniets awllelcomedimaginable: the great wines of Austria. over the globe.Produced byCtrourenaertrisJaensttryes&pecBtrfuigl hton Rd, Level 2, Gleneaulgstrianwine.com

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