Winestate Magazine Annual 2017

The South Australian year in review, by Karyn Foster. Come gather around people CLAREWherever you roam Sevenhill Cellars’ Mike Christophersen reported: “The 2016 vintage startedAnd admit that the waters early and was highly compressed, finishing in mid-March. The lead up toAround you have grown the 2016 vintage was extremely dry in Clare with very little rain after theAnd accept it that soon end of July 2015. From October and throughout summer, it was very warm,You'll be drenched to the bone however the vines survived the dry conditions well and the cooler nights ofAnd if your breath to you is worth saving the Clare Valley. A short burst of well-timed rain in late January and earlyThen you better start swimming February, just before picking, set the scene for an outstanding harvestor you'll sink like a stone characterised by even ripening of fruit. Rieslings have shown typical brightFor the times they are a-changing fruit flavours of lime citrus overlayed with floral aromas. While still finishing with their usual slaty minerality, they are showing great flavour and a broadAS Bob Dylan eloquently penned over 50 years ago, possibly in reference spectrum of floral aromas with some predicting good ageing potential.to different notions… “times are a-changing”. Seas rising, temperatures The reds, in barrel now, are showing great early promise, particularly theerratic - the coldest, the hottest, rainfall - unprecedented - the driest shiraz and cabernet. Ripening conditions led to berries with great intensityand the wettest, coral bleaching is wreaking havoc on the Great Barrier of flavour and colour, evident in both the vineyard and in the juice at theReef. Add bush fire, odd tornado-type wind events and exceptional crusher. As young wines they are showing nice fine seed tannins, brighthailstorms with stones the destructive size of golf balls - all common in berry fruit flavour and intense purple colours. 2016 will go down as oneour environmental commentary. those magical years when both yields and fruit quality came together. As a result, good tonnages of excellent quality grapes were harvested and Be a sceptic or acknowledge global warming - the wine industry in SA delivered to the winery.”is experiencing deviations in weather and has had to adjust its approachaccordingly as vintage is fast and furious. CLARE & ADELAIDE HILLS David O’Leary offers a perspective over the two regions: “I think from aBAROSSA quality point of view, wine from the Adelaide Hills and the Clare Valley,Grant Burge from Illaparra Winery observed: “2016 started very early and white and red, are outstanding. The growing season started early due tograpes ripened very fast in February. A very dry year, probably only half the less than average winter rainfall and continued to be early and quiteour normal rainfall. Some very hot days over 40C but not sustained, relief dry. In early January, where the fruit was still hard pea-like and nearly readycoming with cool changes. Vintage was a real rush with everything ripening to soften for the four-six-week ripening period, we received 50mm of raintogether. Crops were better than expected and despite the dry year, yields in Clare and more in the Hills. As we all know nothing can beat water fromwere normal. Whites are very good, but the reds are exceptional and the sky, the vineyards were revitalised, helping flavour development andequally as good as 2010 and 2012. Grenache and mataro were as good pushing back harvest. Berries were small due to the dry season, with theas we have ever seen them and shiraz is magnificent - black in colour rain, the vines were rejuvenated and produced great varietal characterand a huge amount of fruit and structure. I have been making wine for 47 and flavour. If I was to compare vintages the 2016 will be as good as theyears and 2016 is as good as it gets.” 2002 and 2005, reds in particular have power concentration without being alcoholic. In two words: excellent, exceptional!” Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 101

ADELAIDE HILLS I have been making wine forOwen Inglis focused on the Hills. “The start of the season was simply near 47 years and 2016 is as goodperfect, setting the vines up with great potential,” he said. “Good buddissection in August. Lovely benign weather in November during flowering as it gets.led to great fruit set. Then it just stopped raining, not a drop. Dams starteddrying, things started heating up, not making the right canopy decisions Across the region people were calling it the best vintage in 10 years.”or vineyards without good water - difficult. January and February were Aramis Vineyard’s Lee Flourentzou concurred: “The season began withweird, massively hot days and cool nights. However swings of 25C proved low winter and spring rainfall, and a dry and warm spring, then a veryjust perfect for finishing the season. Amazing fruit, sugars just incredible. warm December. The fruit set was good, the vines produced a goodPicking, well that was fun. Whatever happened to starting sparky base number of bunches and despite the dryness the vines were very healthy.in January, whites in February/March and finishing reds in April? Five January showed some cooler weather which slowed development downweeks of mayhem, hot, hot, hot and everything ripening at the same time. and allowed ripening to happen nice and evenly, but the vintage startedPick, pick, pick, crush, crush, crush. No need to watch Walking Dead a off again a bit early at the beginning of February. Quality across the boardlook at the Viti lads and winemakers at the end of it - zombies one and is very high and the aramis wines have really good depth of colour, weightall. Having said that there will be some of the finest wines ever produced and fresh fruit characters plus nice fine tannin structures. The 2016 winescoming out of the Hills.” are shaping up to be of excellent quality!” At the far tip of the Hills, Mark Saturno from Longview Vineyards RIVERLANDrecounted: “The lead up to V16 was one of the driest on record here Caudo Wines’ Zac Caudo described vintage as: “A positive, mild andin Macclesfield until a very welcome rain event in January freshened constant winter. Intermittent rains paving the way for another remarkableeverything up without causing too much disease pressure. Canopies were season. The vines were slow to get off the mark by about one-two weekshealthy and thinning throughout the vineyard was paramount, especially possibly due to a colder and wetter spring. Once going the whites hadfor high cropping varietals such as pinot grigio, nebbiolo and barbera. a strong flowering with initially perfect weather. A consistent summer,The gruner veltliner vines exhibited excellent canopy, ensuring an even minus any natural disasters, led to a lengthy growing period creating veryripening period without the fear of burn. Amazing flavour was seen early desirable, robust varietal characteristics and brilliant vibrant appearances.in shiraz and we began picking in the first week of March, capturing the We all experienced higher than average yields. Coming off fantastictrademark spice and brightness we seek from our cool-climate fruit. By weather conditions the 2016 vintage was exceptional, producing world-comparison, as autumn temperatures dipped, our notoriously low-cropping class wines.”cabernet sauvignon was picked at the end of March. The stand-out fruitfrom the vineyard across all varietals was nebbiolo - extraordinary tartcherry flavours in the berries with trademark acid and ripe tannin wasevident. A very exciting time at Longview, indeed. Fabulous wines arein the bottle.”MCLAREN VALE COONAWARRABiodynamic viticulturist Melissa Brown, from Gemtree Wines said: “The Prof Lynn from Majella Wines bore witness to near perfect growing2015 to 2016 growing season was dominated by warm and dry conditions. conditions in the Coonawarra: “2015/2016 proved to be one of our bestThis corresponded to a quick, condensed flowering period. The cooler seasons in years. We saw a mild winter followed by constant growingtemperatures and 53mm of rain at the beginning of February enabled conditions, leading to beautiful fine and gentle warm days. A winningthe fruit to ripen slowly, developing the perfect balance of tannins, acid combination leading to textbook canopies, fruit set and development. Withand sugar. The summer period provided milder conditions, which lead to the onset of vintage we swung into action earlier and finished in almostgradual sugar accumulation and allowed us to harvest purely on flavour record time. The finished wines are proving to be most rewarding. Theripeness. Yields were above the original estimates. Here at Gemtree we Coonawarra has produced wines of which we can all be proud – awardwere sceptical that we would be able to achieve the same high yields winners, no doubt. One out of the box!”with biodynamic vineyards, so this shines a bright light of success on ourbiodynamic practices and the ever-increasing health of our vineyards. Closing with another quote from the Noble Prize winning scribe Don’tThe resulting 2016 wines are phenomenal! They are showing vibrant fruit Think Twice, It’s All Right. Check that, despite climate change, from thoseflavours with bright natural acidity. in the know in SA, not just all right, damn near perfect vintage producing magnificent wines. 102 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australiasparkling other white Hahndorf Hill Saltram riesling Reillys Watervale varietals Winery Pinot Grigio Winemakers Clare ValleyBird in Hand Nest & blends 2015 HHHH Selection Fiano Leo Buring Leonay RieslingEgg Joy Adelaide Good lifted varietal 2015 HHHH DW S17 Eden 2015 HHHH1/2Hills Sparkling Artwine Wicked intensity to the nose Luscious tropical fruit Valley Riesling Lovely spicy floralPinot Noir Stepmother Single and bright fresh salad aromas and a 2015 HHHHH bouquet with citrus2010 HHHHH Vineyard Clare varietally true palate. juicy palate; lots of Very aromatic wine notes. Pleasant palateThis nose has Valley Fiano Good example of the flavour balanced by with some lovely with crisp flavours,both elegance and 2015 HHHH1/2 grigio style. $25 crunchy acidity with an aromas of citrus cleansing acidity andcomplexity mingling A fresh citrussy nose Penfolds Cellar attractive chalky line. fruit and citrus a slight tannic grip onwith fresh fruit showing excellent Reserve Pinot Gris $24.99 blossom. The palate is the finish. Excellentfragrances. The palate varietal definition. The 2014 HHHH Nepenthe refreshing and lemony cellaring potential.is creamy and complex nicely textured palate Crisp apple-like aromas Winemaker's long and delicate withwith a good textural has very good riesling with hints of limes and Selection Arneis a lovely minerally 5+ $22edge and just a touch fruit and mouthwatering an attractive dry zesty 2015 HHHH element. $40 Bird in Hand Clareof sweetness. $75 acidity. “Be great with palate that has flavour Bright lychee and peach Em’s Table Valley RieslingAnderson Hill food.” $22 intensity and a firm acid bouquet with some Premium Organic 2015 HHHH1/2Vintage Sparkling Penfolds Cellar backbone. $35 grassy notes. Nice Clare Valley A delicate intensityChardonnay Reserve Semillon Penfolds Cellar varietal notes to the Riesling of floral and citrus2009 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH1/2 Reserve Sauvignon clean zesty palate. A 2015 HHHHH aromas. Palate is clean,Interesting complexity Elegant aromas - lean Blanc 2014 HHHH good food wine. $20 Fabulous steely lemon/ crisp and perfectlyof aromas with hints and green with just a A different and lime fragrances with balanced with lemonof cracked wheat and slight toasty/honeyed interesting version of Giggling Goose a gorgeous young rind-like flavoursoyster shells. Very touch. Good balance of the variety with smoky Wines Single riesling palate that is all and some tannicgood balance to the citrus fruit flavours and barrel ferment notes Vineyard limes and bath powder. grip. “Where are thepalate with a lovely honeyed sweetness. to the nose and a lean Padthaway Fresh acid backbone oysters!” $25creamy texture. Good Developing nicely; tight palate with fruit Viognier and a crisp dryingacid/sugar balance. $40 plenty of potential. $35 richness. $35 2015 HHHH finish. $19.99 Blok Estate VBBAEULSYUTSEArtwine Coco Sidewood Estate Quarisa Wines Aromas of rose Stone Bridge CoonawarraSparkling Single Adelaide Hills Pinot Johnny Q Semillon petals with hints of Wines Clare Valley RieslingVineyard Adelaide Gris 2014 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc mushrooms. The Riesling 2014 HHHH1/2Hills Pinot Noir Developed complex 2015 HHHH refreshing palate offers 2015 HHHHH \"A wine with style,NV HHHH1/2 honeyed aromas with Attractive tropical and a good mouthful of A very varietally poise, personality andA toasty yeasty smoky notes. Very citrus fragrances with citrus flavours and a expressive wine energy,\" according tocomplexity to the nose attractive palate, rich hints of nettles. Zesty crisp finish. $18 with intense aromas one judge! The lemonwith a rich lemony fruit and warm and exhibits fresh palate seamlessly reminiscent of and citrus-like aromaspalate showing lots of flavours of pears and balanced with good Bickford’s lime. The and flavours arecomplexity and a good apples with toasty and flavour interest and palate is crisp and seamlessly balancedbalance of sweetness straw-like notes. $20 tight acid backbone. austere. “Not what you by lively acidity.with the acidity. Lovely Paracombe Pinot $11.99 would expect of the $19.50toasty finish. $28 Gris 2015 HHHH variety or region - but aWolf Blass Gold True to the gris style damn good drink.” $22Label Sparkling with its rich and Taylors St AndrewsChardonnay Pinot inviting jubey fruit Clare ValleyNoir 2012 HHHH aromas and very RieslingDeveloped toasty good flavour intensity 2015 HHHHHcaramelised complexity showing just a hint of A pure classic varietal.on the nose and great sweetness. $20 The nose is shy andbalance between the Bird in Hand not giving much awayfruit and the aged Adelaide Hills Pinot except hints of florals.complexity on the Gris 2015 HHHH The vibrant palatepalate. $24.99 Fresh well-made is quite drying andMajella wine; a hint of aged austere but deliciousCoonawarra complexity. Spicy with a delicate phenolicSparkling Shiraz gooseberry/pear grip. Needs time. $352010 HHHH aromas. Some residual Pauletts AgedBlack fruit aromas sugar on the palate but Release Clarewith a hint of oak and balancing acidity. $25 Valley Agedsimilar characters Rieslingechoed on a palate that 2009 HHHHHhas loads of spicy fruit Gorgeous agedand a generous finish. smoky lemon bouquet$30 with kero-like notes. Palate is in wonderful condition - very elegant and clean with complex flavour profile. “Great; lots more years left in it yet!” $50 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 103

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australiaGomersal Wines Mercuri Estate chardonnay Vella Wines Harvest Tomich Woodside Brand's LairaPremium Barossa Settebello Spade Widow Adelaide Vineyard FoundationValley Riesling Clare Valley Penfolds Hills Chardonnay Chardonnay Coonawarra2015 HHHH1/2 Riesling Reserve Bin 14 A 2013 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH ChardonnayA delicate and 2015 HHHH Chardonnay A rich toasty old Smoky oak bouquet 2014 HHHHpretty style with a Light citrussy bouquet 2014 HHHHH fashioned style of with honeyed A very good, well-lovely, classy, floral with leesy notes. A A well-made wine chardonnay. Appealing nuances. Excellent balanced wine withcomplexity to the good “all-rounder” with lovely peachy shortbread and bacon- palate balance, lovely citrussy fruitcitrussy nose leading palate brimming over aromas seamlessly like bouquet with good structure, nice showing nectarine noteson to a fresh gentle with pure citrussy integrated with toasty lovely rich ripe flavour creaminess and good and supported by somecitrus palate with a fine flavours. Vibrant finish. oak showing a hint of profile of varietal fruit fruit flavour length. $25 very attractive oak.line of acid. $15 $19 bacon. Lean tight palate and oak. $30 Penfolds $22.99Penfolds Taylors St Andrews with good level of Tomich Woodside Cellar ReserveBin 51 Clare Valley citrus/melon flavours. Vineyard Q96 Chardonnay roséEden Valley Riesling Good acid backbone. Chardonnay 2014 HHHHRiesling 2015 2012 HHHH $100 2013 HHHH1/2 Lemony peachy Bird in Hand D &HHHH1/2 Beautifully balanced Bird in Hand Nest Upfront forward style elements to the nose B Pour Les AmourA sherbety citrussy aged riesling that’s Egg Adelaide Hills that is loaded with with toasty touches. Adelaide Hills Pinotstyle of riesling with elegant, crisp and pure. Chardonnay melon, peach and Elegant palate with Noir Roséa fresh tropical drive. Developing some aged 2012 HHHHH fig-like characters good fruit, chalky 2015 HHHHHLifted varietal aromas kero-like notes with A lovely toasty showing a lovely acidity and powdery A very prettyand flavoursome chalky lifted citrus notes. $35 oak bouquet with honeyed development tannins. $55 salmon pink winetextured palate. Ready Koonara Wines underlying pear and balanced by good level Rosemount Estate that's elegant andfor drinking now. $30 Sofiel's Gift Mt peach fruit aromas. A of acidity. $60 Seven Trick Pony refined with delicateWolf Blass White Gambier Riesling very complex buttery Saltram 1859 Eden McLaren Vale strawberry/rose petalLabel Riesling 2010 HHHH and toasty oak palate Valley Chardonnay Chardonnay aromas and a tight lean2015 HHHH A golden wine starting showing plenty of ripe 2014 HHHH 2015 HHHH palate, some delicateVery attractive ripe to evolve into 'middle varietal fruit interest. Lightweight stone Fresh interesting nose fruit and great residualand tropical varietal age' with orange $79 fruit aromas with with hints of apricot sugar/acid balance. $30aromatics with a blossom-like aromas Sidewood Estate some underlying and lemon curd. Nice Beelgara Blacklively youthful palate and an intense Adelaide Hills oak notes. Tight palate; excellent Label Clare Valleyshowing ample fruit concentration of lime Chardonnay acid palate - light mouthfilling flavours Grenache Roséwith lots of crunchy flavours. $20 2014 HHHH1/2 and lively with and light astringent 2015 HHHHacidity. $35 Stonefruit aromas with soft creamy melon grip. $20 Bright pink wine withJacobs Creek smoky oak nuances. flavours. $20.99 youthful confectionery/Reserve Barossa Good palate weight Jacob's Creek Jack Estate musky fruit aromasRiesling and structure and very Reserve Adelaide Coonawarra and lovely balance2013 HHHH attractive fresh peach Hills Chardonnay Chardonnay between the sweetNose reminiscent of and pear flavours with 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH fruit flavours and thebrown lime cordial. good integration of Smoky bacon-like A pleasant wine acidity. $19.99Nice minerally toasty oak. $20 characters on the nose offering good drinkingcharacter to the Wolf Blass Gold and good powerful fruit with sweet up-frontflavoursome palate; Label Adelaide Hills drive on the long crisp peachy varietal fruit andtasting of limes and Chardonnay and complex palate plenty of oak but all inlemons. $17.99 2014 HHHH1/2 with a nice oaky finish. seamless balance. $22Peter Lehmann Lovely aromas of toasty $17.99Wigan Eden Valley oak, bacon and freshly Bird in HandRiesling baked bread. Excellent Adelaide Hills2010 HHHH palate weight and length ChardonnaySome lovely aged with delicious varietal 2015 HHHHtoastiness showing on flavours nicely balanced Creamy buttery nosethe brown lime nose. by the oak. $28 with an intense oakyFull-flavoured creamy/ McGuigan bouquet and rich oak-buttery palate; obvious The Shortlist driven palate with anaged characters. $45 Chardonnay excellent flavour profile 2014 HHHH1/2 and length. $35 Big toasty oak-driven Bird in Hand Nest style - but very well Egg Adelaide Hills done with great Chardonnay honeyed notes to 2015 HHHH the nose and a lovely Very good complexity palate structure with of pear, peach, bacon rich fruit and toasty oak and biscuit-like aromas flavours. $28.99 which are echoed on the bold and nicely textured palate. $79104 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australiaother red Paracombe Taylors Clare Valley pinot noir T EWINESTATE INTERNATIONAL CABERNET TASTINGvarietals & blends Cabernet Franc Merlot 2015 HHHH 2010 HHHH1/2 Bright dark berry Tomich Woodside HUON HOOKE TYSON STELZER MIKE BENNIEAtze's Corner The Spicy leathery aromas nose and sweet berry Vineyard I777Giant Barossa with a cola-like lift and palate with oak in the Adelaide Hills Pinot 95 95 95Valley Durif some liqueur cherries. background and soft Noir 2014 HHHHH2014 HHHH1/2 A very varietal palate supporting tannins. Big complex nose; lots POINTS POINTS POINTSBeautiful vibrant lift of that is rich, soft and Very good commercial of black cherry fruittarry licorice and black complex with good oak style. $19 with nice hit of oak.fruit aromas and has a support and crunchy Glenholme Ripe balanced berrypowerful tannic palate acidity. $27 Vineyards Blesing’s fruit palate showingthat's layered with Fox Gordon Garden Southern very good length withflavours. Just needs The Dark Prince Flinders Ranges mid-palate sweetness,some time to settle. $28 Nero D'Avola Merlot 2010 HHHH lovely oak and herbalBird in Hand 2014 HHHH A big wine that’s notes. $60Adelaide Hills Interesting savoury ageing well with K1 by Geoff HardyMontepulciano nose showing cola- intense developed Adelaide Hills Pinot2014 HHHH1/2 like development. chocolaty aromas and Noir 2014 HHHHA nose of prunes, Simple, slightly sweet well-balanced cocoa/ Toasty oak aromasripe plums and black cherry/berry flavours cassis flavours with a blend with rhubarb-likecherries with a whiff balanced by crunchy hint of mint. $22 fruit. Complex palateof earthiness. The rich acidity. $24.95 Pauletts 47/74 with nice sweetness ofpalate has intense Paracombe Malbec Handcrafted varietal fruit balancedsavoury flavours, zippy 2013 HHHH Clare Valley by strong acid. $35acidity and good tannin Inky crimson wine Malbec Cabernet Koonara Winesbackbone. $35 smelling of brambles. Sauvignon Cape Banks MtArtwine The Grace Dark and chocolaty in 2010 HHHH Gambier Pinot NoirSingle Vineyard the mouth with loads Beautiful green minty- 2013 HHHHClare Valley of tannins and good like aromas and great Nice example of aGraciano acid balance. Give it flavour profile with firm powerful savoury style2014 HHHH1/2 another 5 years! $27 tannins. Ageing well of pinot with lovelyGreat drinking here Bird in Hand and drinking beautifully strawberry/cherry-agreed the judges. A Adelaide Hills right now. $90 like fruit. Good oakcomplex inky/meaty Merlot 2013 HHHH Blackbilly influence and acidity.nose and a good palate A pleasant spicy Langhorne Creek $24.95structure with cherry/ mix of plum, mocha Sangioveseplum flavours and and cola aromas 2013 HHHH grenache & blendsseamless balance of with fresh complex Cherries and berries onoak tannins. $28 flavours underscored the nose. Good palate Rosemount Estate by nice drying tannin weight with complex McLaren Vale structure. $35 flavour profile, strong G.S.M. Bird in Hand Nest drying tannin kick and a 2014 HHHHH Egg Adelaide Hills gamey finish. $23 A ripe, generous and Merlot 2013 HHHH Geoff Merrill full-flavoured Rhone An elegant seamlessly Cilento McLaren blend with lovely balanced wine with Vale Sangiovese intensity of red currant plum and prune-like 2011 HHHH and raspberry-like fruit varietal fruit layered Savoury earthy and good persistence with dark earthy complexity to the nose of chocolaty oak characters. Good oak with a pretty aromatic laced with emery-like use. $99 lift. Firm tannic palate tannins. $40 Dell'uva Barossa still bright with some d’Arenberg The Valley Touriga savoury-like fruit Ironstone Pressings Nacional flavours. $25 McLaren Vale 2013 HHHH Young Brute Grenache Shiraz Mocha characters Wrattonbully Red Mourvedre dominate the earthy Blend 2015 HHHH 2012 HHHHH savoury nose. Fleshy A good steady A big robust and palate loaded with dark medium-bodied wine brooding blend with fruits and dominated by offering great quaffing a complex layering oak on the finish. $24 with bright, fresh dark of dark berry fruit berry fruit and just a characters, some hint of sweet mocha malty-like elements, oak. $16.99 good charry oak and excellent drying tannins. $65 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 105 BRA042_POC_GrandeReserve_WineState_67x274_Ad_FA.indd261/11/2015 2:24 pm

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australia Beresford Barrel cabernet sauvignon Wolf Blass Grey Bird in Hand Marie Annie’s Lane The Select McLaren & blends Label Langhorne Elizabeth Adelaide Locals Polish Hill Vale Grenache Creek Cabernet Hills Cabernet River Cabernet Shiraz Mourvedre Saltram Barossa Shiraz Sauvignon Sauvignon 2014 HHHH1/2 Valley Cabernet 2013 HHHHH 2013 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH1/2 Vibrant fresh spicy Sauvignon Brooding dark fruit Earthy cola nose with Great varietal definition cherry nose with oak 2012 HHHHH bouquet with hints of subtle oak support. here with inviting adding complexity. A beautifully rich, leafiness and some More of the earthiness dark fruit and cedary Silky smooth palate, dense and seamlessly fresh mint-like notes. on the oak dominant oak aromas. Oak generous lifted fruit layered cabernet bright Generous palate with a palate and soft dark seamlessly integrated flavours, sweet spicy with blackcurrant big hit of blackcurrant fruit underneath, good with dark varietal fruits. oak and long grainy aromas and very fruit flavours and more level of sweetness and Good tannin weight tannins. $27.99 long juicy dark fruit of the mintiness. crunchy acid. $350 and length. $22.99 Pirramimma Pirra flavours supported by Tannic finish. $45 Redman McLaren Vale a fine tannin structure. Lake Breeze Paracombe The Coonawarra Grenache Shiraz $99.95 Arthur’s Reserve Reuben Cabernet Cabernet 2013 HHHH1/2 Langhorne Creek Sauvignon Sauvignon A very pleasant mint Mr Riggs Outpost Cabernet Petit Cabernet Franc 2013 HHHH1/2 chocolate-like bouquet Coonawarra Verdot Malbec Merlot Smells of plums and huge mouthfilling Cabernet 2012 HHHHH Malbec Shiraz and olives with a flavours of melted Sauvignon Dark briary/menthol 2012 HHHH1/2 menthol touch. Lovelyd’Arenberg The milk chocolate on the 2014 HHHHH bouquet; certain Inky red blend with firm palate with aCustodian McLaren soft fleshy palate with A nose that's all cassis nuttiness to it. lovely earthy/chocolaty continuous flow ofVale Grenache warm slippery tannins. and raspberries. The Beautifully balanced black fruit aromas. sweet fruit flavours2013 HHHHH $16 palate is dark and palate with great depth Classic cabernet palate layered with earthy/Elegant spicy red fruit Bayliss Road complex with lovely of berry and forest with its subtle blackberry cedary characters.nose with hints of Willunga McLaren fruit, super tannins and floor flavours with light fruit and delicate herbalfloral fragrances. Palate Vale Grenache the oak kept nicely minerally notes and notes. Good oak in 3-5 $34shows great depth of Shiraz Mataro in check. Lovely now great tannin balance. $40 support. $23flavour with lovely fruit 2015 HHHH but will be great with Earthworks Wolf Blass Whitesweetness, strong Spicy and meaty on cellaring. 5+ $24 Barossa Valley Label Adelaidegrainy tannins and a the nose with hints of Cabernet Hills Cabernetpleasant warmth to it. mint. Very fleshy sweet Penola Estate Sauvignon Sauvignon$18 cherry palate, some Coonawarra 2013 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH1/2Kalleske drying tannins and a Cabernet VBBAEULSYUTSE \"Good Barossa cabernet A very tannic andClarry's Barossa long spicy finish. $25 Sauvignon aromas,\" black and red elegant cabernet with aValley G.S.M. Pertaringa Two 2013 HHHHH fruits and some violets. classic cassis/blueberry2015 HHHH1/2 Gentlemen’s Nicely developing, Vibrant chewy palate fruit aroma profile.Deep purple wine McLaren Vale well-rounded cabernet with solid ripe varietal Great palate richnesswith bright lifted G.S.M. 2014 HHHH with generosity, fruit flavours, lots of with nice length ofsmall berry aromas. Nice intensity of intensity and length tannins and firm acidity. spicy sweet varietal\"Amazingly aromatic.\" blackcurrant aromas; a of earthy chocolaty $16 fruit flavours. $45Some savoury meaty light dash of toasty oak. aromas and beautifully Bird in Handelements. Good drive Palate has freshness and balanced ripe fruit Adelaide Hillsof mouthfilling spicy structure with good fruit flavours. Tannins are Cabernetfruit flavours on the and fine tannins. $22 present but subtle. Sauvignonsilky palate. $21 Fox Creek Wines $13 2014 HHHH1/2Vinrock McLaren Postmaster Minty, leafy black fruitVale Grenache McLaren Vale Reillys Barking bouquet. Lovely palateShiraz Mataro Grenache Shiraz Mad Clare weight with briary fruit2014 HHHH1/2 Mourvedre Valley Cabernet flavours, ironstone-likeJubey blue fruit 2014 HHHH Sauvignon elements, plush/sveltearomas; nice lavender Subtle blueberry and 2013 HHHHH tannins and powerfuland spice notes. A lavender bouquet with An excellent, well- eucalypt characters. $35well-textured palate a spicy lift and a lean structured and very Bird in Hand Nestshows fleshy fruit green palate with good youthful wine with Egg Adelaideflavours with good weight of primary fruit great fruit density. Hills Cabernettannins. $27 flavours. $23 Lovely subtle dark Sauvignon Zonte’s Footstep fruit bouquet and an 2013 HHHH1/2 Peacock’s Fan extremely long and The upfront vanilla oak McLaren Vale powerful dark savoury aromas have super Grenache palate. Still needs rich powerful dark 2014 HHHH more time. 5+ fruits underneath. Lots Classic lifted $16 of lovely oak on the confectionery/juby palate with plenty of fruit fragrances with ripe minty/berry fruit herbal-like complexity. flavours to match. $99 Big mouthful of sweet raspberry jubes. Drying tannins. $25106 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australia Shingleback D Pertaringa Jack Estate Pepper Tree Block Reserve Understudy Coonawarra Wines Block McLaren Vale McLaren Vale Cabernet 21A Single Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Sauvignon Sauvignon 2013 HHHH Wrattonbully 2012 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH Nose is earthy, minty Cabernet Spearmint and thyme Cherry/blueberry and fruity. Lovely Sauvignon characters are obvious aromas with a light palate weight with dark 2013 HHHH on the brooding nose. leafiness. Lots of fruit berry fruit, smoky oak, A very dark, very A big hit of really good sweetness on a well- some spices and well- dense, very big wine blackcurrant fruit on the balanced palate with rounded tannins. $25 with a berry bouquet, palate nicely matched drying tannin. Needs lovely intense cassis by the oak. $55 more time. $22 Patrick of fruit flavours and firm d’Arenberg The Coonawarra Estate tannins. Needs time.Hollick Estates Coppermine Leconfield Majella The CoonawarraRavenswood Road McLaren Coonawarra Musician Cabernet 5+ $60Coonawarra Vale Cabernet Cabernet Coonawarra Sauvignon Casella LimitedCabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon 2013 HHHH Release LimestoneSauvignon 2012 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 Concentrated Coast Cabernet2013 HHHH1/2 Big ripe jammy A contemporary, mintiness to the SauvignonA beautifully balanced blackberry aromas with sweeter, fruit-driven nose. Juicy primary 2012 HHHHwine that's looking a hint of mint. Firm style of cabernet with fruit on an oak- More austere style ofgood right now! It has tannic palate, a tad tobacco and cocoa- dominated palate with cabernet but well-stylish oak, intense drying with masses of like aromas and a big a good tannin profile in made and still showingdark floral fruit and varietal fruit and some juicy palate; amalgam support. $29 plenty of lively sweeta nice line of slightly warming alcohol. $65 of vanilla, chocolate, Punters Corner cassis fruit. Hasdrying tannins. $77 mint and berries. Reserve toasty oak and chunkyLake Breeze Jip Jip Rocks Coonawarra tannins. $45Langhorne Padthaway 5+ $35 Cabernet Reschke BosCreek Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon CoonawarraSauvignon 2014 Sauvignon VBBAEULSYUTSE 2013 HHHH CabernetHHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 Savoury cabernet SauvignonGenerous flavoursome Lifted fruity bouquet Cabernet Shiraz dense with ripe sweet 2008 HHHHvarietal with interesting with a note of 2014 HHHH varietal fruit characters Oak dominates thedark red fruits, cedary smokiness. Nicely Nose is a lovely mix of layered with some nose and has a slightoak, firm tannins and rounded dark fruit blackcurrant and vanilla chocolaty notes and hint of mint. A complexzippy acidity with a palate that has lovely oak with bright red fruit supported by big drying aged palate thatlong bitter chocolate freshness with tobacco- flavours, supporting tannins. $32 still has some fruitfinish. “A keeper!” $25 like complexity and oak with soft velvety sweetness with firmAngas Plains some attractive earthy tannins. $18 tannins. $42.50Estate Special characters. $20.95 PepperjackReserve Langhorne The Tutor 570 Barossa CabernetCreek Cabernet Vines Coonawarra SauvignonSauvignon Cabernet 2013 HHHH2012 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon VBBAEULSYUTSE A \"friendly\", fleshyA fruity fleshy cabernet 2014 HHHH varietal seamlesslythat’s still very varietal. Earthy cassis fruit layered with sweetHas capsicum-like nose and nicely black currant fruit,characters on the nose integrated savoury mocha oak, minty andand very good tannin palate with a hint of chocolaty elements.profile on quite a high vanilla and rounded $29.99acid palate. $40 tannins. \"Perfect with Chain of Ponds The a steak.\" $14 Amadeus Adelaide Hills Cabernet Shearer’s VBBAEULSYUTSE Berton Vineyards Sauvignon Hill Premium Reserve 2013 HHHH Langhorne Coonawarra Lovely richness of Creek Cabernet Cabernet varietal fruit characters Sauvignon layered with strong 2014 HHHH velvety tannins, hints of Pleasant cassis aromas cigar-like oak and nice with a light minty lift earthy touches. $38 and a dark brooding Sauvignon red fruit palate that 2013 HHHH has huge tannins and Some developed marked acidity. leathery characters to the nose and good 5+ $17 fruity palate that shows plenty of length and weight. Has great poise. $18 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 107

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australiaClaymore Wines Saltram Mamre Wolf Blass Gold Morambro Creek Anvers Wines PertaringaBittersweet Brook Barossa Label Adelaide Hills Padthaway Shiraz Razorback Road Regional SeriesSymphony Clare Valley Cabernet Syrah 2013 HHHHH 2013 HHHH1/2 Adelaide Hills McLaren ValeValley Cabernet Sauvignon Described by one Sweet oak dominates Shiraz Shiraz MataroSauvignon 2012 HHHH judge as a, \"Rich, this wine for now but 2014 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/22014 HHHH A big bold varietal that cuddly style\"! Has there is some pretty Soft ripe seductive Complex deep darkDark cherry and is a lovely mélange of intense aromas of dense solid fruit wine with a bright briary fruit nose withchocolate mint aromas olive tapenade, cassis spicy dark fruit with a pushing through. A berry fruit bouquet hints of menthol andwith meaty notes and fruit, licorice and a bit long rich palate that generous layered wine and lovely toasty cedary oak underneath.lovely fresh savoury of barnyard supported has velvety tannins, that needs more time oak support. Very Generous fleshypalate; nice line of acid by soft tannins. $37.99 good level of oak and in the cellar. $34.95 approachable briary blackberry fruit palateand soft tannin profile. Peter Lehmann balancing acid. $28 palate showing well- showing nice weight$22 Mentor Barossa handled oak and lively and balance and big Valley Cabernet K1 by Geoff acidity. $20 grainy tannins. $35Taylors Reserve Sauvignon Hardy Adelaide K1 by Geoff Fox Creek WinesParcel Clare 2012 HHHH Hills Shiraz Hardy Middle JSM McLaren ValeValley Cabernet A solid generous 2013 HHHHH Hill Adelaide Shiraz CabernetSauvignon varietal with a dark A plush and very Hills Shiraz Sauvignon2014 HHHH brooding core of fruit \"friendly\" style of shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 Cabernet FrancIntense dark fruit nose nicely integrated that exhibits super Deep purple hues, 2013 HHHH1/2with some meatiness. with dark chocolaty excellent spicy black rich ripe berry fruit and Briary aromas with niceNice concentration of characters and firm fruit varietal intensity spicy smoky aromas forest floor charactersvarietal fruit with firm tannins. $42 that is seamlessly and a long complex and lovely fragrant lift.tannins. Will reward with integrated with lots of black fruit-driven palate Rich, powerful andtime. 3-5 $24 shiraz & blends toasty oak. $35 with soft tannins and persistent palate with 2015 - 2013 an intensity of toasty/ fine tannins and someEldredge Pauletts mocha oak. $25 medicinal and cola-likeVineyards RL Clare Pepperjack Polish Hill River Sidewood Estate elements. $23Valley Cabernet Barossa Shiraz Clare Valley Shiraz Adelaide HillsSauvignon 2014 HHHHH 2013 HHHHH Shiraz Blackstone2013 HHHH A very nice solid deep Beautifully enticing 2014 HHHH1/2 Paddock BarossaPlenty of pleasant purple shiraz that is perfumed/rose- Dark berry aromas Valley Shirazfruit cake aromas and bright with pristine like fragrances lift off the nose and 2014 HHHH1/2very good varietal sweet clean red and with seamless oak are subtly tinged with Very inviting spicycharacters on the black fruits and has a integration and lovely savoury smoky bacon perfumed bouquetpalate with loads of very subtle backbone balance of stylish Hollick Estates notes. The dark, rich, nicely integratedfine grained tannins. of oak with some toasty oak and berry/ Wilgha Coonawarra savoury palate has with oak. A thick, mineral-like notes. plum fruit flavours. Shiraz lovely fruit sweetness rich palate with fresh 3-5 $30 $29.99 “Years ahead of it 2013 HHHH1/2 and velvety tannins. $25 bright varietal flavours Wolf Blass A big wine that has K1 by Geoff Hardy and some classy oak.Reillys Dry Gold Label Barossa yet.” 5+ $25 lovely floral fruit Adelaide Hills Has a drying finish.Land Clare Valley Shiraz fragrances. Powerful Shiraz $19.99Valley Cabernet 2013 HHHHH Bowen Estate oak and tannin 2014 HHHH1/2Sauvignon Excellent core of black Coonawarra Shiraz influence on the silky Dark berry nose with a2013 HHHH and blue fruit aromas 2014 HHHHH smooth palate create lift of spice and pepper“Great example of a showing nice use A massive wine with tarry, fig and smoked and a well-structuredClare Cab Sav,” said of oak. Solid palate heaps of potential! meat-like flavours. $54 palate showingone judge. Lovely - brooding, layered The lifted spicy aromas excellent length andminty cassis bouquet and long and dense have a 'crushed ant'- Penola Estate VBBAEULSYUTSE balance and full of ripeand a sweet fruit palate with fruit and savoury like character. A silky Coonawarra raspberry and darkoffering, “really nice tannins with some soft integration of Shiraz cherry flavours. $40drinking”. $35 subtle oak. $28 berries, toast and tar 2014 HHHH1/2 St Hallett Rockbare Barossa on the palate and some GamekeepersWolf Blass Black Babe Barossa great tannins. $33 Simple floral aromas Barossa ValleyLabel Langhorne Valley Shiraz with a delicate violet- Shiraz GrenacheCreek McLaren 2013 HHHHH Brand's Laira like lift. Some lovely Touriga NacionalVale Cabernet A big gutsy wine; lots Foundation acidity on the palate 2014 HHHH1/2Shiraz Malbec of alcohol and plenty of Coonawarra Shiraz and fine tannins that A really harmonious2012 HHHH oak that is layered with 2013 HHHH1/2 all supports the spicy blend with the lovelyBlackcurrant and mint intense dark fruits, Lovely nose; dark and peppery varietal fruit. dark fruits wellon a slightly minerally licorice and chocolaty chocolaty with a lift $13 complimented bynose. Generous, nuances with plenty of violets and with the oak and showingrich and mouthfilling of \"precise\" tannins. A more of those violet Reillys Rockridge underlying herbalblackberry flavours. serious wine! $45 characters appearing Cellar Selection characters withHas freshness and on the soft spicy red Clare Valley Shiraz interesting gaminess.poise. $135 berry palate. It has 2014 HHHH1/2 $10 complexity, weight and An interesting and richness. $22.99 very approachable style with a good core of varietal fruit well-integrated with the oak and lovely soft tannins. “Yum,” exclaimed one of the judges! $17.99108 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australiaMollydooker Kalleske Johann Cimicky Wines Kalleske Eduard Eldredge VineyardsCarnival of Love Georg Single Trumps Barossa Barossa Valley Blue Chip ClareMcLaren Vale Vineyard Barossa Valley Shiraz Shiraz 2013 HHHH Valley ShirazShiraz 2014 Valley Shiraz 2014 HHHH Fragrant, fruity and 2014 HHHHHHHH1/2 2013 HHHH1/2 Lifted jelly-like red fruit chocolaty on the Subdued earthy oakyA huge shiraz - dense Aromas of blueberries aromas and a lovely nose and fleshy and and dark savourypurple in colour and blackberries unctuous palate that flavoursome in the palate with a balancewith a plum jam and mingle on the nose is lively and bright and mouth with a wall of of fruit, acid andchocolate nose and with hints of licorice. A full of flavours with savoury tannins. Needs tannins. “Very Clare;silky smooth palate. huge palate with loads some alcohol warmth. more time. $85 very drinkable.” WillWell-managed ripe fruit of fruit flesh and layers $20 Wicks Estate age well. $35flavours with plenty of classy oak and Hemera Estate Adelaide Hills Lake Breezeof chocolaty oak to tannins. $120 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014 HHHH Bernootamatch. $75 Kalleske Zeitgeist Shiraz 2013 HHHH Nose of dark fruit with Langhorne CreekPaxton Wines Barossa Valley Silky smooth and a touch of menthol and Shiraz CabernetJones Block Shiraz 2015 HHHH looking quite mature some savouriness. Rich 2014 HHHHMcLaren Vale A wine with extremely - good drinking now. solid juicy fruit palate Very pleasantShiraz bright lifted, young, Nice earthiness on the with a very good tannin mulberry-like aromas2013 HHHH1/2 jubey, primary fruit red fruit nose; chewy structure. $20 with hints of menthol.A blockbuster of a wine. characters showing and savoury in the Betty + Max Clare Soft, complex andA big hit of dusty floral beautiful purity. mouth. $40 Valley Shiraz malty in the mouthfragrances with slightly Lovely nose and 2014 HHHH with some quiteminty fruit poking plenty of tannins on Oaky earthy nose and chewy tannins. $20 Koonowla Clarethrough. Very ripe, the palate. $26 well-rounded, well- Valley Shirazwell-structured palate. balanced and slightly 2013 HHHHExcellent length of fruity drying palate with A big interestingspicy flavours. $40 a subtle complexity oaky nose and lovely of flavours and fine spicy earthy flavour tannins. Time! complexity on the palate with fine grained 3-5 $18.99 tannins and juicy acidity. $22FACEBOOK/PORTOBELLO FOODKITCHENBAR PH: 8242 4444 WWW.PORTOBELLOFOODKITCHENBAR.COM.AU Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 109

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australiad’Arenberg d’Arry’s Lake Breeze MajellaOriginal McLaren Winemaker’s Coonawarra ShirazVale Shiraz Selection 2014 HHHHGrenache Langhorne Creek \"Bright and joyful,\"2013 HHHH Shiraz said one judge. \"ASpicy dark cherry nose 2013 HHHH Cherry Ripe style,\" saidwith light leathery Fresh varietal fruit another. \"Some willnotes. Grainy palate; aromas; hints of cedary rave about this wine.\"good flavour profile, oak. Elegant, silky It’s stylish, round andfresh acidity and a smooth palate, lovely sweet. $30strong tannic finish. integration of sweet fruit$18 and mocha oak. $40Zonte’s Footstep Wolf Blass GreyZ-Force McLaren Label McLaren ValeVale Shiraz Petite Shiraz 2013 HHHHShiraz 2013 HHHH Slightly closed noseA dark, briary and with a subtlety ofbrooding blend. Hint dusty, floral, minty fruitof choc-mint on the fragrances. Big velvetynose and nice depth palate has good lengthof flavours with some of ripe fruit flavours. $45slippery tannins.$49.95 Mollydooker The Pepperjack Scotch Motique Kopparossa EstateBellevue Estate Boxer Langhorne Fillet Graded Limestone Vintage ReserveMcLaren Vale Creek McLaren McLaren Vale Coast Shiraz VBBAEULSYUTSE Coonawarra ShirazShiraz 2014 HHHH Vale Shiraz Shiraz 2013 HHHH 2012 HHHHHA nice touch of licorice 2014 HHHH Attractive blueberry 2014 HHHH Delightful hints ofto the spicy dark fruit A classic McLaren aromas and lovely A sound wine with a violet-like fragrancesnose with more of the Vale. Attractive sweet varietal fruit flavours; red berry bouquet and on the dark fruit nose.same on the rich and red berry fruits layered quite fresh with good sweet red fruit flavours The palate is rich andslightly porty palate. with vanilla and licorice oak use and pleasant layered with vanilla oak complex and drinking$19.99 and lots of oak - but peppery touches. $50 and laced with nice beautifully right now. ItIngoldby McLaren good oak. $28 spicy notes. $9 has sweet black cherryVale Shiraz Brick Kiln Single flavours, sweet oak2014 HHHH Vineyard The Grove Hugo Reserve Yours Truly Mt VBBAEULSYUTSE and savoury notes. $95A very sound McLaren Vale McLaren Vale Benson Shiraz Wolf Blasscommercial style of Shiraz 2014 HHHH Shiraz 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHH St John'sshiraz with plenty Well-made rich, ripe, An oak-dominated A lovely wine; an Estates of theof dark berry fruit, slightly porty style. shiraz - classic in style excellent example Barossa Barossasome minty and floral Attractive spicy but there is still plenty of shiraz. Has spicy Valley Shirazelements and good use peppery notes on the of fresh fruit characters aromas and a palate 2012 HHHHHof oak. $19.99 nose. Good length of to balance it out. dense with spicy berry The nose is rich andDoc Adams White plum jam/toasty oak Warming finish. $55 fruit, vanilla oak and fragrant with a rusticLabel McLaren Vale flavours. $55 grippy tannins. $9 element. Very goodShiraz Gemtree Wines Pertaringa The flavour concentration;2014 HHHH Obsidian McLaren Yeoman McLaren shiraz/syrah 2012 all dark fruit andNutty berry nose with Vale Shiraz Vale Shiraz chocolate. Perfectpeppery notes. Smooth 2014 HHHH 2013 HHHH Saltram Mamre ripeness. Drink now orgentle palate with A massive dense A dense purple wine Brook Barossa cellar. $85attractive fruit flavours, purple/red wine with with a lovely complexity Valley Shiraz Wolf Blassslightly jammy, and excellent varietal fruit of sweet plum fruit, 2012 HHHHH Grey Labelgrippy tannins. $20 characters, plenty of good cedary oak, some The nose is a lovely McLaren classy well-balanced tarry notes and a hint harmony of savoury Vale Shiraz oak. “A classic!” $75 on mint. $250 fruit and great oak with 2012 HHHHH Mollydooker Velvet nicely textured tannins. Sweet berry aromas Glove McLaren Vale Norfolk Rise It's flavoursome laced with vanillin oak Shiraz Vineyard Reserve and balanced with a and some pepper. 2014 HHHH Mt Benson Shiraz complexity of purple Tight, fresh and vibrant Another classic. Huge 2014 HHHH Giggling Goose fruits and minty blueberry palate that is plum jam and chocolate An acid-driven wine Wines Single chocolate. $37.99 velvety smooth in the aromas leap out the with powerful dark Vineyard mouth with flavours glass; savoury oak and earthy aromas and Padthaway Shiraz that linger on. Very pepper fills the mouth a big mouthful of 2014 HHHH classy. $45 with flavour. $185 peppery fruit flavours A lovely balanced with lots of grainy fruit-driven wine that tannins. 3-5 $25 should, according to the judges, evolve nicely. Bright berry aromas and redcurrant flavours. $19.95110 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

south australiaBird in Hand Saltram Marble RedmanMAC Mt Lofty Quarry Road Single Coonawarra ShirazRanges Adelaide Vineyard Barossa 2012 HHHHHills Shiraz Valley Shiraz Slight sweet/sour2012 HHHHH 2012 HHHH1/2 notes to the nose.Savoury/earthy nose A classic rich red/purple Great palate lengthwith a powerful and Barossa shiraz. Fragile with the fruit a littlecomplex oak influence. earthy mushroomy smothered by oak butLusciously soft in the fragrances and rich fruit a great wine drinkingmouth with loads dominated palate nicely well now. $22of intense varietal framed by the oak andflavours that linger long tannins. $94.99 shiraz 2011on the palate. $350 Saltram No. 1 & older Barossa Valley Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2 A solid and very harmonious shiraz - some nice secondary age characters developing. Good drive of varietal fruit with some meaty nuances and sweet oak. $99.99Kopparossa Estate Saltram ParacombeCoonawarra Shiraz Winemakers Somerville Shiraz2012 HHHH1/2 Selection Barossa 2010 HHHHHQuite a flinty character Valley Shiraz Gorgeous nose -to the nose and it's all Tempranillo reminiscent of blackchocolaty and plum-like Mourvedre forest cake! Lovelyin the mouth with hints 2012 HHHH ripe rich palate,of figs and nuts, some A soft velvety wine excellent weight,lovely soft tannins and with a beautiful full of flavour andsweet toasty oak. $30 complexity of briary, developing nicely andShingleback earthy, meaty aromas all wrapped up in theThe Gate McLaren and a fleshy fruit palate spicy peppery oak. $69Vale Shiraz with nice savoury Saltram2012 HHHH1/2 notes. $49.99 The JournalRipe Ribena-like Wolf Blass Dorrien Centenarianaromas with a pleasant Estates of the Barossa Valleyleafy lift. The palate is Barossa Barossa Shirazlong, rich and full of Valley Shiraz 2009 HHHHHfresh fruit characters 2012 HHHH Beautifully agedseamlessly balanced Earthy spicy red fruit savoury/chocolate/with supple tannins nose showing nice truffle aromas andand good use of oak. aged complexity and lovely concentration$34.95 a solid creamy palate of oak/fruit flavoursWolf Blass Moculta with rich licorice underscored by aEstates of the flavours and a core of minerally spine.Barossa Barossa tannins. $85 \"Ageing with grace,\"Valley Shiraz Ngeringa Single commented one judge.2012 HHHH1/2 Vineyard Adelaide $174.99Darkly brooding fruit Hills Syraharomas with subtle 2012 HHHHhints of nutty oak. Gamey savoury aromasVery complete savoury with ironstone-likepalate with a lovely characters. Firmlycore of licorice and structured palatecoffee wrapped in plush layered with darkvelvety tannins. $85 fruit flavours and long tannins. $50 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 111

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 south australiaSaltram Moculta Casella Family sweet white 919 Reserve Grant Burge d'Arenberg TheRoad Single Brands Limited & fortified Collection Barossa Valley Noble Mud PieVineyard Barossa Release McLaren Riverland Classic Aged Tawny NV Viognier ArneisValley Shiraz Vale Shiraz 919 Reserve Muscat NV HHHHH (500ml) HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH2010 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH Collection Tawny green hues Rich, flavoursome and Candied citrusA lovely wine still in A big rich wine Riverland Classic here with a gorgeous plenty of character. fragrances and supergreat shape. Seamless with attractive aged Tawny NV HHHHH aged, spicy raisined Inviting toffee/floral ripe, candied fruitcomplexity of fruit/ characters evident. True to style - it’s oaky, bouquet and a aromas and sticky flavours. Could do withoak fragrances with a A lift of vanilla on the rich and flavoursome. deliciously flavoursome sweet and unctuous in more acid accordingpalate that is rich and nose and good length There is a pleasant palate that’s complex the mouth. Still a bit to one judge but willvibrant and layered of sweet fruit/oak warm rancio lift to and long with of a youth but very please many. $20with dark fruits, warm flavours. $45 the nose and great everything in perfect good. $15 919 Reservespices and fine tannins. d’Arenberg The lingering flavour balance. $40 919 Reserve Collection$94.99 Laughing Magpie complexity to the Saltram Mr Collection Riverland ClassicSaltram McLaren Vale seamlessly balanced Pickwick's Barossa Riverland Pale Dry TopaqueThe Journal Shiraz Viognier palate. $30 Valley Rare Tawny Apera NV HHHH1/2 NV HHHHCentenarian 2011 HHHH NV HHHHH A lovely clean style Typical tea leafBarossa Valley Slightly funky Intense rancio lift to that will age well. Has characters on theShiraz chocolaty nose the very attractive a good spirit lift to the attractive nose. Warm2010 HHHH1/2 with some apricot spicy fragrant nose and nutty nose and is crisp and rich in the mouthInviting bold fruit characters. Firm tannic a magnificent sweet, and nutty on the bone with lashings of raisinsweet fruit fragrances; palate has more of savoury, nutty palate dry palate with savoury pudding-like flavours.nice aged leathery those apricot notes. with both excellent notes on the finish. $30 $40complexity developing. Drink now. $29 freshness and great Kalleske J.M.K. 919 ReserveDelicious sweet fruit aged complexity. $75 Barossa Valley Collectionpalate underwritten by Shiraz VP 2014 Riverland Vintagethe aged complexity (375ml) HHHH1/2 2013 HHHHand drying oak tannins. Dense impenetrable A fresh, lively and well-$174.99 black/purple wine balanced style that’sK1 by Geoff with a fragrant licorice light and youthful withHardy Tzimmukin and aniseed bouquet its berry/cherry fruitAdelaide Hills and classy young characters and lovelyShiraz Cabernet berry palate with cleansing tannins. $65Sauvignon lovely clean spirit and2010 HHHH1/2 a nutty finish. $23Developed aromas K1 by Geoff Hardywith secondary oak Autumn Harvestnotes; smells a little Adelaide Hillslike soy or hoi sin Rieslingsauce. Powerful earthy/ 2015 HHHH1/2leathery complexity to A sweet lycheethe palate with good bouquet with a lovelylevel of acid to balance. perfumed lift. The$150 palate is simple and straightforward but has excellent flavour intensity and very good backbone of crisp acidity. $20 By Blackbird- Shop 3, 44-46 King William Road, Love. passion. #byblackbird ByBlackbird44KWR Goodwood, SA 5034 The secret ingredients. @byblackbird Handmade & freshly baked. ph: +61 0402 358 002 | e: [email protected] Beautifully crafted.112 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

FOURTH GENERATION, BAROSSA VALLEY BORN, TRADE ENQUIRIES:WINEMAKER SIMON HACKETT ESTABLISHED S.A. Chace Agencies (08) 8363 7881 [email protected] WINERY ON A FERTILE HILL OVERLOOKING VIC Working Wine 0402 214 742 [email protected] VALE OVER 20 YEARS AGO. SIMON NSW & QLD Estate Wine Distributors (02) 9668 9930HACKETT PRODUCES A STUNNING RANGE OF [email protected] INCLUDING THE VERY POPULAR LIMITED UK & Europe - ABS Wine Agencies [email protected] ANTHONY’S RESERVE SHIRAZ AND Hong Kong – Wine Culture Limited [email protected] ROAD RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON. Simon Hackett Wines - 41 Budgens Road, McLaren Vale (08) 8323 7712 [email protected] INTO THE CELLAR DOOR FOR A TASTINGAND TAKE IN THE STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEWS.

Vineyards in the Rutherglen region.victoria THE BEST WINES OF 2016 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Chardonnay & Blends, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Durif, Sweet Whites & Fortifieds.114 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

RIDING A RUSH OF OPTIMISM The Victorian year in review, by Jeni Port.THE 2016 wine year started with a rush.At Beechworth, Castagna Wines, which celebrates its cool-climate After the hot 2015 vintage,winemaking, had every grape picked and in the winery before the end 2016 was almost perfect.of summer. Creek Vineyard. Sparkling winemaker Domaine Chandon in the Yarra “Shiraz, sangiovese and nebbiolo all picked in the same week - quite Valley broke all the rules and entered the aperitif market with a blendunthinkable, yet the flavours seem really, really good,” wrote Julian of sparkling wine and orange bitters called Chandon S. It was also theCastagna in his wine blog. year Italian makers of prosecco called out Australian makers of prosecco as imposters and copycats, clearly not aware that the Dal Zotto family David Lloyd at Eldridge Estate on the Mornington Peninsula was picking in the King Valley planted the prosecco grape in 1999, thus giving allsauvignon blanc at between two to three weeks earlier than usual, but Australian makers prior use over the name before the Italians decidedoverall, he reports, “vintage 2016 has left me with a warm glow”. His to protect it in 2009. And, as if to celebrate, Dal Zotto Wines released arecent medal tally, including a trophy for his 2016 PTG pinot noir/gamay prosecco “col fondo” this year, a traditional Italian-style prosecco whereblend, he believes, reinforces the fact that it was a “great” vintage on the wine is left on its lees, contributing what the Italians often refer to asthe peninsula. “bread crust” aromas. Indeed, it was a pretty good year all around the state. In the Strathbogie The year also happily brought Rutherglen maker Andrew Buller backRanges, Jenny Houghton at Maygar’s Hill reports that with her ’16 wines into the winemaking fold following the collapse of his family’s Buller Winesbubbling away in the winery, all is on track for an excellent vintage. “After in 2013. His new venture in Rutherglen is called, appropriately, Andrewthe hot 2015 vintage, 2016 was almost perfect,” she says. And, she adds, Buller Wines. Further south, ex-Cape Mentelle winemaker John Durhamthis year no cockatoos attacked her crop, a blessing! pulled up stumps in his new home in the Geelong region and moved from Del Rios a couple of kilometres down the road to Austins & Co. Phylloxera, Victoria’s ever-present and enduring vineyard menace madean unwelcome appearance at vintage with the state’s top wine industry And in a first, Wine Communicators of Australia named a woman,body Wine Victoria issuing a warning about its spread in light of the aphid’s Mornington Peninsula winemaker, Kathleen Quealy, as a Legend of thegrowing presence in the Yarra Valley. Producers were warned about Vine. The award recognises those who have left an indelible mark onallowing unclean harvesting equipment, including workers’ clothing and not only their wine region and state but in Australian wine. As a pioneerfootwear, on to their vineyards. The phylloxera aphid is known to travel of pinot grigio and friulano, and an advocate for sustainability on theconcealed in dirt and mud on tyres, shoes and even clothes. Mornington Peninsula, Quealy, formerly of T’Gallant and now under her own company, has been an important force for change of the good kind. The year brought a number of milestone celebrations - 40 years ofDominique Portet Wines, 20 years for Grampians Estate, 10 years for The year ended on a high note for Victorian winemakers - indeed, allOakridge Estate’s premium 864 chardonnay. But there was probably none Australian wine producers - with the Federal Government backing awaymore historically impressive than Best’s Wines 150th anniversary. For 150 from its plans to reduce the $500,000 tax rebate cap on the WET or wineof the 228 years that grapevines have been planted in Australia, there equalisation tax to $290,000. The rebate cap will be reduced to $350,000has been wine made at Best’s. Only two families have owned and run the and top-ups of $100,000 will be granted to makers who sell wine fromproperty - the Bests and the Thomsons. “I suppose we should say there the cellar door.have been three,” says fifth-generation wine man Ben Thomson. “For ashort while, the bank owned it, too!” Winemaker Justin Purser was given “We commend the government’s commitment to deliver crucial reformsthe job some years back to prepare a commemorative wine for the 150th. on the WET rebate, that balances the objectives of much needed supportHe says he didn’t have to look too far for his inspiration. “Obviously, old for our members while also preventing access to the rebate from thosevines had a role to play,” he says. rorting the system,” said Wine Victoria chair Damien Sheehan. The 2013 The Concongella is a blend of dolcetto, pinot meunier and A divisive, at times bitter, debate raged for much of the year betweenshiraz from the original block, planted in 1868. The 2014 PSV 141 pinot small makers and big producers across the state and the country. Thenoir refers to the 141 vines of pinot noir that are 148 years old, while 2014 government’s decision brought peace and goodwill just in time forSparky’s Block shiraz is named after Marcus Thomson, the youngest of the Christmas. . . and the lead up to a new Victorian vintage. current generation, who was born the year the vines were planted 1970. The year saw an historic vineyard - Mount Ophir at Rutherglen - boughtand reborn as a 21st Century Airbnb under the guidance of the Brownsiblings at All Saints Estate, while on the Mornington Peninsula workcommenced on a $10 million boutique hotel amid the vines at Willow Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 115

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 victoriasparkling Mount Avoca Tahbilk Central Bittern Estate Innocent Bystander Morris The Estate Range Victoria Viognier Mornington Yarra Valley PercheronGrampians Estate Pyrenees 2015 HHHH Peninsula Arneis Chardonnay RutherglenRutherford Sauvignon Blanc Lovely quaffer with 2013 HHHH 2015 HHHHH ChardonnayGrampians 2015 HHHH1/2 hints of apricots and Lovely freshness to Nice aromatic 2013 HHHH1/2Sparkling Shiraz Distinct sauvignon quinces on the nose the spicy/almond- combination of pears, Nose is a blend of2006 HHHHH blanc characters of and long, full and like aromas. More apples and butter stonefruit, melons,An aged velvety gooseberries and juicy in the mouth spicy characters on with clean bright fruity leesy characters andsmooth style holding passionfruit. Has an with delicate lychee/ the nicely textured palate showing good some flintiness. Flintytogether very well for estery tropical bouquet stonefruit flavours. palate with some level of oak, some palate shows lovelya 9 year-old. Has fruit and a lovely 'thick' $18 sweetness. 3-5 sweetness and zingy texture and balancecake-like characters sweet palate that $20 lemon zest notes. with the acid carryinglayered with dusty/ according to one judge McPherson Wines the varietal fruitleafy oak. A wine with - \"Has it all\". $22.95 Silver Linings Very Willem Kurt Alpine 5+ $25 flavours. $27great balance, intensity All Saints Estate Special White Valleys Vermentinoand length. $160 Rutherglen Victoria White 2015 HHHH Seville Estate Yarra Seville EstateBlue Pyrenees Marsanne Blend 2015 HHHH Steely citrus drive to the Valley Chardonnay Reserve Yarra ValleyMidnight Cuvee 2015 HHHH1/2 A soft and very nose and nice grip to 2015 HHHHH ChardonnayPyrenees Subdued bouquet; approachable blend the palate with its zingy Flinty leesy aromas; 2015 HHHH1/2Chardonnay hints of lemon and with fresh herbal/ gingery/lemony flavours. good chardonnay fruit Creamy nose with2012 HHHH1/2 honey with a mineral- perfumed complexity \"Very more-ish,\" said characters and nice lifted fruit and hints ofToasty creamy yeast like thread. Minerally on the nose and a one judge. $25 oak presence. The oak and leesy notes.characters dominate and steely on the seamless spicy apricot clean, well-integrated The sweet oak carriesthe nose and it has palate. Great flavour palate. $18.99 palate has good varietal through to the acida bright elegant profile of melons, expression, length and dominated citruspalate with excellent stonefruits and citrus. chardonnay & intensity. 5+ $36 palate. More simplepersistence of nutty Good acid support. $25 Four Sisters blends than complex.citrus flavours with a AT Richardson Central Victoriatoasty edge. $36 Chockstone Sauvignon Blanc 5+ $70 Grampians Riesling 2015 HHHHother white 2014 HHHH1/2 Estery tropical nose Yering Station Yarravarietals & blends Still quite a youthful with some herbaceous Valley Chardonnay wine with lovely elements and a 2013 HHHH1/2Killiecrankie Wines toasty aged characters beautiful balanced Nose has layers ofCrankie Pearl developing on the leafy solid crisp palate. Great citrus fruit, flintyBendigo Viognier lime fruit nose. Has commercial style. notes and oak. Good2015 HHHH1/2 a solid even palate $13.95 volume and intensityThe nose is a rich with good varietal fruit of white peach-likecomplexity of toast, flavour length. $20 Montara flavours and excellentsmoke and stonefruit All Saints Estate Grampians Riesling use of oak with goodaromas and is followed Family Cellar 2015 HHHH acidity. 5+ $40by a long toasty palate Rutherglen \"A toast and talc nose.\"loaded with persistent Marsanne Good sweetness on Toolangi Paul’svarietal fruit flavours. $25 2013 HHHH1/2 the nicely rounded, Lane Yarra Valley A complex wine with fruit-driven, palate that Chardonnay overt lush stonefruit shows excellent length 2012 HHHH1/2 aromas, nice nutty and balance. $23 Zesty flinty aromas notes and tropical with buttery hints. hints. Powerful Ian Leamon The youthful creamy 'slippery' palate with Strathbogie palate has lovely good fruit flavours and Ranges Riesling Willem Kurt varietal fruit characters, vanilla oak influence. 2015 HHHH Beechworth well-handled oak and Toasty limes and Chardonnay lingering acidity. Has 5+ $35 honeysuckle on the 2015 HHHH1/2 vibrancy. 3-5 $45 Tahbilk Central nose. Slightly warm, well Boat O’ Craigo Bright fresh integration Victoria Marsanne balanced palate with Black Spur Yarra of peach and melon 2015 HHHH good length of varietal Valley Chardonnay fruit with nice oak. Best's Great Fresh, simple and fruit flavours. $40 2015 HHHHH Palate is very crunchy Western inviting toasty Delightful sweet and a little nutty with Chardonnay honeysuckle style oak and varietal fruit lovely melon and 2013 HHHH with nice citrus line. Clyde Park Geelong fragrances of lemon nectarine-like flavours Elegant and classy Very more-ish offering Pinot Gris underscored by the with smoky oak/ good drinking now or 2015 HHHH zest and almonds acid. $34 melon fruit aromas and has cellaring potential. which follows through long firm palate with $18 Nice lift of tropical fruit to the smooth nicely developing fruit fragrances which carry flavours. Very good acid through to the smooth flavoursome palate drive. $25 with well-integrated palate with good level acidity. 5+ $28 of acid to balance the sweetness. 3-5 $35116 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 victoriaHoddles Creek pinot noir Clyde Park Block D Hoddles Creek Terra Felix Yarra Tahbilk NagambieEstate Yarra Valley Geelong Pinot Noir Estate Yarra Valley Valley Pinot Noir Lakes GrenacheChardonnay 2014 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir 2014 HHHH Shiraz Mourvedre2015 HHHH A wonderfully 2015 HHHH Spicy red fruit nose; 2014 HHHH1/2Good expression of Clyde Park Geelong complex nose which A full-bodied style some savouriness Somewhat leanervarietal fruit on the Pinot Noir shows sour cherries, at the savoury end style with savoury oaknose and a long clean, 2015 HHHHH oak and spices. The of the spectrum underneath. tending to dominatewell-balanced, slightly palate is both full- with nice lift of red Silky smooth and the blend but therebroad, palate with The nose is a beautiful bodied and delicate fruit characters. It flavoursome palate is some lovely sweetlingering acidity. blend of berry fruit, with great length of is simple, long and spicy black fruit some earthiness and bright cherry flavours. nicely textured. at the riper end with beneath with a very 3-5 $19 drying oak. 3-5 good background of spices. A silky smooth, 5+ $75 5+ $19 $22.50 tannins. $27.95 full-bodied, palate with simple sweet plum fruitTerra Felix Yarra flavours and a lingering Yarraloch WholeValley Chardonnay finish. 5+ $40 Tarrawarra Estate Sticks Yarra Valley Bunch Stephanie’s2015 HHHH Yarra Valley Pinot Pinot Noir Dream Yarra Valley Mount AvocaA generous wine Noir 2013 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH Pinot Noir Estate Rangein the riper fruit A lean and delicate Deep dark brooding 2013 HHHH Pyrenees Lagreinspectrum with leesy style with funky fruit bouquet layered, Licorice rich aromatics 2014 HHHH1/2malo notes to the pinot characters on complex and intense laced with nice funky \"In a class of its own,\"nose and a delicate the nose and quite and a fine, delicate characters and a said one judge. It hasstyle of palate with restrained flavours on and well-made palate complex, layered and a rich perfumed violetgood acid spine. the palate which are with good savouriness. savoury palate. “An bouquet and lovely supported by a good $22.99 excellent wine”. powerful fruity palate, 3-5 $19.50 acid backbone. $28 almost porty. Still very 3-5 $50 youthful with goodTokar Estate Yarra Tokar Estate Yarra cellaring potential.Valley Chardonnay Yering Station Yarra Valley Pinot Noir $39.952015 HHHH Valley Pinot Noir 2015 HHHH other redA beautifully balanced 2013 HHHH1/2 An intense lift of red varietals & blendsoak-dominated style. Lifted spicy red berry aromas with a Yarravale ReserveSome flintiness to the fruit nose and a savoury touch. Full- Yarra Valley Merlotnose with good length delicate, balanced and flavoured palate with 2010 HHHHof varietal flavours. Has harmonious palate that plenty of weight, good Tea leaf and cigar boxpotential. 5+ $35 according to one judge, mouthfeel and texture. Mount Avoca nose with signs of red “walks the savoury Estate Range fruit characters. GoodSunshine Creek line”. Good level of 5+ $40 Pyrenees Merlot palate weight and 2015 HHHH1/2Yarra Valley acidity. 3-5 $40 Foxeys Hangout Gorgeous dark integration with sweetChardonnay Scotsworth Farm inky fruit and lovely fruit flavours. 5+2013 HHHH Seville Estate Old Mornington chocolaty oak with $36Nose shows oak barrel Vine Reserve Yarra Peninsula Pinot hints of eucalypt andferment characters Scotchmans Hill Valley Pinot Noir Noir 2015 HHHH violets evident on both Brown Brothers Bellarine Peninsula 2015 HHHH1/2 the bright lifted nose Banksdale Vintagewith good oak flavours Pinot Noir A full, complex and “In a savoury mood- and velvety smooth Release King Valleycarrying through flavoursome pinot; then there’s fruit,” palate with its chewy Gamay 2015 HHHHlayered with fresh 2013 HHHH1/2 well-made and perfectly suggested one judge. tannins. $32.95 A very attractive Some spicy balanced. Excellent peppery/spicy redcitrus fruit. Nice acid savouriness to the aromatic lift to the Spicy lift to the red berry bouquet leadingsupport. 3-5 $45 savoury nose and a berry nose and sweet on to a seductively nose and a generous, lovely palate with a flavoursome fruit fleshy palate with juicy well-structured palate vibrant finish. $70 cherry fruit flavours. with long, lingering, ripe palate. 3-5 $65 $20.90 fruit flavours with lovely mouthfeel. “A good wine.” 3-5 $30 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 117

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 victoriaEaglerange Estate Tahbilk Old Vines Maygars Hill MontaraThree Daughters Nagambie Lakes Central Victoria Chalambar RoadLimited Release Cabernet Shiraz Cabernet Grampians ShirazHappy Valley 2012 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon 2010 HHHH1/2Saperavi A lovely mature and 2014 HHHH A big solid and mature2015 HHHH very flavoursome Light perfumed cassis style of shiraz with ripeBrooding fruit nose oaky blend with a big bouquet and a sweet concentration of spicy/with a dash of black solid chunky palate and elegant varietal licorice aromas and apepper. Full-on sweet showing nice varietal fruit palate. Good drying and inky palatefruit palate - big, rich fruit richness, plenty commercial style will with lovely weight andand intense. Great of drying tannins and be popular with the length of fruit flavours.example of the variety. a touch of alcohol punters. $28 Time! $70$25 CD warmth. $44.95 shiraz & blends Grampians EstateKing River Estate Best's Great Sanguine Estate Streeton Reserve Oakdene WilliamKing Valley Western Cabernet Sanguine Estate Inception Grampians Shiraz Single VineyardSaperavi Sauvignon Progeny Heathcote Heathcote Shiraz 2008 HHHH1/2 Bellarine2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 Shiraz 2012 HHHHH A classic big old Peninsula ShirazGood estery berry/ Solid concentration of 2013 HHHHH Still fresh, tight and barrel oak style 2014 HHHH1/2plum nose and a vibrant cassis varietal The dense and jubey youthful. Some underscored with ripe A well-made wine withrich oaky palate fruit with a minty edge. nose is loaded with pungency to the primary dark developed berry a lovely freshnessfirmly structured and Still very youthful and powerful fruit aromas. fruit nose with lovely fruit characters, subtle of style. It has darkbrimming over with fresh but drinking well The palate is dark, sweet oak. Sweet, soft earthy development brooding varietalbold fruit flavours and now although will be dense and sweet with and chewy in the mouth and quite a high level of aromas and intensedrying tannins. $35 better with some age excellent length of with a pretty good acidity. $100 spicy fruit flavoursZilzie Estate Merlot on it. $25 long lingering oak/fruit palate. Needs more Grampians Estate with prominent acidity.2015 HHHH flavours. $24.95 time. $39.95 Streeton ReserveSoft commercial style. Mount Avoca Blue Pyrenees Sanguine Grampians Shiraz 5+ $43Perfumed cedary nose Back Block Section One Estate Progeny 2007 HHHH1/2 Blue Pyreneesand nice cherry/berry Pyrenees Cabernet Reserve Pyrenees Heathcote Shiraz Big, solid and ripe Pyrenees Shirazfruit flavours. Good oak Sauvignon Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2 with aged fruit aromas 2013 HHHH1/2support and nice level 2014 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHHH Nose is herbal, and masses of oak. A ripe inky blackberryof tannins. $12 Lovely sweet fruit A classy wine with peppery and spicy with Very good palate fruit bouquet with nose; a touch jammy delightful aromas of barrel ferment notes. development with a some minty notes. Bigcabernet sauvignon with some good blackberry, pepper and The palate is lively and long core of raspberry solid palate with loads& blends complementary oak. sweet mint. Similar lifted with loads of big fruit characters. of sweet ripe fruit Elegant and classy characters echoed on ripe fruit flavours and Drinking well now. flavours and powerfulMontara Gold palate full of stewed the palate. Has great sweet gravelly tannins. $100 gravelly tannins. $25Rush Grampians fruit flavours layered texture and chewy $24.95 Grampians Estate McPherson WinesCabernet with slightly dusty-like gravelly tannins. $42 A T Richardson Streeton Reserve Don’t Tell GarySauvignon oak. $39.95 Chockstone Grampians Shiraz Strathbogie2013 HHHHH Grampians Shiraz 2003 HHHH1/2 Ranges ShirazRipe complex stewed Yarravale 2012 HHHH1/2 Lovely aged nose; lots 2014 HHHH1/2fruit nose with some Reserve Yarra Nose is a lovely of very good brambly An elegant anddusty musky notes. Valley Cabernet complexity of fruit development. distinctly cool climateVery long, classy palate Sauvignon developing fruit and oak For a 12 year-old wine shiraz. Has freshwith bright briary fruit 2013 HHHH with a palate exhibiting there is still plenty of cherries, bell peppers,elegance. It's fairly Powerful fruit nose great sweet peppery great sweet fruit on the green herbal notestannic and needs more with hints of oak. fruit flavours. \"A very palate. Good drinking. with a very good acidtime to really shine. $28 Beautifully layered and good drink,\" said one of $300 spine ensuring a long seductive varietal fruit the judges. $28 life. $23.99 palate. “Good work,” Best's Bin No. 1 enthused one judge. Great Western Shiraz 3-5 $36 2014 HHHH1/2 Complex ripe plum-likeBlue Pyrenees Four Sisters aromas laced withEstate Red Central Victoria pepper and spice.Pyrenees Cabernet A very elegant, lowCabernet Blend Sauvignon tannin style of palate2012 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH with sweet blueberryA very good solid, well Spicy oak aromas fruit persistence. Amade and very youthful mixed with minty-like really good drink. $25wine. Has an abundance notes. Rich tanninsof lovely cassis and tending to dominatetobacco-like varietal fruit the very flavoursomecharacters. All it needs palate. Needs time tois some more time to open up. $13.95open up. $42118 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 victoriaGarners Heritage Garners Heritage durif sweet whites Morris Cellar Morris MiaWine Strathbogie Wines Strathbogie & fortifieds Reserve Grand RutherglenRanges Shiraz Ranges Shiraz AT Richardson Rutherglen Tokay Apera NV HHHH2014 HHHH 2013 HHHH Hard Hill Road Morris Old NV HHHH1/2 A fruitier style showingVery flavoursome A dense, inky and Great Western Premium Rare This tokay has a good flor characters.mid-weight commercial slightly metallic Durif 2012 Liqueur Rutherglen deliciously dark, tarry Pretty spirity grapeystyle with lovely sweet character to the nose HHHH1/2 Muscat NV HHHHH and savoury bouquet fragrances and a lovelyblackberry fruit and with a high acid palate A powerful jammy The nose is a lovely with masses of dry nutty palate hasnice subtle use of oak. but has plenty of stunner with loads complexity of dried intense, thick black great freshness. $20Slightly aggressive sweet plum/cherry of fruit cake-like fruits and spices - like molasses-like flavours Morris Classictannins. $24 fruit. $25 characters and big, a Christmas cake! wrapped in warming Liqueur RutherglenSanguine Estate Montara Gold Rush solid, rich, ripe berry Palate is thick, intense spirit. $50 Topaque NV HHHHProgeny Heathcote Grampians Shiraz fruit with raisined notes and slippery in the Morris Malty honeycombShiraz 2014 HHHH 2013 HHHH and tons of vanillin oak mouth with rich toffee Cellar Reserve aromas coupled withDense dark molasses- Lifted aromas of sweet to match. $60 and caramel flavours. Grand Liqueur orange peel elements.like nose and very blackberries, varnishy Anderson $75 Rutherglen Muscat Very pleasant,approachable, sweet oak and some peppery Storyteller Morris Old NV HHHH1/2 balanced palate withand seductive fruit notes. A good soft Rutherglen Durif Premium Rare Excellent muscat lingering spicy, raisinedpalate. Strong acid sweet palate with a 2013 HHHH1/2 Liqueur Rutherglen that's sticky with age. flavours. $22backbone with some black fruit spine. $28 Lovely dark berry Topaque Lovely blend of aged Buller Wines Fineobvious tannins. $24.95 Clarnette & fruit bouquet with a NV HHHHH characters and sweet Old RutherglenSanguine Estate Ludvigsen long generous palate Impressive dark spices on the nose. Muscat NV HHHHInception Grampians Shiraz that has an excellent tarry/toffee bouquet Delicious lip smacking Lovely lush fruit cake-Heathcote Shiraz 2013 HHHH seamless balance layered with dried concentration of warm like bouquet with a2014 HHHH A good concentration between the sweet fruit-like elements. flavours. $50 slight malty touch.A big sweet juicy shiraz of inky, rich and ripe fruit, the oak and the The generous palate Grampians Estate More of the fruit cakewith ripe concentration aromas and showing a grainy tannins. $30 has luscious sweet Topaque NV HHHH characters on the lovelyof plum and blueberry- solid core of fruit on a Rutherglen Estates raisined fruit flavours Lovely fresh toffee/ creamy palate. $25like fruit layered with powerful tannic palate. Renaissance with some delicate candied orange-like Baileys Classicsome obvious oak. Nice drink. $35 Rutherglen Durif spiciness. $75 aromas and good Glenrowan TopaqueGood length. $39.95 Yarravale Reserve 2014 HHHH Morris Cellar fresh muscatel/raisin NV HHHHZilzie Estate Shiraz Yarra Valley Shiraz Complex durif. Reserve Grand sweetness on the The nose is \"an Earl Gray2015 HHHH 2013 HHHH Impressive toasty, Rutherglen Tawny young and stylish tea box,\" according toA soft succulent shiraz Brooding dark berry rhubarb, beetroot nose NV HHHH1/2 palate. $24 one judge with spiceswith smoky bacon aromas with a hint and lots of oak and \"This is yummy!\" Bittern Estate and raisins. Warmbouquet and plum/ of Christmas cake grippy tannins on the enthused one of Mornington lingering mouthfillingcassis fruit flavours with characters. Intense, palate. Nice fruit in the panel. It has a Peninsula Moscato flavours. $30elegant oak and some long and well-balanced there too. $50 nutty rancio bouquet 2015 HHHHspiciness. $12 flavoursome palate. layered with coffee Beautiful sherbety grind elements. Great tropical/citrus fruit 5+ $36 flavour length and aromas and excellent balance on quite a dry flavour profile, not palate. $50 too sweet, with good level of acid to balance. $20 SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION BLUE GOLD FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2015 08 8564 3036W W W. T H O R N C L A R K E W I N E S . CO M . AU Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 119

Hunter Valley vineyards.new sowuatlhes THE BEST WINES OF 2016 CONTENTS Includes: Pinot Gris/Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Riesling, Semillon & Blends, Chardonnay & Blends, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Sweet White & Fortified.120 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

BUILDING ON ITS BIRTHRIGHT Hunter Valley in the spotlight, by Dan Traucki.Despite it’s fluctuating fortunes, the hunter continues In the 1960s asto thrive as one of Australia’s most recognised wine Australians began movingregions. away from fortified winesIF THE Australian wine industry was being planned and planted today towards table wines,rather than 200 years ago, nobody in their right mind would contemplate the Hunter, being soplanting vines in the Hunter Valley. It’s too hot and too humid, they would close to Sydney tooksay. Others would simply say “you’re mad”. However, just under 200 yearsago, it was a brilliant and inspired plan, as back then the Hunter had off in a big way.better conditions and environment than the initial failed plantings at the“tank stream”, in what is now the middle of Sydney’s CBD, or even those one of Australia’ best winemakers. He pioneered a number of innovationsof McArthur’s vineyard at Camden. And as they say in the classics, “the such as naming wines after friend’s, unusual blends such as his famousrest is history” with the Hunter going on to become one of Australia’s most pinot hermitage and even multi-regional wine blends.globally recognised wine growing regions. In the 1960s as Australians began moving away from fortified wines When you mention the Hunter Valley to an Australian wine drinker, they towards table wines, the Hunter, being so close to Sydney took off in a bigwill immediately think of semillon, chardonnay and perhaps some will way. The first adventuresome soul was Doctor Max Lake, who was alsoeven think of shiraz. Semillon, for their world-class wines that can age the first to replant cabernet in the Hunter at his Lakes Folly winery afterfor decades and end up tasting like the nectar of the gods. Chardonnay, it had all been grubbed out of the district over the previous 20 years. Itbecause it was in the Hunter with Murray Tyrell that the variety got started was in fact the tasting of a 30-year-old bottle of Dalwood Cabernet Petitin Australia and went on to be King of the white wines, for over a decade, Verdot that had persuaded him to develop his vineyard.before being ousted by sauvignon blanc. Shiraz, because right from thestart the Hunter has made unique, sensational medium-bodied shiraz, The next year Belbourie was planted, then came the tourist-focusedepitomised by those of the legendary Maurice O’Shea and the Lindeman’s Hungerford Hill, shortly afterwards Len Evans & Co set up RothburyBin ranges through to the 1980s. Estate in 1968 followed probably most famously by James Halliday and friends who established Brokenwood in 1970. This was a true reflection of the region in the back half of the last century,but today the Hunter is so much more than just a maker of great wines My wife and I spent part of our honeymoon in the Hunter in the mid-1980sfrom these three varieties. and by then there were about 35 to 40 wineries in the region. Going back to the start, a mere 40 years after the colony of New Today nearly 55 years after the start of its renaissance the Hunter Valley isSouth Wales was established, the visionary entrepreneur James Busby home to a smidge under 200 wineries. This dramatic increase in vigneronsplanted the first grape vines in the upper Hunter at his “Kirkton” property has also brought with it a number of new grape varieties, especially somebetween Branxton and Singleton. This happened just a few years after of the alternative ones. Today in the Hunter their whites include arneis,McArthur planted vines at Camden and the first “colonial’”wine was chenin blanc, fiano, gewurztraminer, pinot gris, marsanne, roussanne,made by Gregory Blaxland who became famous for the being part of the savagnin and viognier, as well as verdelho which many Hunter producersfirst expedition to cross the Blue Mountains, along with Wentworth and have been making superbly since the 1960s. I have had the opportunityLawson. Blaxland’s vineyard was on the banks of the Parramatta River. to taste some 20-to 25-year-old Lindeman’s Hunter Verdelhao (as they used to spell it) in the old brown riesling bottles and on each occasion However, it was in the Hunter that the Australian wine industry really it was a spectacular world-class wine.took off as the Sydney-based vineyards failed. In the alternative reds the Hunterites are producing cabernet franc, By 1830 Busby was joined by George Wyndham and thereafter by dolcetto, durif, malbec, monastrell, nebbiolo, negroamaro, petit verdot,many others so that by the middle of the century there were over 200ha sagrantino, sangiovese, tannat, tempranillo and zinfandel.of vines in the upper Hunter Valley. It was the 1860s before vines werefirst planted in the southern end of the valley around Pokolbin, which So despite its climactic adversities the Hunter not only survives, but ittoday is perceived to be the heart of the Hunter. The region peaked in positively thrives as a sensational, diverse wine growing region, whichthe late 1870s with around 1800ha of vines planted. From there things has the added bonus of being within easy reach of Sydneysiders.went downhill due to economic conditions and then federation in 1901,which prevented states from levying tariffs on wines from the other states. The Hunter slumbered through the first half of the twentieth century withonly eight wineries surviving in the region, including Drayton’s, Tyrrell’s,Lindemans and McWilliams Mt Pleasant. This was despite the efforts ofsensational winemakers such as Maurice O’Shea, who is still regarded as Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 121

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new south walespinot gris/grigio Robert Stein Simon Gilbert Pokolbin Estate Midnight's Promise McGuigan Black Reserve Mudgee Orange Riesling Phil Swannell Unwooded Hunter Label ChardonnayRobert Oatley Riesling 2012 HHHH Hunter Valley Valley Semillon 2015 HHHHVineyards 2015 HHHH1/2 Toasty aged aromas Semillon 2014 HHHH A richer, complex,Pocketwatch Pear drops and flowers and a drying toasty 2009 HHHHH Delicate yet complex oak-driven style withCentral Ranges lift off this lovely nose palate showing The nose is a aromas with a silky some fruit definitionPinot Gris and there is great plenty of interesting complexity of toasty, smooth palate showing on the nose and a2015 HHHH persistence of pleasant characters and good savoury and spicy excellent length of fruit well-balanced palateA pleasant wine with floral flavours nicely flavour depth and characters with a well-balanced by some with great mineralsimple pear fruit wrapped up in an length. 1-2 $26 luscious, beautifully great acidity. 5+ backbone. $10aromas and a fleshy attractive level of acid. aged palate that has $18 Yarran Bsweet fruit palate. layers of flavours and Series RiverinaGood flavour intensity 5+ $50 Pokolbin Estate great acidity. \"Wow,\" chardonnay & Chardonnayand nice lingering nutty Cooks Lot Hunter Valley was one comment! $40 blends 2015 HHHHfinish. $16.95 Allotment 333 Riesling Long, lean and Orange Riesling 2014 HHHH1/2 minerally with caramelsauvignon 2015 HHHH A very well-made McGuigan Bin brioche-like aromas.blanc & blends An attractive citrus- Series 9000 Hunter Thick, rich and buttery driven nose with floral wine with delicate Valley Semillon in the mouth withMoppity Vineyards fragrances. The light- lifted lime aromas and some charry oakLock & Key bodied palate is juicy floral hints. Citrussy 2016 HHHH1/2 Centennial elements. $22Single Vineyard and lime-like. Some Refreshing flinty nose Vineyards Robert OatleyTumbarumba sweetness balanced by palate has mandarin with a perfumed lift Reserve Single Montrose StonySauvignon Blanc acid. $22 peel elements. Vineyard Orange Creek Mudgee2015 HHHH1/2 Moppity Vineyards Slightly oily mid-palate and a very unctuous Chardonnay Chardonnay\"This wine is spot Hilltops Riesling and mouth-watering 2014 HHHHH 2014 HHHHon varietally,\" said 2015 HHHH and lovely fresh citrussy palate with A lovely silky smooth A lemon melonone judge with its Minerally characters on acidity. 5+ $25 style of chardonnay bouquet and a well-powerful aromas of the citrus dominated vibrant fruit flavours with a slightly pungent rounded stonefruit andgreen capsicum and nose and good fruit and good length of nutty/oatmeal nose oak palate that is heldherbs and a zesty fresh weight on the delicate, semillon & blends juicy acidity. 5+ and a simple fruit/ together nicely by thepalate that fills the but slightly chewy, $11.50 oak flavour profile on crisp acid backbone.mouth with flavour. textured palate. the palate with a long $22.95 Saddler's Creek lingering finish. $30 Bunnamagoo 1-2 $22 5+ $22 Ryan's Reserve Estate 1827 HandWindowrie Pig in Hunter Valley Picked Reservethe House Certified Semillon Central RangesOrganic Cowra 2014 HHHH1/2 ChardonnaySauvignon Blanc Lovely lifted varietal Tempus Two Hunter 2013 HHHH2015 HHHH Valley Chardonnay A pleasant toastyNice nettley/tropical bouquet of citrus and 2015 HHHH1/2 vanilla nose and afruit nose and a round Moppity Vineyards lemongrass with a nice creamy, nuttyand creamy palate with Hilltops Riesling touch of toastiness. A huge generously palate with crisp andripe tropical flavours flavoured chardonnay. intense mouth fillingand very good firm acid 2015 HHHH Long rich citrus Nice spicy oak lift lemon curd-like citrusbackbone. $25 Subtle minerally lime flavours with excellent flavours. $39.95 aromas and a high acidity. \"A great to the powerful fruit Robert Oatley Theriesling aromas with more Pennant Mudgee acid palate with more semillon,\" said one of that spicy oak ChardonnayAngullong Fossil of those mineral judge. 5+ $32 2013 HHHHHill Orange Riesling characters mingling threaded through Lifted nose with2015 HHHH1/2 the pungent citrus obvious oak and a crispLeaning towards an with some good variety Poole's Rock Single flavours. 5+ $35 palate still holding itsoff-dry style with fruit. 5+ $32 Vineyard Hunter age well with a toasty,sweetness slightly Valley Semillon buttery citrus-drivendominating the fruits. Lowe Vineyards Tyrrell's Wines 2011 HHHH1/2 Coppabella Sirius flavour profile. $70Attractive floral/citrus Tinja Mudgee Stevens Single A complex nose with Tumbarumba McGuigan Personalcomplexity on the Riesling Vineyard Hunter a delicate lift of citrus Chardonnay Reserve Blackberrynose and good length 2014 HHHH Valley Semillon blossom. Amazing 2014 HHHH1/2 Vineyard Hunterof citrus flavours on a A classic riesling style. 2011 HHHHH flavour intensity on the Delicate citrus fruit Valley Chardonnaynicely textured palate. Delicate pear drop A classic Hunter palate, crisp acidity and bouquet with a hint 2015 HHHH aromas and subtle, semillon drinking great complexity of of new oak and an Smells of honeysuckle 3-5 $22 slightly sweet flavours beautifully now but secondary characters elegant palate with a with some subtle with some oiliness and has years of cellaring evolving. $45 nice crisp lemon/citrus tropical notes. The a lingering finish. potential ahead of it. fruit profile supported palate is soft, light An awesome palate Vinden Estate by well-handled and simple and full 5+ $22 offering a huge whack Hunter Valley creamy oak. $30 of flavour with nice Lowe Vineyards of developed toasty Semillon crunchy acidity. Nullo Mountain citrus flavours. $35 2015 HHHH Moppity Vineyards Mudgee Riesling Great varietal nose Tumbarumba 5+ $60 2013 HHHH with subtle citrus rind Chardonnay An aged riesling with characters. Excellent 2014 HHHH1/2 kerosene characters length of delicate Slightly neutral nose developing. A lot of citrus flavours with with a touch of varietal fruit depth, a powerful acid toastiness and has a strong mineral backbone. well-balanced zesty, elements and a high dry, citrus-driven palate level of acid. $50 5+ $26 underscored by vanilla oak with a lovely long lingering finish. $32122 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new south walesTyrrell's Wines other red Madzi d Mudgee cabernet sauvignon shiraz & blends Pokolbin EstateVat 47 Hunter varietals & blends Sangiovese & blends Phoenix HunterValley Chardonnay NV HHHH Audrey Wilkinson Valley Shiraz2012 HHHH Yarran B Series Vibrant aromas of Ernest Hill The Lake Hunter TempranilloThe nose is still very Riverina Durif ripe strawberry and CEO Hunter Valley Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2tight and closed with 2015 HHHH blueberry fruits with Valley Cabernet 2014 HHHHH Lovely perfumed fruitsome oak showing A richer style of wine a nicely textured Sauvignon Dark and inky with nose; complex andthrough. The long with good cellaring savoury palate and 2014 HHHH purple hues. Nose is lifted with hints ofpalate is fresh, potential. Has spicy some sour cherry Aromas of dark berries a complexity of plums smokiness. Very juicybalanced and citrussy. blackcurrant fruit, flavour intensity. $NA nicely integrated with and oak. Fleshy palate sweet fruit palate with complex oak, gutsy Robert Oatley perfumed oak. Great with bold concentration great use of oak and 3-5 $75 tannins and warming Wild Oats Mudgee palate, very varietal of red and black wrapped up in bright alcohol. $22 Merlot 2014 HHHH with amazing length berries, beautifully and lively acidity. $28pinot noir Yarran B Series An earthy nose with and poise. $40 integrated oak and Philip Shaw No 89 Riverina Petit slight green peppery Moppity Vineyards lovely silky tannins. Orange ShirazCoppabella Orange Verdot 2015 HHHH notes. Savoury palate Lock & Key 2013 HHHH1/2Pinot Noir Complex wine with has plenty of oak with Single Vineyard 5+ $90 \"Great expression2014 HHHH1/2 obvious use of oak reasonable fruit weight Hilltops Cabernet of the shiraz grape,\"\"Good pinosity here,\" but there is plenty of and concentration. Sauvignon enthused the judges.noted one judge. very nice sweet fruit $17.95 2014 HHHH Fragrant violet-likeSubtle oaky/herbal/ to match with a good Tempus Two Uno A vibrant berry fruit bouquet with someberry nose and a dry level of spiciness. $22 Hunter Valley Pinot bouquet and intense spicy elements.and well-balanced Lindemans Bin Shiraz 2014 HHHH ripe leafy fruit flavours Savoury palate; goodpalate with nice length 40 South Eastern Lifted berry bouquet layered with earthy varietal fruit flavoursof earthy forest floor Australian Merlot with a nice spicy minerality and good with soft tannins. $50fruit flavours. $20 2015 HHHH element. Good chewy tannins. $22 McGuigan PersonalCooks Lot A very approachable persistence of ripe Moppity Vineyards Reserve BaintonAllotment 1111 wine. Elegant varietal red fruit flavours with Hilltops Cabernet Vineyard HunterOrange Pinot Noir characters in the good tannins and some Sauvignon Valley Shiraz2015 HHHH greener spectrum savouriness. $35 2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2Complex varietal well-integrated with Topper's Mountain Nice concentration A fruit-driven, inkyaromas of sour cherries oak, acid and tannins. New England of dark red currant purple, shiraz withand strawberries with $8.99 Tempranillo aromas with hints of an intense savourya hint of spice. Slightly 2010 HHHH chocolate. Quite a bouquet and goodgreen and herbal on Bright red fruit sweet and extracted fruit weight on thethe toasty palate. $22 aromas with some palate with good level medium-bodied palate mature earthy notes. of acidity. $22 with grainy tannins A rustic character to and tight acidity. the generous licoricey palate. Lovely tannins. 5+ $60 $32smart business travel. made easy.Australia’s most awarded Travel Agency | Dedicated Business Travel Consultant | 24/7 Assistance Competitive corporate & discount airfares | Competitive hotel programs | And much more 1800 220 029 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 123

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new south wales Audrey Wilkinson Moppity Vineyards sweet white & Hunter Valley Hilltops Shiraz fortified Shiraz 2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 Dark purple hues, Trentham EstateMEET A big youthful and intense jubey Murray Darling TASTE generously flavoured blackberry aromas Noble Taminga wine. Smells chocolaty and a long chewy 2013 (375ml) DIS&COVER and spicy. Beautifully tannic palate with HHHHH balanced palate with a bitter cherry and plum Delicious golden great acid spine. Good flavours. $22 wine. Lovely lift of example of the 2014 Moppity Vineyards honeysuckle and vintage. 5+ $22 Reserve Hilltops orange blossom on Shiraz 2014 HHHH the honeyed nose and Lindemans Spicy and smoky on a long luscious toffee Bin 1403 Hunter the nose leading on and marmalade palate Valley Shiraz to a soft and delicate that has balance and 2014 HHHH1/2 spicy floral palate length. $16 Slightly closed that has a very good brooding aromas velvety mouthfeel. $27 Heslop Handcrafted with hints of cherry Poole's Rock Post Mudgee Late liqueur. Incredible Office Hunter Harvest Sauvignon power to the palate. Valley Shiraz Blanc 2014 Has layer upon layer 2014 HHHH (375ml) HHHH of flavours with subtle The nose is complex Lovely botrytis lifted oak and some \"noble\" and chocolaty. aromas of marmalade24-26 FEB tannins. 5+ Generous ripe fruit and dried apricot with $29.99 palate, lovely long silky a balanced complexity tannins and a velvety of sweet varietal fruit Two Rivers Reserve finish. Good ageing flavours. $20 Hunter Valley potential. $65 Shiraz gilbert by simon 2014 HHHH1/2 gilbert Single Very youthful wine Vineyard Orange with lifted raspberry Shiraz 2013 HHHH lolly nose and a dash of Very oaky nose with pepper. The palate is some sweet vanilla tightly structured with notes. More oak on the a generosity of red fruit palate with soft sweet and prominent crisp berry fruit underneath. acidity. 5+ $30 Has a savoury edge. $3218O Producers 3 Days 1 Venue Saddler's Creek Pokolbin Estate Ryan's Reserve Hunter Valley Explore the regions, enjoy Vanessa's Shiraz Viogniercomplimentary tastings, chat to the Vineyard Hunter 2011 HHHHwinemakers, and immerse yourself in Valley Shiraz Powerful spicy 2014 HHHH1/2 raspberry nose with an intimate behind-the-scenes Oak-dominated nose an apricot element. It'sculinary experience at the Adelaide with some lifted spicy long, lush and creamy in florals pushing through. the mouth with plump Convention Centre. The elegant palate is fruit flavours. $30 soft and rounded in the mouth with very consistent chocolaty berry flavours. $40FOR TICKETS AND EVENT Lindemans Bin INFORMATION VISIT 50 South Eastern Australian ShirazCELLARDOORFESTIVAL.COM 2015 HHHH A generous, deep red wine with a lively balance between dark plum and cassis fruit and cigar box oak. Good juicy commercial style. $6 @CELLARDOORFEST124 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

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Vines at Sunset.waeustsetrranlia THE BEST WINES OF 2016 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Semillon & Blends, Other White Varietals & Blends, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Blends, Shiraz, Sweet Whites.126 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

NEXT GENERATION DELIVERS THE DREAM The West Australian year in review, by Mike Zekulich.DUJE Garbin leaned back on the headland strainer post, his small lithe The Swan is so consistent.body dwarfed by its size. Across the nearby Swan Valley vineyard rows the Year in year out, the grapesvines grew strongly, full of health and vigour. Duje smiled, content in the ripen with plenty of satisfying,belief it would be another good year, another good crop for the wines he distinct flavours and 2016 is nowished to make. exception. The year was 1999 and it was his 90th birthday, nine years before the humbleman passed away, well satisfied that his design draftsman son Peter and wife they came together impressively. Yet had you asked me 12 months earlier IKatrina had taken up the winemaking challenge and were to continue with would have said it was not going to be one of Margaret River’s great vintages,their sons Joel and Adam. Now the family is celebrating 60 years of Garbin but in the end it might be and I think 2016 will be the same. It is not going toWines Estate - a notable achievement for a very small Swan producer that be one of those obvious years but better naturally than 2015.”has quickly won wine awards against much bigger producers. In the vintage, Warren makes some 80 wines for 8-10 different producers. Another proud family claim is Duje’s participation in 85 vintages because The sale of nearby Margaret River producer Laurance Wines for a recordchildren from an early age in his native Croatia had to help with the chores $20 million for a winery in the region, did not really surprise Warren for heof Dalmatian island village horticulture. Today, Peter drives around the said it was a “massive property”. “It sounds like a lot of money but I thinkValley noting the lush vineyards in the area, confident of the 2016 vintage there is a lot of equity in the real estate,” he said. “If it was just a case ofespecially for chenin blanc and verdelho, varieties basic to the region’s white brand and buildings, people would be rightly shocked but when taking intowine production. “The Swan is so consistent,” Peter said. “Year in year out, consideration just how big the property is, it is prime real estate and that isthe grapes ripen with plenty of satisfying, distinct flavours and 2016 is no where a lot of the value is.”exception,” he said. (The $20 million price tag eclipses the previous high of $16 million paid “The reds are also impressive but will take barrel and some ageing time six years ago for another Margaret River producer Clairault, purchased byto impact. The year has been slightly cooler and wetter than the very dry New York-based investor John Streicker whose vine and wine interests in2015 vintage.” A special industry moment for the younger Garbins came the region have grown to some 200ha.) Known as “chick-on-the-stick” for itswith the 1994 shiraz, the first premium red wine they had produced. “It was eye-catching, distinctive sculpture to passers-by, Laurance has also beenso exciting,” Katrina said. “People bought it by the case lots without even bought by a New York-based American investor, Howard Milstein.trying the wine.” The Oatley wine group (founded by Robert Oatley) will lease part of the Duje migrated to WA from Croatia in 1937 living long enough to see his son property with the rest under the control of Margaret River mainstay Larryand grandsons extend plantings to a property at Gingin - some 80km to the Cherubino. In the Great Southern Robert Diletti - in his 16th vintage in 2016north - where sangiovese has been included along with traditional varieties. at the family owned Castle Rock in the Porongurup and making his mark as one of the State’s most competent winemakers - says overall quality for the Most of the red production now goes to China, soaking up the fruit from the vintage was “good to very good” despite early difficulties. “It was a reasonablySwan and Gingin. Other WA producers are also looking to the great market wet lead up to vintage,” he said. “We had to do a lot of extra work in thethat China represents, including pioneering Woodlands wines in Margaret vineyard because of a lot of rain in January and February.River. It began sales, now representing about 10-15 per cent of production,four years ago. “We opened the canopy right up with leaf plucking and removed any botrytis or affected bunches. So the clean fruit that came in was of high quality.” Diletti Woodlands founders David and Heather Watson now have another special who makes wine for eight different producers, said some in the southern Mtreason to be proud of their wines besides strong family involvement. For the Barker area struggled to get on top of the wet conditions, while Franklandlabels can carry the authority of their 2016 acknowledgement of being the WA River had a very good year. He was also pleased with pinot noir, the mainWine Press Club’s Jack Mann Memorial medal winners for their outstanding red from the Porongurup area, while regarding riesling as a highlight of thecontribution to the State’s wine industry. When they planted their first vines 2016 whites.at their Caves Road, Wilyabrup, property in 1974 they became just the fifthproducer in the region. Meanwhile, former WA governor Dr Ken Michael, a keen industry supporter, has agreed to take up the WA Wine Press Club position as trustee/custodian of Mark Warren, chief winemaker of Happs, another Margaret River producer, the Jack Mann Memorial Medal. He takes over from Winestate’s long-servingbelieves the whites are the highlight of 2016, while expressing some concern contributor Mike Zekulich, who has held the position for 27 years since itsabout the reds. “I expect them to be like 2015 - go on improving in the barrel,” inception in 1989. he said. “So while the whites look really fantastic across the board, I think thereis a bit of a way to go with the reds. But I learnt from last year not to be toojudgemental too early in the process. “The 15 reds overall in 2015 appearedlacking in concentration and intensity. But with time in barrel and winemaking, Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 127

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 western australiasparkling riesling 3 Oceans The Brash Vineyard other white 3 Drops Great Estate Frankland- Single Vineyard varietals & blends SouthernOld Kent River Trevelen Farm Margaret River Margaret River ChardonnayDiamondtina Estate Great Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Willespie Margaret 2014 HHHH1/2Frankland River Southern Riesling Semillon 2015 HHHH River Verdelho Very attractive varietalPinot Noir 2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH A lean austere style of 2010 HHHH fruit with nice nuttyChardonnay An intense and Delicate fruit-driven sauvignon blanc with Lovely toasty honeyed cashew oak. There is2006 HHHH pungent honey/ aromas and excellent pretty orange blossom age on the nose and balance and intensityPretty red floral lemon bouquet and balance of green melon fruit and nice line of silky smooth in the on both the nose andred fruit aromatics. an excellent balanced and citrus flavours. acid. Flavoursome but mouth; still some palate and has a greatAttractive palate palate offering lovely A well-balanced restrained. $22.95 citrus fruit evident and tight acid finish. $27structure with good mouthfilling varietal flavoursome wine. gorgeous toasty end. Truffle Hillflavour development, flavours. $25 $21.99 semillon & blends $20 Pembertonsome sherbety notes Jane Brook Chardonnayand subtle oak. $50 sauvignon blanc Shovelgate Barton Jones chardonnay 2014 HHHH1/23 Oceans The & blends Vineyard Margaret The Box Seat Very impressive andEstate Frankland River Sauvignon Geographe Talisman Ferguson pronounced honeyRiver Blanc de Thompson Estate Blanc 2015 HHHH Semillon Valley Chardonnay dew melon bouquetBlancs 2013 HHHH Four Chambers A lovely wine with Sauvignon Blanc 2014 HHHH1/2 with light use of oak.Almost golden in Margaret River a nose reminiscent 2013 HHHH An interesting and Very stylish palatecolour with attractive Sauvignon Blanc of asparagus and A fine wine. Stylish delicious chardonnay with lovely flavourdeveloped yeasty Semillon tinned peas and nutty dusty characters with a flinty fruity nose profile and firm acidaromas and dry lemon 2015 HHHH1/2 some delicate spicy to the attractive with a smoky note. backbone. $30rind flavours with good A delicate floral bouquet complexity obvious on bouquet. Good acid Flavours of pears,spritz and clean finish. with citrus notes. Vibrant the palate. $20 backbone to the palate lemons and nectarines$21.99 palate with nice length with citrus fruit and balanced by a nice line of lemony flavours. A nutty oak. $24 of acid. $32 lovely refreshing and thirst quenching wine - very drinkable. $20 Wines of Margaret River W.A. James Halliday 5 Star Winery 10 wines from 91 to 95 points in 2015 Visit our Winery & Restaurant and taste the some of the best food and wine the Southwest has to o er. Restaurant & Cellar door Caves road, Dunsborough,WA - next to the Golf Club www.palmerwines.com.au128 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 western australiaJane Brook other red varietals Vinaceous Voodoo cabernet sauvignon Brygon ReserveShovelgate & blends Moon Margaret HummingbirdVineyard Margaret River Malbec St. Johns Brook Series MargaretRiver Chardonnay Mandalay Road 2014 HHHH Reserve Margaret River Cabernet2013 HHHH Geographe Durif A well-made - big rich River Cabernet SauvignonThe wine is still very 2014 HHHH1/2 chewy wine with bright Sauvignon 2014 HHHHfresh with the oak Perfumed slightly lifted mulberry fruit, 2014 HHHHH Attractive berry spicegiving sweet flavours cola-like nose with some hints of violets A lovely elegant complexity to the noseand the age serving to earthy/savoury hints. and pepper and firm bouquet of dark berry and big firm tannicsoften the edges and Plush and generous fine dusty tannins. fruits with floral notes palate with red berrycreate complexity. $30 palate with good focus $24.99 and some slight and fig-like flavours of liqueur-like cherry meatiness. The sweet and sweet spicy notes.rosé flavours and a great Brygon Reserve fruit opens upon the $19.99 lingering finish. $29.99 Humming Bird palate showing spicyLatitude 34 Crush MyattsField Series Margaret overtones with fine The BlackwoodWestern Australia Vineyard Carmel River Merlot dense tannins. Captain JamesRosé 2015 HHHH Valley Dudley Durif 2014 HHHH Margaret RiverMore of a savoury 2014 HHHH1/2 Lovely aromas in the 5+ $45 Cabernetthan sweet style with Lifted aromatic nose darker berry spectrum Sauvignonaromas and flavours of currants, berries and with a fleshy plumy 2014 HHHHranging from light herbs with a perfumed palate, slightly chalky Funky earthy dark fruitred berries to apricot lift. Lovely retention tannins and acid adding aromas and powerfulcharacters. Fresh on of fresh berry fruit brightness. 1-2 ripe sweet fruit flavoursthe finish. $12 density on the ripe and $19.99 with powerful oakGilberts Mt Barker somewhat precise Brygon Reserve underneath. Palate isRosé 2015 HHHH palate. $30 Humming dense and chewy. $45Vibrant pink with cabernet blends Bird Series VBBAEULSYUTSEslightly confectionery Margaretstrawberry notes on River Cabernet Woody Nookthe nose and a fresh Gallagher'slively strawberry Merlot 2014 HHHH Choice Margaretand cream palate. Perfumed cassisPhenolics add balance. fragrances. Well River Cabernet$20 Sauvignon balanced dark red 2013 HHHHpinot noir fruit with lovely tannin drive and length. Savoury spicy oakAbbey Creek characters on thePorongurup Pinot Fresh balancing acid nose and good lengthNoir 2012 HHHH1/2 backbone. $19.99Dark earthy berry and concentrationbouquet with a lift of cassis fruit withof spice. Excellent Sandalford slightly savoury, meatyvarietal fruit purity on Margaret River elements. 3-5the lively palate with Cabernet Merlot $55slightly savoury notes 2014 HHHHand the lovely fine Dark plum and berry Brygon Reserve Brygon Reservetannins teasing out fruits with hints of Bin 8888 Margaret Margaret Riverthe palate. $35 fresh herbs. Nicely River Cabernet CabernetAbbey Creek balanced medium- Sauvignon SauvignonPorongurup Pinot bodied sweet fruit 2013 HHHHH VBBAEULSYUTSE 2012 HHHHNoir 2013 HHHH palate with slightly Elegant style that'sPretty red fruit/ chalky tannins. Perfumed cassis a complex mix ofspicy oak bouquet and blue fruit aromas cigar box, mocha andand lovely ripe plum 3-5 $20 black fruit aromasflavours building on with peppery notes.the palate. Nice silky Peccavi No Regrets fill the glass. The Excellent flavoursmooth tannins and Margaret River generous palate is length. $19.95subtle oak. $30 Cabernet Merlot plump with beautifully Brygon Reserve 2014 HHHH sweet cabernet fruit Flying High Pure varietal aromas Brygon Reserve Margaret River VBBAEULSYUTSE and flavours of cassis and supported by fine The Bruce Cellar and dark berries with Reserve Cabernet slight prune-like edge. tannins - supple, even shiraz blends Had nice acidity and and long. 5+ Margaret VBBAEULSYUTSE Merlot 2014 HHHH soft tannins. $26 $19.99 River Merlot Cassis nose with hints of bell peppers and 2014 HHHH tobacco leaf. Pretty fruit Brash Vineyard Vinaceous Red Spicy plum nose Margaret River Right Hand exhibits some funky palate, slightly sweet Cabernet Margaret River with fresh acid and Sauvignon Shiraz Grenache earthy notes with chalky tannin balance. 2013 HHHH1/2 Tempranillo sweet fruit on a Sweet fruity nose 2014 HHHH generous fleshy palate $19.99 opens up to perfumed Strong ruby-like colour, spicy characters. Very excellent fruit-driven and supple ripe tannins. generous sweet cassis fragrances and lean $19.99 palate with great simple tannic palate flavour intensity nicely with good juicy varietal moderated by soft fruit length. $24.99 tannin and acid. 5+ $39.95 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 129

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 western australiaAlkoomi 3 Oceans Peccavi Margaret Windance ReserveBlack Label The Explorers River Shiraz Margaret RiverFrankland River Frankland River- 2014 HHHH1/2 Shiraz 2011 HHHHShiraz Viognier Margaret River A nose of berry jam Fresh floral fragrances2013 HHHH Shiraz and vanilla oak with with some crushedLovely perfumed lift 2013 HHHH1/2 a spike of star anise- berries added. Similarof berry fruit aromas An attractive and like spiciness. Lovely characters obvious onunderscored by charry complex bouquet palate sweetness with the succulent palate.oak elements. Fresh of bright lifted fruit delicious fruit flavours Great tannin length.and lively sweet with nice spiciness. and spicy oak toberry/violet flavours. Good body, balance balance. 3-5 $52 3-5 $32 and palate richness 3-5 $24 with excellent varietal Brash Vineyard sweet whites flavour profile and Margaret Rivershiraz length. $29.99 Shiraz 2014 HHHH Truffle Hill A floral bouquet, some Pemberton CaneSandalford Sandalford Estate jasmine-like notes. An Cut Riesling 2015Margaret River Reserve Margaret elegant and somewhat (375ml) HHHH1/2Shiraz River Shiraz simplistic sweet Lovely intense botrytis2014 HHHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 fruit palate with soft marmalade-likeLifted perfumed Fragrances in the dark mouthcoating tannins. complexity to the nosemulberry aromas fruit spectrum with $34.95 and a very sweet,with peppery notes. bright and lively palateLovely line of sweet Soya-like elements. The Blackwood Sir that's rich and yetberry and plum fruit Flavours of plums, Henry Blackwood clean and carried byacross the length of rhubarb and spice Valley Shiraz the acid backbone. $35the palate perfectly with the lovely acid 2014 HHHHbalanced by the still ensuring lovely A well-balanced,tannins and oak. freshness. 1-2 medium-bodied shiraz\"Light on its feet.\" $35 with seamless balance$20 between, dark fruit, soft chocolaty oak, acid and tannins. $50 Cultivated varieties inspired by the true-type, great character and power. A combination of invited Master Winemakers partnered in signature wines, using carefully chosen vines, that results in spectacular, handcrafted wines that re ect the uniqueness of their varieties. Limited Release Direct Sales: [email protected] ph: (08) 9756 7024130 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

COP166663 A helping hand in crafting fine wines In the modern, dynamic wine industry the hand crafting of great wines is often overlooked. Whilst only 2% of the world’s wines are made using new oak barrels, a high proportion of the ‘great wines’ of the world are handcrafted in them. For almost two centuries the cooperages of the Tonnellerie François Frères Group have been producing barrels for these wines. The TFF Group has evolved from humble beginnings to now having its brands internationally recognised throughout the wine world. Through its Demptos Research Centre at the University of Bordeaux, it has over the last 20 years quantified the science to explain why new oak barrels provide that added dimension to allow very good fruit to realise its full potential. Classic Oak, on behalf of the TFF Group, is proud to lend a helping hand to the premium programs of many Australian and New Zealand producers. Australia: (02) 9479 4700 New Zealand: 021 500 607 [email protected] 04 472 6050 www.classicoakproducts.com [email protected]

queensland THE BEST WINES OF 2016 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals, Semillon & Blends, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Other Dry Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet & Blends, Shiraz Blends, Sweet Whites & Fortified, Museum Class, Provenance Class.132 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 queenslandsparkling semillon & blends Golden Grove Ballandean Estate cabernet & blends Ballandean Estate Estate Chardonnay Messing About Late HarvestBanca Ridge Clovely Estate 2014 HHHH Saperavi Mason Wines SylvanerGateway Sparkling CMW Semillon Big toasty oak lift with 2013 HHHHH Cellar Collection 2014 HHHH2014 HHHH 2013 HHHHH good acid line. Creamy Inky crimson. Perfect Cabernet Fresh, complex,Nervy leafy notes with Still fresh and youthful texture with subtle fruit. ‘rain on hot bitumen’ 2014 HHHH balanced flavours withsome flinty overtones whilst showing the Complex wine. $26 aromatics backed by Coffee, cherry, plum great acidity. Could havein the background. complexities of three Sirromet Wines sweet, dark brooding and spice aromas. had more time. $25Complex palate of years in bottle. Toast Le Sauvage fruits. Big wall of Sweet fruit character Golden Grovebright fruit and delicate and citrus. Very good! Chardonnay tannins. $42 on the palate. Furry Estate Marnitafine acid. No notable $20 2014 HHHH Golden Grove tannins with a dark, dry Muscatfaults. Balanced. $25 Clovely Estate Flinty, complex Estate GG Joven finish. $28 NV HHHH Semillon marmite nose with Tempranillo Powerful, complexother white 2010 HHHH good oak interaction 2016 HHHH shiraz blends flavours with greatvarietals Lemon butter classic. and some struck Awesome colour - like rancio! $20 Mature semillon match. A melange crushed mulberries. Twisted GumBallandean Estate characters of toast of leesy/ ferment/ Plump black cherry CMR Shiraz museum classMessing About and lime curd. Lovely butterscotch characters fruit tamed by a lick of 2014 HHHHHFiano 2016 HHHHH palate. Fine creamy with a supple, reduction. Fine tannins. Rich, dark spices RidgemillCut straw, flinty and soft. $20 creamy texture. Good $26 with concentrated Estate Cabernetnose. Lemon, lime phenolics; well-made Golden Grove long palate. Deep Sauvignon Merlotand parsley aromas. verdelho wine with length and Estate Durif concentrated texture 2007 HHHHHBrooding fruit length flavour. $85 2014 HHHH and colour. Champion Varietal, rich, lifted,with juicy, creamy Sirromet Wines Crimson colour. Mainstream Red. $30 intense nose. Someovertones. Champion Vineyard other red varietals Punchy, rich, sweet Jester Hill Wines leafy notes. Bright,wine of show and Selection Verdelho & blends fruit and big grippy Touchstone Shiraz fresh and lively. Holdingchampion alternative 2016 HHHHH tannins. Restrained for 2012 HHHHH age beautifully. $30white wine. $30 Clean, bright, fresh. Ridgemill a durif with an intense Sweet, juicy fruit withHeritage Estate Plenty of punchy fruit Estate Merlot long finish. $30 a chewy palate. $48 provenance classFiano 2016 HHHHH with excellent length. 2013 HHHH1/2 Jester Hill WinesSome green notes. Great balanced palate. An older wine with Touchstone Petit Robert Channon WINNER OFSupple, silky palate. $21 some cassis and Verdot 2012 HHHH Wines Shiraz CLASS-Fleshy and well Symphony Hill oak notes. Oak lift, Spicy black brooding 2016 HHHH 2010, 2013, 2014 balanced. $30 Wines Reserve showing chewy, tarry fruit with a dry oak Good oak. Juicy, solid Clovely Estate Summit Estate Verdelho notes with dense finish. Fruit now fruit length. Porcini Leftfield SemillonVermentino 2015 HHHHH and dark black fruits looking somewhat mushroom and lush2016 HHHH Delicious guava fruit character. A fresh, forward with menthol dark fruits. Very goodElegant flavours of with a hint of green bright wine. $30 green notes. $48 varietal cabernet. $25fruit (pear pulp), along characters. Powerful Granite Ridge Ballandean Estatewith white flowers but not overdone. Wines Fergies Hill Generation 3 Ballandean Estateand some briny, salty Great palate; creamy, 2013 HHHH 2014 HHHH Opera Block Shiraznotes. Balanced fruit well-balanced. $30 Black fruits on a rich Rich coffee, mocha, 2014 HHHHintensity, length and Moffatdale Ridge nose with good oak nose. Black, tarry, Medium-bodied lovelyfloral notes. $35 Verdelho balance. Lifted dark chewy fruits. Intense, raspberry, sweet fruitedSymphony Hill 2016 HHHH brooding, tight wine, rich, long savoury with a nice line ofWines Petit Peach, nectarine and with bramble fruits. tannins. $65 savoury tannins. JammyManseng melon aromas. Good Good richness of fruit Whiskey Gully plum palate. $302015 HHHH palate; honey dew & and long tannins. $25 Wines RepubliqueGrippy, textural balanced lees. $17 Just Red Wines Red 2012 HHHH sweet whites &flavours with floral Tannat Waxy fruit notes and fortifiednose. Very precise chardonnay 2015 HHHHH black brooding fruits.red apple varietal Champion wine of Rich dense, intense Clovely Estatecharacters. Great acid. Banca Ridge show. Soaked plums long flavours on the CC SemillonHoney notes on a Gateway and aniseed. Deep red/ palate. Fine, delicate 2014 HHHHstrawberries and cream Chardonnay purple tones. Rich, length. $28 Complex aged botrytispalate. $30 2015 HHHH bouncy, berry compote aromas. Great palate. Flinty nose, nutty, flavour. Well structured. Jammy and long. medium viscosity. Excellent! $29 $20 Dark, complex, bright, lifted fruit. Nicely varietal. $18 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 133

Aerial view of Pumphouse Point.tasmania THE BEST WINES OF 2016 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Pinot Noir, Rosé.134 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 tasmaniasparkling Clover Hill Cuvee Josef Chromy Ghost Rock Bream Creek Wines for Tasmania Methode Tasmania Pinot Tasmania Vineyards Tasmania Joanie TasmaniaJosef Chromy Traditionnelle Gris 2015 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Riesling ChardonnayCuvee Tasmania NV HHHH Attractive pear drop 2015 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHHMethode Lovely salmon nose with good Big hit of floral/tropical The vibrant citrus nose A little tight and tartTraditionnelle pink hues with a minerality and floral fragrances on the nose has lovely hints of rose and definitely demandsNV HHHH1/2 strawberries and notes. Impressive followed by a huge petals. Gorgeous long food! Some funkinessBrilliant amber gold cream nose and more palate texture with juicy ripe fruit palate silky palate supported on the lemony nosewine with a fine bead of the same filling the bright pear notes and that is long and warm by a good juicy acid which carries throughand intense lime/pear- palate with beautiful good phenolics. $25.60 and a tad sweet but backbone. $26 to the palate. $48like aromas with good flavours. 3-5 $32 Wines for Joanie everything in perfectyeast autolysis with Tasmania Pinot balance. $29 chardonnay other redgentle combination other white Gris 2015 HHHH Bream Creek varietals & blendsof lime cream pie and varietals & blends Yeasty bruised apple- Tasmania Freycinet Vineyardtoasty flavours. like aromas and slightly Sauvignon Blanc Tasmania Spring Vale oily texture to the 2015 HHHH Chardonnay Iron Pot Bay 3-5 $29.60 Freycinet Coast flavoursome palate Complexity of tinned 2014 HHHHH Vineyard ManiSpring Vale Salute Gewurztraminer with its stonefruit pea and pineapple Slightly greenish fruit Tamar ValleyFreycinet Coast 2015 HHHH notes. Drinking well aromas. Nice palate aromas layered with Pinot MeunierSparkling Light and elegant now. $35 structure with smooth matchstick-like oak. 2014 HHHH2014 HHHH1/2 wine with a faint hint tropical/melon/apple Complete palate; an Simple raspberry/Lovely figgy vibrancy of roses on the nose sauvignon blanc flavours. Lingering intensity of chunky herbal bouquet; someto the delicate nose. and attractive lychee finish. $26 citrus, stonefruit and savouriness. Light crispQuite an austere and Turkish Delight Priory Ridge Freycinet Vineyard toasty oak flavours spicy berry palate withpalate, beautifully flavours. Plenty of St Helens Fumé Wineglass with a nice line of good chalky tanninsbalanced with excellent length. $28 Tasmania Bay Tasmania mineral characters. $35 and smoky finish. $35intensity and freshness Iron Pot Bay Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Holm Oak Tasmaniaof flavour with a great Vineyard 2013 HHHHH 2015 HHHH Chardonnay Josef Chromyacid structure and long Tamar Valley Star bright brilliance Nose is intense and 2014 HHHH1/2 Tasmania Merlotfinish. $32 Gewurztraminer to the yellow gem pungent with pineapple A really attractive 2014 HHHHGhost Rock 2014 HHHH stone colour. Smells of notes. Nice palate medium-bodied style A nose of cassis andCatherine Central Interesting Turkish apples and figs with a with good fruit lift and with a buttery bouquet capsicum; some greenNorth Coast Delight, rose and subtle oak element and glycerol-like texture. and a mineral driven olive notes. GreatSparkling cured meat nose. Very a unique combination A lovely easy drinking palate - very Chablis- palate structure with2013 HHHH1/2 attractive palate; great of mocha and apple style. $26 like with some very bright fruit flavours andNose shows some balance of varietal cider-like flavours. “It well-handled varietal juicy but firm tannins.mushroom-like flavours. Good acid works!” $28 riesling fruit and quality oak. $35.20characters with mineral spine. $35 $28.80and toast elements. Ghost Rock Ghost Rock Freycinet VineyardCrisp and vibrant pinot gris/grigio Tasmania Riesling Tasmania Tasmania Cabernetlemon/melon palate 2015 HHHHH Chardonnay Merlot 2013 HHHHwith some nice mousse “Spot on,” enthused 2014 HHHH1/2 Lively and intenseand lingering mineral one judge about this “A butter bomb,” merlot with cigarend. 3-5 $49 wine. Intense floral according to one judge, box oak bouquet andJosef Chromy fruit fragrances and an “with everything in its bright sweet chocolatyTasmania Methode excellent balance on place”. Floral lemon flavours with firmTraditionnelle Ghost Rock the palate between aromas with good oak tannins. “Look at it in 52010 HHHH1/2 Tasmania Pinot the fruit, acid and underneath. Big hit years.” 5+ $35Attractive pale hues Gris 2015 HHHH1/2 sweetness. Great of oak dominates thehere with a very A clean, crisp, example of a cool figgy palate. $34 roséexpressive aromatic refreshing, well-made, climate riesling. $29 Josef Chromynose - some jasmine drink now style. Very Freycinet Vineyard Tasmania Ghost Rock Theand pears. Intense pretty pale gold colour Tasmania Riesling Chardonnay Pinots Tasmaniamix of fruit and toast with an attractive 2015 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH Rosé 2015characters on the nose in the tropical A golden wine with Appealing subtle HHHH1/2palate. A good aperitif spectrum with similar attractive lifted floral melon/citrus aromas A very pretty wine - allstyle. $42.40 characters on the fruit fragrances and a pleasant sparklingly pink andClover Hill Cuvee palate. $29 showing slight meaty searingly tart, fruit- smelling of sweetTasmania Methode Holm Oak Tasmania edge. Interesting soft driven palate with strawberries andTraditionnelle Pinot Gris and complex tropical flavours of lemons and boysenberries. VeryNV HHHH 2015 HHHH palate; firm and peaches. $35.20 good fruit attack to theSmells like a peach A classic with subtle long with sustained bright vibrant palate.cobbler with upfront floral, almond and flavours. $26 Very refreshing whenyeasty characters on pear fragrances and chilled. $26the palate mingling very attractive cleanwith the mouthfilling refreshing palate with aGranny Smith-like bright acid finish. $24apple flavours. $32 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 135

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 tasmaniapinot noir Ghost Rock Two Wines for Joanie White Rock Josef Chromy Josef Chromy Blocks Tasmania Tasmania Pinot Vineyard Tasmania Pepik Tasmania Tasmania PinotFreycinet Vineyard Pinot Noir Noir 2014 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir Pinot Noir Noir 2014 HHHHTasmania Pinot 2014 HHHH1/2 A pretty black/red 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH “Very varietal; veryNoir 2014 HHHHH An elegant style. Very wine with smoky Dusty leathery aromas Interesting and unique drinkable.” SlightlyDark and ‘menacing’ good definition of blackberry bouquet and full spicy palate version of a pinot with a closed nose; hints ofwine with dense strawberry and cherry- complexity. Good with good weight of fascinating floral/grape the forest floor. Ripesmoky aromas and a like varietal fruit. Some palate weight varietal fruit, nice level seed nose and a mixed blackberry flavoursdelightful chocolaty earthy elements lifting with restrained of tannins and good berry palate with nice with blocky tannins.palate, very well- off the nose and a good varietal flavours and acidity. $28 tannin balance. $22.55 Needs time. $35.20structured and level of tannins on the deceptive tannins. Glaetzer-Dixon Holm Oak Theloaded with black bright palate. $38 Needs food. $48 Avance Tasmania Wizard Tasmaniafruit and roast coffee Spring Vale Pinot Emilia Tasmania Pinot Noir Pinot Noircharacters. Green fruit Noir 2014 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHHfinish. $60 Coffee-like aromas 2013 HHHH1/2 A young wine. Nice Dark and deep withBream Creek laced with blue fruit Cola and spices on concentration of lovely blue fruit aromasTasmania Pinot characters. Beautifully the nose and very licorice and fruit aromas and quite inky on theNoir 2012 HHHHH balanced palate of attractive and extended and a bright, fresh palate with great lengthA lush and complex cherries and berries berry flavours on a and vigorous green of juicy plum flavourspinot noir that is with both sweet and well-structured and fruit palate with firm and tight tannic spine.still very fresh with savoury notes and very seamlessly balanced tannins. $30 $28.80beautiful berry fruit/ fine tannins. $45 palate with good lengthcoffee aromas and of tannins. $36wonderful palatestructure with a juicyintegration of berries,dark fruits and oak. $37 175 Glenwood Rd, Relbia, Also Available : Tasmania, 7258 • Sparkling • Sauvignon Blanc ph: (03) 63 430 773 • Riesling Cellar Door Open 7 Days a week, • Chardonnay 10am -4pm (Oaked and Unoaked) • Cabernet Merlotsharmanswines.com.au 2013 Pinot Noir (Award Winner) Also available 2014 Pinot Noir • Free freight Australia wide (Conditions Apply - Orders to be in multiples of 6 bottles)136 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

The Best of Australia at Vinitaly 2017 Verona, Italy 9-12 April 201751° Edizione The World’s biggest Winestate magazine International Wine Exhibition will in 2017 again host ten Australian wineries at the Vinitaly Wine Exhibition. Bookings or enquiries contact: Peter Jackson 08 8357 9277 or [email protected]

Seifried's vineyards on the Waimea Plains in Nelson.n ezwealan d THE BEST WINES OF 2016 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Other Reds, Syrah, Sweet Whites.138 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

AN AFFAIR TO CELEBRATE The New Zealand year in review, by Michael Cooper.PUBLISHED recently, a Vineyard Register Report 2015-2018 from New Zealand Kim Crawford, OysterWinegrowers confirms what you probably already knew. The majority of the Bay, Nobilo and Matua areNZ wine industry can be summed up in five words - sauvignon blanc, pinotnoir, Marlborough. becoming familiar brands to countless American Well over 90 per cent of NZ’s sauvignon blanc vines are concentrated in wine lovers.Marlborough. So dominant is Marlborough, it is also the country’s most heavilyplanted region for varieties that it is not even commonly associated with - For many of the country’s winegrowers, things are looking good. However,chardonnay (just ahead of Hawke’s Bay), gewurztraminer (well ahead of Gisborne) the number of producers is declining and so is wine consumption. Over theand -surprise! - pinot noir (well ahead of Central Otago). past decade, Kiwis’ consumption of wine, local and imported, has eased from 21.7 litres per head in 2007 to 20.2 litres today. And although wine is still a NZ wine is now sold in nearly 100 countries. The value of wine exports reached major growth industry, the number of individual wineries in most regions is$NZ1.57 billion ($A1.5b) in 2016 - a steep climb from just $NZ34.7 million ($A33m)in falling. Over the past five years, the ranks of wine producers in Hawke’s Bay1992. Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, believes that “at its core, have thinned, from 91 to 76. Even in high profile Marlborough, since 2011,the growth reflects the reputation NZ wine has in global markets. That reputation for the number of wine producers has plateaued.quality was built in markets such as the UK and Australia. It’s there now in marketssuch as the US and Canada, and we’re seeing it in markets like China and the rest In ownership terms - as opposed to output - we are currently in an era ofof Asia, so we have really strong demand around the world…” consolidation. For hundreds of small wineries, the domestic market is their only market; the export boom, lead by corporate winemakers with global America’s growing appetite for Marlborough sauvignon blanc is crucial. Kim distribution channels, is irrelevant. The good news is that a rapid growth inCrawford, Oyster Bay, Nobilo and Matua are becoming familiar brands to inbound tourism is creating a new market; 20 per cent of overseas visitorscountless American wine lovers. Kim Crawford, the most popular NZ label in report visiting a winery or enjoying some other significant “wine experience”.the US, and Nobilo (the third-biggest seller), are both controlled by ConstellationBrands, a publicly traded drinks company based in New York. Constellation NZ The shelves are now packed with infant wine. Vintage 2016 yielded a hugeships much of its production to the US, but smaller, “boutique” producers are crop - 34 per cent bigger than 2015. The season took most winegrowers bystill more likely to focus on Australia. surprise. Meteorologists forecast a drought-stricken summer, but instead it was typified by a flow of warm, humid, tropical air masses from the north- Sauvignon blanc dominates the country’s production, but if you are keen to plunge east, which persisted into autumn, bringing abundant rainfall to many regionsdeeply into NZ wine, you can now explore white and red wines made from about in late March.45 different grape varieties. The latest arrivals are lagrein and touriga nacional. In Marlborough, spring and early summer were sunny and dry. Craggy Range In north-east Italy, lagrein yields deeply coloured reds with plum/cherry flavours, noted that “warm rain events in January during the berry expansion periodfirm and strong. First out of the blocks in NZ is Stanley Estates Awatere Valley saw sudden berry swell, resulting in the largest berry weights on record forMarlborough Lagrein 2014, an easy-drinking, medium to full-bodied red, vibrantly Marlborough sauvignon blanc at harvest time”. During February, thousandsfruity, berryish and slightly spicy, with a hint of cherries and a smooth finish. of tonnes of grapes were dropped from the vines, as viticulturists - keen to avoid a repeat of the glut-induced discounting that followed previous huge Touriga nacional is a prized blending variety in the traditional ports of the Douro harvests - grappled with heavy crop loads.Valley of Portugal. From base wines back to 2004, matured in oak barrels for two tonine years, Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Touriga is a “port style” blend, dark, robust, The first four months of 2016 all proved warmer than usual. The good newsconcentrated, sweet and delicious. is that April - the key harvest period - enjoyed settled weather, with warm temperatures, low rainfall and high sunshine hours. Babich described its Just when you thought NZ wines were all handled in tanks or barrels... the Marlborough sauvignon blanc as “the most tropical we have seen in someamphora is back. Heron’s Flight, at Matakana, north of Auckland, has released the years”, and Fromm was “especially excited” about its syrah and malbec.country’s first red wine to be fermented and matured in a clay pot, like the ancientGreeks and Romans did. Made from sangiovese - the great grape of Chianti - the In Hawke’s Bay, the second-largest region (with 13 per cent of the nationalstrikingly packaged Heron’s Flight Amphora 2015 is dark and powerful, with lovely vineyard), a cool, wet spring was followed by a hot, dry summer. Sacred Hillharmony and richness. picked “great” chardonnay, but intense humidity in late March adversely affected thinner-skinned red varieties, especially merlot. There’s even new life in very old wineries. Invivo, one of NZ’s fastest-growingproducers, recently shifted into the historic Viticultural Research Station at Te Winegrowers in Otago (the third-largest region, with 5 per cent of plantings),Kauwhata, in the Waikato. enthused about a notably dry season which yielded small, flavour-packed berries. Grasshopper Rock, the acclaimed single-vineyard pinot noir site near The rambling, white-walled winery, built in 1902, has ancient casks and a Alexandra, reported one of its “very best vintages”. three-storey high copper pot still. Invivo, which has British TV star, GrahamNorton, as a shareholder, has taken a 10-year lease on the old winery. Theinstallation of new tanks will boost the winery’s annual production capacityfrom 20,000 cases to over 100,000 cases. Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 139

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandsparkling other white Askerne Hawke's Villa Maria Villa Maria Reserve Brancott Estate varietals & blends Bay Viognier Cellar Selection Wairau Valley Terroir SeriesDeutz Marlborough 2015 HHHH Marlborough Marlborough MarlboroughCuveé Blanc de Linden Estate Rich, weighty, Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon BlancBlancs 2011 HHHH Hawke's Bay complex wine, fully 2015 HHHHH 2015 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHHPale, vivacious wine Viognier barrel-fermented Fresh, intensely Fleshy, tropical fruit- One judge foundwith a fragrant, toasty, 2014 HHHHH (20 per cent new). varietal wine, praised flavoured wine in the this wine weighty,complex bouquet and Rich, creamy textured, Fragrant bouquet, by one judge as classic sub-regional but lacking in varietallively, citrusy, yeasty fully barrel-fermented with concentrated ‘very Awatere’, with style. Rich, ripe and character. Anotherflavours. Fresh and wine, weighty and stonefruit flavours, melon, lime and green rounded, with good praised it as ‘big,youthful, with good complex. Light yellow, gently seasoned with capsicum flavours that intensity and a tightly sweaty’; and the thirdacid spine and a finely with concentrated, toasty oak, and a build to a long finish. structured, fresh, long found it ‘rich, ripe...balanced finish. $27 ripe apricot and slightly creamy texture. One judge found it finish. $27 with nice texture andPalliser Estate spice flavours, $22 ‘vegetal’, but another Vidal Reserve length’. $20Methode showing excellent Esk Valley celebrated its ‘fresh, Marlborough DashwoodTraditionnelle depth and harmony, Gimblett Gravels pure, tomato-vine and Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough2010 HHHH gentle acidity, slight Hawke's Bay basil’ aromas’ and 2015 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon BlancPale gold, with a toastiness and a well- Verdelho ‘concentrated palate’. Lifted, herbaceous 2015 HHHHfragrant, toasty rounded, dryish finish. 2015 HHHH Fine value. $18 bouquet, with melon Mouthfilling, aromaticbouquet. Strong, $25 Mouthfilling, dry wine Brightwater and asparagus notes. and lively, with goodpeachy, yeasty (4.6 grams/litre residual Vineyards Lord Weighty, with a varietal character andflavours, showing sugar), with ripe, citrusy, Rutherford slightly salty streak and fresh melon, limegood complexity, limey flavours to the Barrique Nelson vibrant, green-edged and green capsicumand a creamy, dryish, fore, fresh and lively, Sauvignon Blanc flavours, showing flavours that lingerlingering finish. Enjoyed and a very subtle oak 2015 HHHH1/2 excellent intensity, well. $18by all judges. $49 influence (40 per cent Fleshy, mouthfilling delicacy and length. GoldwaterOsawa Prestige barrel-fermented). wine, fermented with $20 MarlboroughCollection Methode Worth cellaring. $20 indigenous yeasts Villa Maria Single Sauvignon BlancTraditionnelle (UK). and lees-aged for six Vineyard Graham 2015 HHHHNV HHHH Villa Maria Cellar months in French Marlborough Strongly varietal,Fragrant, complex Selection Hawke's oak casks. Rich and Sauvignon Blanc medium-bodied styleHawke's Bay wine, Bay Arneis harmonious, with 2015 HHHH1/2 with tangy melon/from equal portions 2015 HHHH strong, tropical fruit Grown in the lower lime flavours, a hintof chardonnay and Lively, aromatic, flavours, fresh and Awatere Valley, this is of passionfruit, andpinot noir, grown strongly varietal wine generous. (One judge a freshly herbaceous a finely balanced,at Maraekakaho. with good intensity scored it five stars.) $30 wine, highly aromatic, lingering finish. $21Attractively scented, of fresh, tropical fruit Stoneleigh Rapaura with melon and green Grove Millwith crisp, lively, flavours and a crisp, Series Marlborough capsicum flavours, Marlboroughcitrusy, yeasty, slightly dry, persistent finish. Sauvignon Blanc showing excellent Sauvignon Blanctoasty flavours, Good value. $18 2015 HHHH1/2 focus and length. $30 2015 HHHHshowing good Tasty and tangy, this Babich Black Label Mouthfilling, rich andintensity. $60 sauvignon blanc vigorous, medium- Marlborough lively, in a fleshy, bodied wine has good Sauvignon Blanc sweet-fruited style Coopers Creek TerraVin Te Ahu intensity of melon, 2015 HHHH with vibrant melon and Select 2012 HHHHH grapefruit and green Designed for on- capsicum flavours that Vineyards VBBAEULSYUTSE Here’s proof that capsicum flavours, premise consumption, linger well. $22 Bell-Ringer Marlborough sauvignon with a slightly oily this is a bold, highly Stoneleigh Gisborne Albariño blanc can age well for texture and flinty notes aromatic wine with Marlborough 2015 HHHH several years. Hand- adding complexity. $28 good weight and Sauvignon Blanc Freshly aromatic, picked and fermented Villa Maria concentration of 2015 HHHH medium-bodied wine with indigenous yeasts Reserve Clifford vibrant passionfruit, Lively, with strong with strong, lemony, in French oak casks, Bay Marlborough melon and capsicum passionfruit, melon and peachy, flavours, this is a fleshy, nutty, Sauvignon Blanc flavours, woven with capsicum flavours, in an appetising acidity and mouthfilling wine with 2015 HHHH1/2 appetising acidity. $25 intensely varietal style good vigour. One judge concentrated, ripe Full-flavoured, with (A, UK, US) with a slightly salty note praised its ‘great lift and tropical fruit flavours, fresh, crisp, tropical Brancott Estate and a refreshing, crisp purity’. $25 (A, UK, US) rich, toasty and fruit flavours to the Letter Series B and persistent finish. complex, and a finely fore, a herbaceous Marlborough $17 Coopers Creek textured, long finish. undercurrent, and Sauvignon Blanc Select Vineyards $40 (UK) excellent balance and 2015 HHHH Cook Country length. Described by Mouthfilling, crisp Gisborne Viognier one judge as ‘chalky’ and dry, with good 2015 HHHH and ‘minerally’. $27 weight and depth of Pale, weighty and dry, fresh, ripe, tropical with peachy, spicy fruit flavours, a touch flavours, showing of complexity, and a good concentration slightly creamy, long and balance, a hint of finish. Enjoyed by all apricot, and a lifted, panellists. $33 floral bouquet. $25140 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandSupper Club Mount Brown Spy Valley Pegasus Bay Brancott Estate pinot grisMarlborough Waipara Sauvignon Marlborough Waipara Valley Letter Series PSauvignon Blanc Blanc 2015 HHHH Riesling Riesling Marlborough Bellbird Spring2015 HHHH Fresh and lively, with 2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH Gewurztraminer Sous Voile NVGrown at Dillons Point herbaceous aromas Richly scented, with Mouthfilling, 2015 HHHH (500ml) HHHHHand Rapaura, in the and flavours, showing fresh, citrusy flavours medium style with Highly perfumed, This pale gold WaiparaWairau Valley, this is good acidity, balance and an off-dry finish. concentrated, peachy, strongly varietal wine pinot gris wasfine value. The bouquet and length. Sharply Slightly peachy and spicy flavours and a with fresh, pure, fermented to drynessis fresh, aromatic priced. $15 (UK) honeyed, with good hint of botrytis. One well-spiced flavours. and matured for fourand limey; the palate Seifried Nelson concentration. $23 (A, judge rated it five stars. Mouthfilling, with a years in old oak barrels.lively, juicy and well Sauvignon Blanc UK, US) $30 (A, UK, US) lush, oily texture and a Full of personality,balanced, with ripely 2015 HHHH Stoneleigh Ceres Black Rabbit gently sweet finish. $33 it is high in alcoholherbaceous flavours, Very fresh and lively, Marlborough Central Otago Spy Valley (15.5 alc/vol), but notthreaded with tangy with tropical fruit and Riesling Riesling Marlborough fortified, with mature,acidity. $15 herbaceous flavours, 2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH Gewurztraminer peachy, nutty, yeastyVidal Estate showing good acidity Enjoyed by all judges, Fresh, light-bodied, 2014 HHHH flavours, showingMarlborough and intensity. Enjoyed this is a scented, distinctly medium style Weighty, with strong, excellent intensity andSauvignon Blanc by all judges and priced youthful wine with (30 grams/litre residual peachy, spicy flavours. complexity. One judge2015 HHHH right. $18 (UK, US) fresh, crisp, citrusy, sugar), with strong Floral and gingery, with praised it as ‘greatBargain-priced, this slightly limey flavours, lemon/lime flavours substantial body and wine’. $40 (A)is a medium-bodied, riesling showing very good and racy acidity, grown slightly toasty, bottle- Mount Brownstrongly varietal wine sugar/acid balance and at Bannockburn. aged notes emerging. Grand Reservewith strong melon, Terrace Edge Liquid depth. Tightly focused, Pale, vivacious and $23 (A, UK) Waipara Pinot Grislime and capsicum Geography Waipara it should unfold well. harmonious. “Mosel- Seifried Nelson 2015 HHHHHflavours. Sweet-fruited, Valley Riesling $17 like,” enthused one Gewurztraminer Mouthfilling, fleshy,with good freshness, 2014 HHHHH Tupari Marlborough judge. $23 (UK) 2015 HHHH richly varietal wine,balance and length. Perfumed, zesty, very Dry Riesling Mission Hawke's Richly perfumed, partly barrel-$16 lively wine with rich, 2013 HHHH Bay Riesling mouthfilling, strongly fermented. Fragrant,Villa Maria Single peachy, gently sweet, Toasty, bottle-aged 2015 HHHH varietal wine with lush bouquet, withVineyard Taylors slightly honeyed style from the Awatere Single-vineyard pear, lychee and spice deep, ripe, peachy,Pass Marlborough flavours, a touch of Valley, with crisp, wine, showing good flavours, showing very spicy flavours and aSauvignon Blanc marmalade, and a dryish, lemon/lime intensity. Aromatic, good delicacy and crisp, slightly sweet,2015 HHHH finely balanced, lasting flavours, showing good with strong, ripe, richness, and a finely very harmoniousLively, aromatic, finish. (Hand-picked complexity. $29 (A, UK) citrusy flavours and a textured, off-dry finish. finish. ‘Alsace style,’lingering wine from with 20% noble Palliser Estate finely balanced, off-dry, Fine value. $18 enthused one judge.the Awatere Valley, botrytis.) $20 Martinborough lingering finish. Fine (UK, US) $20with melon and green Neudorf Moutere Riesling value. $18 (UK) Askerne Dashwoodcapsicum flavours, Dry Riesling 2015 HHHH Hawke's Bay Marlborough Pinotfresh, nettley and 2015 HHHH1/2 Instantly attractive, gewürztraminer Gewurztraminer Gris 2015 HHHH1/2punchy. $30 Elegant, floral, tightly finely perfumed wine 2015 HHHH Slightly honeyedMartinborough structured young with fresh, citrusy, Mission Gently perfumed, bouquet, withVineyard Te Tera wine with good limey, slightly sweet Hawke's Bay mouthfilling, well- hints of pear, appleSauvignon Blanc acid spine and very flavours that linger well. Gewurztraminer rounded wine, in an and quince. Good2015 HHHH delicate, citrusy, Skilfully balanced for 2015 HHHH1/2 easy-drinking style freshness, weightFreshly aromatic, peachy, limey flavours early enjoyment, but Mouthfilling, medium- with a gentle splash of and concentration, inweighty wine with that linger well. One also worth cellaring. dry style (15 grams/litre sweetness (11 grams/ a tightly structured,ripe, tropical fruit and judge praised it as a $23 (UK) residual sugar), with litre residual sugar), youthful style with aherbaceous flavours. ‘delicious keeper’ and Brightwater fresh, youthful, well- plenty of ripe, citrusy, finely textured, lengthyClearly varietal, with scored it five stars. $27 Vineyards Nelson spiced flavours, lively spicy flavour, and finish. $19good body, balance and Dashwood Riesling acidity and a richly excellent harmony. Vavasourlength. $18 (A) Marlborough 2015 HHHH perfumed bouquet. $22 Marlborough PinotMount Brown Riesling Lively, youthful, Bargain-priced. Gris 2015 HHHH1/2Estates Grand 2015 HHHH aromatic wine with $18 (UK) Fleshy and finelyReserve Waipara Floral, medium-bodied, concentrated, citrusy, Giesen The textured, withSauvignon Blanc reasonably dry but limey flavours, hints of Brothers concentrated, peachy,2015 HHHH not austere style, apricot and nectarine, Marlborough spicy flavours, gentleFreshly aromatic, vibrantly fruity. Finely and a slightly sweet, Gewurztraminer sweetness and anbarrel-fermented balanced acidity, with mouth-wateringly crisp 2014 HHHH1/2 invitingly scentedwine with mouthfilling citrusy, limey flavours, finish. Enjoyed by all Exotically perfumed bouquet. $23body and a blend of showing very good judges. $20 and fleshy, withtropical fruit and lively, delicacy and depth. concentrated, gentlycut-grass flavours that $19 sweet lychee and spicelinger well. $20 (UK) flavours and a slightly oily richness. $33 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 141

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandNeudorf Moutere chardonnay Esk Valley Villa Maria Reserve Clearview Villa Maria SinglePinot Gris Winemakers Hawke's Bay Beachhead Vineyard Taylors2015 HHHH1/2 Reserve Hawke's Chardonnay Hawke's Bay Pass MarlboroughFull-bodied, dryish Bay Chardonnay 2015 HHHHH Chardonnay Chardonnaystyle. Vibrant, citrusy, 2015 HHHHH Elegant, youthful wine, 2015 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHHpeachy, slightly spicy Highly fragrant, with a grown mostly (73%) Fragrant, with ripe, Elegant, fruit-focusedflavours, showing hint of ‘struck match’, in the Lyons vineyard, sweet fruit and style, slightly minerallyexcellent delicacy this classy wine was in the Gimblett creamy oak aromas. and mealy, withand depth, with a grown at two sites Gravels, and barrel- Mouthfilling, with rich, lemon, apple and spicetouch of complexity in northern Hawke's fermented (French, peachy, slightly spicy flavours to the fore,(25% fermentation Bay (including the Esk 45% new). Slightly flavours and smoky and a subtle seasoningin old puncheons), a Valley home block), smoky bouquet, with notes adding complexity. of oak. Fragrant, freshminerally streak and a and fermented and ripe, grapefruit-like Weighty, finely textured and lingering. $35long finish. Praised by matured for 11 months flavours, showing and lingering. Great Te Kairangaone judge as ‘calm and in French oak barriques excellent delicacy value. $27 Martinboroughcontrolled’. $29 (30% new). Elegant and and complexity. Osawa Winemakers Chardonnay weighty, it is youthful, Tightly structured Collection Hawke's 2014 HHHHStoneleigh with rich, peachy, citrusy and refreshing, with Bay Chardonnay Mouthfilling andMarlborough Pinot and mealy flavours, obvious cellaring 2014 HHHH1/2 fleshy, with goodGris 2015 HHHH impressive complexity potential. $32 Rich, creamy style, weight and depth ofAromatic and full- and a sustained finish. Villa Maria Single grown at Maraekakaho. ripe, gently oakedbodied, with very good Well worth cellaring. $32 Vineyard Keltern Fragrant, mealy flavours, showing someintensity of pear/spice (UK, US) Hawke's Bay bouquet, showing a complexity. Fresh andflavours, fresh and Greenhough Hope Chardonnay hint of maturity. Softly vibrantly fruity, withfinely balanced. Good Vineyard Nelson 2015 HHHHH textured, with a long, good harmony. $24value. $17 Chardonnay Powerful, with full palate. Praised by Pegasus Bay 2014 HHHHH youthful, vibrant, one judge as “very Virtuoso WaiparaPalliser Estate Askerne Reserve Refined, subtle wine, citrusy, peachy tasty!”. $85 Valley ChardonnayMartinborough Hawke's Bay with pure, penetrating, flavours, well- Spy Valley 2013 HHHHPinot Gris Chardonnay citrusy flavours, gently integrated oak (French, Marlborough Still youthful, with2015 HHHH 2014 HHHHH seasoned with oak and 35% new) and a long Chardonnay strong, grapefruit-likeFleshy, weighty wine Fleshy, rich wine, lovely freshness, drive finish. Slightly smoky 2014 HHHH flavours, balanced oak,with generous, ripe hand-picked and and complexity. Tightly notes add complexity. Elegant, sharply and good drive throughlychee, pear and barrel-fermented (45% structured, intense and Weighty, fresh, intense priced wine, with the palate. Rich andspice flavours, fresh, new). Weighty and well worth cellaring. $36 and tightly structured, strong, vibrant, citrusy complex. $50 (A, UK)slightly sweet and well- well-rounded, with with a long future flavours, hints of Babich Irongaterounded. $28 (UK) concentrated, citrusy, ahead. $40 (UK) butterscotch, hazelnuts ChardonnayRenato Nelson slightly spicy and nutty and vanilla adding 2014 HHHHPinot Gris flavours, showing Mount Riley complexity, and a crisp, Elegant, estate-grown,2015 HHHH excellent complexity Seventeen Valley tightly structured, Gimblett GravelsFleshy, with ripe pear, and depth. $30 Marlborough finely balanced finish. wine. Vibrant, ripe,lychee and spice Crossroads Chardonnay $23 (A) grapefruit-like flavoursflavours, showing Winemakers 2014 HHHHH Vavasour to the fore, with subtleexcellent vibrancy and Collection Hawke's Complex, mealy Marlborough mealy notes anddepth, and an off-dry, Bay Chardonnay bouquet, with peachy, Chardonnay well-integrated oakrounded finish. $20 2014 HHHHH biscuity notes. Fleshy 2014 HHHH adding complexity,Sherwood Fine, elegant style, and full-bodied, with Creamy bouquet. lively acidity and goodSignature Family weighty, with a slightly generous depth Fleshy and full-bodied, harmony. $37Waipara Pinot Gris smoky bouquet and of peachy, citrusy with concentrated, Clearview Coastal2015 HHHH fresh, vibrant peach flavours, well- toasty, sweetly oaked Hawke's BayAromatic, fleshy and grapefruit flavours. integrated oak and a flavours, showing good Chardonnaywine, partly barrel- Tightly structured, with long, finely textured complexity, texture and 2015 HHHHfermented, with a long finish. Youthful finish. $31 (A, US) richness. $31 Elegant, partly barrel-strongly varietal wine, well worth Villa Maria Reserve fermented style,pear/spice flavours, cellaring. $40 (A) Te Kairanga Marlborough grown at Te Awanga.woven with fresh John Martin Chardonnay Fresh and finelyacidity. Shows good Mills Reef Elspeth Martinborough 2014 HHHH poised, with strong,complexity, with an Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay Fleshy and ripe, ripe, citrusy flavoursoff-dry, finely textured Hawke's Bay 2014 HHHH1/2 with strong, citrusy, and considerablefinish. $19 (A) Chardonnay Elegant, full-bodied and gently oaked flavours, complexity. Fine value. 2014 HHHHH sweet-fruited wine, showing some toasty, $19Askerne Hawke's Fragrant, tightly with generous, vibrant savoury complexity.Bay Pinot Gris structured wine with fruit flavours to the fore Tightly structured wine,2015 HHHH vibrant, ripe fruit and and a gentle seasoning crisp, finely texturedSoft and generous, toasty oak aromas, of French oak (15% and lingering. $32in a finely textured showing good new). Slightly butterystyle with mouthfilling complexity. Minerally, notes, with goodbody, concentrated, slightly flinty palate, with weight, texture andpeachy flavours, gentle crisp, citrusy flavours, a length. $37sweetness, and a hint of nuts and a long,floral, slightly honeyed refined finish. $41and toasty bouquet.$22142 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandCoopers Creek Mission Jewelstone rosé pinot noir Villa Maria Single Brancott EstateSV Limeworks Hawke's Bay Vineyard Taylors Letter Series THawke's Bay Chardonnay Stoneleigh Palliser Estate Pass Marlborough Marlborough PinotChardonnay 2015 HHHH Marlborough Martinborough Pinot Noir Noir 2014 HHHH2015 HHHH Powerful, rich Pinot Noir Rosé Pinot Noir 2013 HHHHH Ruby hued, withVibrantly fruity style, wine with a hint 2015 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHHH Lovely, youthful, vibrant plum, cherryfully barrel-fermented of butterscotch, Highly scented, pale Invitingly floral, with fruit-packed red, and spice flavours,(American, 50% hand-picked, barrel- pink wine, mouthfilling, good backbone, this deeply coloured, showing goodnew). Fresh, tightly fermented (French, with generous bright ruby, savoury with rich, vibrant, complexity. Savourystructured and 26% new) and lees- strawberry and spice red has deep, ripe, plummy flavours and a and slightly earthymoderately complex, aged for 10 months. flavours and a dryish cherryish, plummy, finely textured finish. style, with ripe, sweet-with a nutty oak Weighty, with ripe, finish. Floral and finely spicy flavours. Weighty, savoury and fruit flavours, goodinfluence and very grapefruit-like flavours, textured, with good Finely perfumed, persistent. $55 supporting oak and agood depth, vigour and finely integrated oak, a weight and length. Top concentrated and Pegasus Bay lengthy finish. $33harmony. $25 slightly creamy texture value. $17 harmonious, it was Waipara Valley Jackson EstateCoopers Creek and a lengthy finish. Mount Riley praised as ‘very sexy’ Pinot Noir Vintage WidowSwamp Reserve $40 (A, UK) Limited Release by one judge. $54 (A, 2013 HHHH1/2 Marlborough PinotHawke's Bay Te Awa Single The Bonnie UK, US) Mouthfilling red with a Noir 2013 HHHHChardonnay Estate Hawke's Bay Marlborough Pinot Te Kairanga core of ripe, cherryish, Deeply coloured,2014 HHHH Chardonnay Noir Rosé Runholder plummy flavours. with a fragrantPowerful, rich style, 2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH Martinborough Concentrated, savoury bouquet, mouthfillingfermented in French Full-bodied, youthful Fresh, pink, mouthfilling Pinot Noir and complex, with a body, and generousoak casks (40% wine, fermented in rosé with strong, 2014 HHHHH rich, finely textured cherry, plum andnew) and given a full, French oak hogsheads dry strawberry and Deep ruby, savoury finish. $49 (A, UK, US) spice flavours. Goodsoftening malolactic and lees-aged for 10 watermelon flavours. wine, floral and Renato Nelson richness, structure andfermentation. Pale months. Grapefruit-like Some ‘light red’ notes, sweet-fruited, with Pinot Noir complexity, with a longgold, with sweet-fruit flavours, with a subtle but enjoyed by all excellent depth of 2014 HHHH1/2 finish. $36 (A, UK, US)flavours, a strong oak influence, smoky judges. $18 (US) plummy, spicy flavour, Weighty, savoury, Saint Clair Pioneerseasoning of toasty notes, good acid spine Church Road good complexity, a sweet-fruited red, Block 10 Twinoak and a creamy- and excellent depth. Hawke's Bay real sense of youthful hand-harvested at Kina Hills Omaka Valleytextured, lengthy Best drinking mid- Rosé 2016 HHHH vigour, gentle tannins at over 24 brix and Marlborough Pinotfinish. $39 (UK) 2017+. $25 Bright pink, full-bodied and impressive length. matured in French oak Noir 2014 HHHHEsk Valley Hawke's Tiki Single wine, fragrant and Fine value. $34 barriques (25% new). Weighty, generous,Bay Chardonnay Vineyard Hawke's fresh, with vibrant Te Kairanga Fragrant and finely finely textured red,2015 HHHH Bay Chardonnay berry and spice John Martin textured, with hints of deeply coloured,This generous, sweet- 2014 HHHH flavours, a hint of Martinborough dried herbs and good with rich, ripe cherry/fruited wine offers Fresh and finely watermelon and a Pinot Noir tannin support. Fine plum flavours, well-great value. Fully balanced, with strong, dryish finish. $20 2014 HHHHH value. $25 integrated oak andbarrel-fermented (15% grapefruit-like flavours Clearview Black Powerful, fleshy, Terrace Edge an invitingly fragrantnew), it is mouthfilling, and a subtle seasoning Reef Blush savoury red with Waipara Valley bouquet. $38with grapefruit and of oak (French, 40% 2016 HHHH deep, bright colour. Pinot Noir Saint Clair Pioneerpeach flavours, a subtle new). Elegant style, Instantly appealing Barrique-matured for 2012 HHHH1/2 Block 16 Awatereseasoning of oak, fresh with very good vigour Hawke's Bay wine, a year, it has highly Deeply coloured Marlborough Pinotacidity and a slightly and depth. $23 with chambourcin, a concentrated plum, and fragrant, with Noir 2014 HHHHmealy, finely textured Villa Maria Cellar well-regarded French cherry and spice generous plum/spice Showing goodfinish. $20 (UK) Selection Hawke's hybrid, contributing flavours, a good flavours, showing good personality, this is aMission Hawke's Bay Chardonnay bright pink/pale foundation of tannin complexity, and a long sweet-fruited red withBay Chardonnay 2015 HHHH red colour. Fleshy and a lasting finish. finish. Drinking well a smoky, savoury,2015 HHHH Bargain-priced, this and vibrantly fruity, Well worth cellaring. now. Sharply priced. $30 oak-influenced bouquetSkilfully crafted, with a refined, youthful wine with fresh, berryish, $49 (A, UK) Babich (barrique-aged, 38 perslightly buttery bouquet, was almost entirely plummy flavours and Villa Maria Reserve Winemakers’ cent new). Mouthfillingthis full-bodied wine (95%) fermented in a smooth, long finish. Marlborough Pinot Reserve and supple, it hashas peachy, slightly French oak barrels $21 Noir 2013 HHHHH Marlborough Pinot strong plum, spicetoasty flavours, showing (25% new). Instantly Refined, deep ruby Noir 2014 HHHH1/2 and dried herbexcellent depth and appealing, it is red, mouthfilling Deep ruby, with flavours, with someharmony. “Long and fragrant, fresh and and generous, with generous, ripe cherry, ‘funky’ notes addingfine,” noted one judge. finely balanced, with concentrated, youthful plum, spice and dried complexity. $38 (US)Great value. $18 ripe, citrusy, biscuity flavours and fine- herb flavours. Fragrant Shelter Bay(A, UK) flavours, showing good grained tannins. Rich, and finely textured, Marlborough Pinot complexity, a hint of savoury, finely textured with oak complexity Noir 2014 HHHH ‘struck match’ and a and long. $50 and good structure Deeply coloured, finely textured, dry and richness. $35 generous red with finish. $18 concentrated, youthful, plummy flavours and a tight, firm finish. (From Jackson Estate.) $20 (A) Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 143

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandVavasour Brightwater Rockburn Central Akarua Central Nanny Goat Bald Hills SingleMarlborough Pinot Vineyards Lord Otago Pinot Noir Otago Pinot Noir Vineyard Central Vineyard CentralNoir 2013 HHHH Rutherford Nelson 2014 HHHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 Otago Pinot Noir Otago Pinot NoirFinely textured, Pinot Noir Silky-textured, this is Deep ruby, youthful 2015 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHHmouthfilling red with 2014 HHHH an elegant, enticingly Bannockburn red with Generous, deep ruby Deep ruby, vibrantlysweet-fruit delights, Full ruby, with strong, floral red with strong, ripe plum red with fresh, strong, fruity red with fresh,vibrant cherry/plum ripe plum, spice and concentrated, ripe and spice flavours, ripe plum, cherry and youthful plum andflavours, integrated dried herb flavours, cherry and red berry a subtle seasoning spice flavours, showing dried herb flavours,oak, supple tannins and seasoned with smoky flavours, spicy oak of oak, fine-grained good complexity. gently seasoned witha long finish. $31 oak (16 months in and refined tannins. tannins and a floral Refined wine, weighty oak (French, 25%Villa Maria French barriques), ‘Great wine that needs bouquet. Rich, velvety and harmonious, with new), and a floralSingle Vineyard excellent complexity aging,’ enthused one and lingering. $42 fine-grained tannins bouquet. $45Attorney Organic and a firm finish. $40 judge. $50 (A, UK, US) Lowburn Ferry and obvious potential. Ballasalla CentralMarlborough Pinot Greenhough Hope Terra Sancta Home Block Enjoyed by all judges. Otago Pinot NoirNoir 2013 HHHH Vineyard Nelson Jackson’s Block Central Otago $36 (A, UK, US) 2014 HHHHConcentrated style, Pinot Noir Central Otago Pinot Noir Akarua Rua Central From Folding Hill,mouthfilling and very 2014 HHHH Pinot Noir 2014 HHHH1/2 Otago Pinot Noir at Bendigo, this is adeeply coloured, with Ruby hued, elegant, 2014 HHHHH Elegant style with 2015 HHHH generous, smooth reddeep, ripe cherry, plum savoury red, with Elegant, youthful good weight, fresh, Bright ruby, with ripe fruit flavours,and spice flavours and fragrant, cherry/spice Bannockburn red, still complex, well-ripened mouthfilling red with silky tannins and finelya firm finish. Described flavours, showing very fresh and vibrant, cherry and dried herb very good depth of integrated oak. $32 (UK)by one judge as excellent complexity, with strong plum and flavours and a refined plum, berry, spice Bannock Brae‘slightly stern’, but and a firm, lengthy spice flavours and tannin structure. One and herb flavours, Central Otagoanother as ‘rich, ripe, finish. Best drinking fine-grained tannins. judge scored it five ripe, supple tannins Pinot Noirbalanced’. $55 2017+. $45 Perfumed, complex stars. $55 (A, UK, US) and a lingering finish. 2014 HHHHVilla Maria Single Kina Cliffs Reserve and rich, with obvious Terra Sancta Estate Delicious in its Fragrant, savouryVineyard Southern Nelson Pinot Noir cellaring potential. Bannockburn youth, but also worth red, estate-grown atClays Marlborough 2012 HHHH $49 (A) Central Otago cellaring. $28 Bannockburn, withPinot Noir Powerful, savoury red, Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir Akitu A2 Central strong, ripe cherry,2012 HHHH with very generous Skeleton Creek 2014 HHHH1/2 Otago Pinot Noir plum, herb and spiceRefined, elegant red plum and dried herb Central Otago Savoury, full-coloured, 2014 HHHH flavours. Concentrated,with rich cherry, plum, flavours, showing good Pinot Noir ageworthy red, based Savoury and ageworthy wine, withdried herb and spice complexity, and a finely 2014 HHHH1/2 partly on the district’s concentrated, with good tannin support.flavours, showing textured, lingering finish. Deep ruby, mouthfilling oldest vines, planted deep ruby colour, Enjoyed by all judges.excellent vigour and Maturing well. $45 red with concentrated in 1991. Concentrated, strong, ripe red berry, $60 (A)length. $55 Neudorf Tom’s cherry/plum flavours, with ripe cherry, plum spice and dried herb BannockbraeMartinborough Block Moutere seasoned with smoky and spice flavours, oak- flavours, integrated Goldfields CentralVineyard Te Tera Pinot Noir oak, firm, ripe tannins derived complexity, oak and finely balanced Otago Pinot NoirPinot Noir 2014 HHHH and excellent aging and a well-structured tannins. Well worth 2014 HHHH2014 HHHH Bright, full ruby. potential. Full, rich, finish. “Rich, opulent,” cellaring. (From Generous, vibrantlyOffering good value, Generous and sweet- well-structured style, still enthused one judge. Hawkesbury Estates.) fruity red from thethis mouthfilling, fruited, with youthful very youthful. $45 (A) $36 (A, UK) $40 (UK, US) estate vineyard atsavoury and supple cherry, plum and spice Bannockburn andred was matured for flavours, earthy notes neighbouring sites.10 months in French adding complexity, and Strong, plummy, spicyoak barriques (10% a finely textured, long flavours, with a hintnew). Bright ruby, it finish. $33 of licorice and goodhas ripe, plummy, spicy tannin backbone.flavours, showing good Youthful wine; bestfreshness, vigour and drinking 2018+. Onecomplexity. $29 (A, UK) judge scored it fiveThe Elder stars. $30 (A)Martinborough Ellero Pisa TerracePinot Noir Central Otago2013 HHHH Pinot NoirSavoury, slightly 2014 HHHHearthy style, with Certified organic, thisgood ripeness and is a rich, silky-smoothcomplexity. Cherry, red with deep plumspice and dried herb and spice flavours, anflavours, showing earthy streak and goodexcellent balance and complexity. Highlydepth. $62 (A) approachable; drink now or cellar. $40144 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandFifth Bridge Central Thornbury Central merlot & blends Te Awa Single Saint Clair Linden EstateOtago Pinot Noir Otago Pinot Noir Estate Hawke's Bay Pioneer Block 17 Reserve Hawke's2014 HHHH 2015 HHHH Villa Maria Merlot Cabernet Plateau Gimblett Bay MerlotFloral, mouthfilling red, Mouthfilling, sweet- Cellar Selection Sauvignon Gravels Hawke's 2014 HHHHgrown in the Cromwell fruited and supple Hawke's Bay 2014 HHHHH Bay Merlot Weighty, generous red,Basin and barrel-aged red, with ripe cherry Merlot Cabernet Dark, elegant blend of 2014 HHHH1/2 estate-grown in thefor 10 months. Plum, and spice flavours, Sauvignon merlot and cabernet Powerful, fragrant, Esk Valley and Frenchspice and dried herb showing a touch of 2014 HHHHH sauvignon, French oak- youthful red, estate- oak-matured. Savoury,flavours, showing complexity, gentle Dark, youthful blend of aged for 20 months. grown and matured in with ripe plum/spiceexcellent ripeness tannins and excellent merlot (60%), cabernet Rich blackcurrant, American oak (43% flavours, hints ofand depth, and a harmony. “Enticing,” sauvignon (32%) and plum and spice new). Deeply coloured, licorice and tar, andmoderately firm finish. wrote one judge. Fine cabernet franc (8%), flavours, with savoury, with red berry, plum, good complexity and(From Ceres.) $28 (UK) value. $25 matured for 20 months earthy notes adding spice, licorice and concentration. $48 (A)Folding Hill Central Thornbury Central in French oak barriques complexity and ripe, nut flavours, gentle Mission ReserveOtago Pinot Noir Otago Pinot Noir (15% new). Vibrantly supple tannins. Well tannins, and excellent Hawke's Bay2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH fruity, with strong, worth cellaring. $30 weight, ripeness and Merlot 2014 HHHHSingle-vineyard Deeply coloured, very pure plum/spice richness. “Lots to Generous red from theBendigo red, fruit-packed style with flavours, silky tannins Babich Winemakers like,” enthused one Gimblett Gravels, withfull-coloured, strong cherry, plum and a lasting finish. Reserve Hawke's judge. $38 plum, spice and nuttywith mouthfilling and herb flavours Finely balanced and Bay Merlot Vidal Reserve oak flavours, showingbody, sweet-fruit and a sense of approachable. Great 2014 HHHH1/2 Gimblett Gravels good complexity andflavours, good tannin youthful vigour. Rich, value. $18 (US) Finely poised, savoury Hawke's Bay harmony. Weighty,support and some with some earthy Villa Maria red, grown in the Merlot Cabernet ripe and rich. $25savoury complexity. complexity. Bargain- Reserve Gimblett Gimblett Gravels. Sauvignon (A, UK)“Approachable style, priced. $25 Gravels Hawke's Deep ruby, with 2014 HHHH1/2 Saint Clair Hawke'swith substance,” Tiki Koro Central Bay Merlot concentrated, ripe Bargain-priced, dark Bay Merlotenthused one judge. Otago Pinot Noir 2014 HHHHH flavours, showing very blend of merlot (64%), 2014 HHHH$45 (UK) 2014 HHHH Built for cellaring, good complexity, and cabernet sauvignon Floral, deeplyRuru Central Otago Drinking well now, this this classy, dark, the structure to age (25%), malbec (10%) coloured, single-Pinot Noir rich, finely balanced red very youthful red is well. (One judge scored and cabernet franc vineyard Gimblett2014 HHHH was grown at Wanaka. concentrated and it five stars.) $30 (1%), matured for 20 Gravels red, AmericanSharply priced, Mouthfilling and full- firmly structured, with months in French oak oak-matured.top value red from coloured, it has cherry, rich, beautifully ripe Coopers Creek barrels (25% new). Mouthfilling, with ripeImmigrant’s Vineyard, plum, dried herb and red and black berry SV Gravels and Fragrant and youthful, blackcurrant, plumat Alexandra. Deep spice flavours, well- fruit flavours, seasoned Metals Hawke's with strong, ripe berry, and spice flavours,ruby, with generous, integrated oak and a with spicy oak. Bay Merlot Malbec plum, spice and dried showing someyouthful berry and floral bouquet. $33 (UK) Weighty, dense and 2014 HHHH1/2 herb flavours, and a savoury complexity,dried herb flavours, Wooing Tree complex, with obvious Youthful, purple/black fresh, lengthy finish. and soft tannins.showing good vigour, Central Otago potential. $50 (UK) blend of merlot (77%) $20 Praised by one judgeand some savoury Pinot Noir Villa Maria and malbec (23%). Clearview Cape as “moreish”. $25complexity. $24 2013 HHHH Single Vineyard Concentrated plum and Kidnappers Villa Maria PrivateSoho McQueen Bright ruby, youthful Braided Gravels spice flavours, with a Hawke's Bay Bin Hawke's BayCentral Otago red with strong, vibrant Gimblett Gravels hint of licorice, a strong, Merlot Merlot 2015 HHHHPinot Noir cherry/plum flavours, Organic Merlot sweet oak influence 2015 HHHH Deeply coloured, firm,2014 HHHH gently seasoned with 2013 HHHHH and a long, soft finish. Finely textured, youthful red, withStill youthful, this oak (French, 30% Maturing very gracefully Praised by one judge ageworthy, merlot- strong, ripe plum/spicefloral, full-coloured, new). Savoury and firm, and still youthful, this as “full-bored”. $25 based red, with 10% flavours. Rich, with amouthfilling wine has with good potential. $48 densely coloured red (A, UK) malbec. Weighty, with subtle oak influencerich, vibrant plum and (A, UK) has concentrated, strong, ripe plum and and soft tannins.spice flavours, with ripe, slightly nutty Esk Valley spice flavours, a hint Bargain-priced. $16good tannin backbone. and leathery flavours, Winemakers of fruit cake, cedary (UK)Best drinking 2018+. showing impressive Reserve oak in evidence, and Spy ValleyOne judge scored it complexity, and very Gimblett Gravels good richness and Marlboroughfive stars. $50 (A, UK) fine-grained tannins. Merlot Malbec roundness. $19 Merlot MalbecTerra Sancta Weighty, rich and long, it Cabernet Franc Coopers Creek 2013 HHHHMysterious should be long-lived. $60 2014 HHHH1/2 Hawke's Bay Deeply coloured,Diggings Central Powerful, concentrated Merlot 2013 HHHH with concentratedOtago Pinot Noir blend of merlot Elegant, medium- blackcurrant, plum and2014 HHHH (54%) with malbec bodied style with spice flavours. SlightlyEstate-grown, (31%), cabernet franc plenty of fresh, ripe peppery notes, withBannockburn red (10%) and cabernet berry, plum, spice and barrel-aged complexitywith ripe, sweet sauvignon (5%), nut flavour, supple and a firmly structuredfruit flavours, fungal, estate-grown in the tannins, and a finely finish. $23earthy notes and good Gimblett Gravels balanced, lingeringcomplexity. Structured and matured for 18 finish. Good value.and ageworthy. $26 (A) months in French oak $20 barriques (40% new). Very full-bodied, with a strong surge of ripe dark berry and plum flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, supple tannins, and a rich, rounded finish. $60 (UK) Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 145

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandcabernet sauvignon Clearview Old Saint Clair Hawke's Coopers Creek SV syrah Villa Maria Cellar& blends Olive Block 2014 Bay Gimblett Guido in Velvet Selection Hawke's HHHH1/2 Gravels Cabernet Pants Huapai Church Road Bay SyrahVidal Legacy Bold, youthful, Merlot 2014 HHHH Montepulciano McDonald Series 2014 HHHHHGimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay blend of Boldly coloured 2014 HHHH Hawke's Bay Syrah Instantly appealing,Hawke's Bay cabernet sauvignon blend of cabernet Generous, supple, 2014 HHHHH deliciously rich andCabernet (73%), merlot (21%) sauvignon (84%) vibrantly fruity West Bold, dense colour, smooth-flowing red.Sauvignon and malbec (6%). and merlot (16%), Auckland red with with a fragrant bouquet Grown in the Gimblett2014 HHHHH Blackcurrant, plum partly American oak- youthful berry, plum and of spices and licorice. Gravels (two-thirds)Full-coloured, highly and spice flavours, aged. Concentrated spice flavours and fine- Highly concentrated, and the Bridge Paconcentrated red, a hint of herbs, and blackcurrant, plum and grained tannins. Enjoyed with good weight, rich, Triangle (one-third),estate-grown in excellent density and spice flavours, with a by all judges. $29 very ripe plum, spice and matured for 17the Omahu Gravels structure. Well worth firm finish. Fresh and Mahurangi and licorice flavours, months in Frenchvineyard and matured cellaring. $36 youthful. $27 River Cabernet and a firm backbone of oak barriques (20%for 20 months in Saint Clair Pioneer Sauvignon tannin. Best drinking new). Mouthfilling andFrench oak barriques Block 17 Plateau other reds Merlot Malbec 2017+. $27 boldly coloured, with(50% new). Rich Gimblett Gravels 2014 HHHH Coopers Creek concentrated plum,blackcurrant, plum and Cabernet Merlot Te Awa Single Full-coloured, savoury SV Chalk Ridge licorice and spicespice flavours, with the 2014 HHHH1/2 Estate Hawke's Bay Matakana red, cabernet Hawke's Bay Syrah flavours, and excellentdelights of ripe, sweet Dark, concentrated Tempranillo sauvignon-based 2014 HHHHH fruit/oak balance.fruit, firm, structured blend of cabernet 2014 HHHHH (67%), with equal parts Dark, with an invitingly Praised by one judgetannins and a lasting sauvignon (71%) Classy, youthful red, of merlot and malbec, fragrant, aromatic as “sexy”. A top buy.finish. Should be long- and merlot (29%), full-coloured, with matured for over a year bouquet (1.5% $25 (A, UK)lived. $70 American oak-aged strong berry and in French and American viognier) of violets, Church RoadVilla Maria (50% new). Slightly spice flavours, well- oak casks (30% new). boysenberry and Hawke's Bay SyrahReserve Gimblett green-edged, but integrated oak adding Fresh, concentrated licorice. Fresh, with 2014 HHHH1/2Gravels Cabernet weighty, ripe and complexity, and blackcurrant, plum, intense, ripe plum and Powerful, sweet-fruitedSauvignon Merlot rich, with impressive excellent ripeness and herb and spice spice flavours, vibrant, red, bargain-priced.2014 HHHHH density and length. $38 depth. Dense, savoury, flavours, showing good silky-textured and long. Deeply colouredDark, dense blend of Babich Irongate ‘serious’ wine, well complexity. $29 Fine value. $28 (UK) and floral, withcabernet sauvignon Cabernet Merlot worth cellaring. $30 Mission Reserve Coopers Creek SV concentrated, youthful,(75%) and merlot Franc 2014 HHHH Villa Maria Hawke's Bay Gimblett Gravels very ripe flavours of red(25%), matured for 18 Generous, supple Reserve Gimblett Cabernet Franc Hawke's Bay Syrah fruits and spices, a hintmonths in French oak Gimblett Gravels blend. Gravels Hawke's 2013 HHHH 2014 HHHHH of licorice, and supplebarriques (40% new). Elegant, medium Bay Malbec Elegant, youthful, Highly expressive in tannins. Drink now-Highly concentrated, to full-bodied style 2013 HHHHH savoury red, with full its youth, but very 2020+. $20with pure with ripe berry, plum Notably dark, rich but not dense colour. ageworthy, this Esk Valleyblackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, and youthful red, Ripe plum and spice dark, fragrant blend Winemakersand spice flavours, tightly structured and matured for well over flavours, showing (2% viognier) is Reserve Gimblettshowing lovely youthful. $37 a year in French oak good complexity concentrated, sweet- Gravels Hawke'sweight, ripeness Mission Reserve barrels (60% new). (French oak, 30% new, fruited and finely Bay Syrahand structure. Full of Gimblett Gravels Concentrated, with for 15 months) and structured. Rich, ripe 2014 HHHH1/2cellaring potential. Hawke's Bay beautifully ripe plum, a persistent, well- and smooth, with hints Dense, youthful$50 (UK) Cabernet Merlot dark chocolate and structured finish. $25 of licorice, it offers red, grown in theBabich The 2013 HHHH licorice flavours, fairly Saint Clair Pioneer great value. $28 Cornerstone VineyardPatriarch 2014 Deeply coloured blend firm tannins and a Block 17 Plateau Vidal Legacy and matured for 16HHHH1/2 of cabernet sauvignon lasting finish. Very Gimblett Gravels Gimblett Gravels months in FrenchDark, sturdy, (49%), merlot (45%) ageworthy. $60 Hawke's Bay Hawke's Bay Syrah oak barriques (55%concentrated and cabernet franc (6%), Crossroads Malbec 2014 HHHH 2014 HHHHH new). Richly varietalblend of Gimblett French oak-aged for 15 Talisman Fragrant, deeply Stylish, youthful, and vibrantly fruity,Gravels cabernet months. Sweet-fruited, 2013 HHHHH coloured, youthful red “brooding” wine with deep plum,sauvignon, malbec with firm, berryish From a mystery blend, with a strong surge (according to one blackcurrant and spiceand merlot. Rich flavours, hint of thyme this is a dense, dark of plummy, spicy judge), dark and dense. flavours, and a firm,array of blackcurrant, and leather, and good Hawke's Bay red with flavours and slightly Matured for 18 months tightly structured, longplum, spice and herb density. $25 (A, UK) a complex bouquet of rustic, earthy, meaty in French oak barriques finish. $60flavours, sweet-fruited Osawa Prestige red and black fruits, notes. Best drinking (38% new), it is sweet- Villa Maria Reserveand tightly structured, Collection Hawke's seasoned with cedary mid-2017+. (One judge fruited, with notably Gimblett Gravelswith a lingering finish. Bay Cabernet oak. Showing lovely scored it five stars.) $38 concentrated, well- Hawke's Bay Syrah$75 (A) Sauvignon Merlot freshness and finesse, Villa Maria Cellar ripened blackcurrant, 2014 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH it’s a classy, finely Selection Hawke's plum, spice and Densely coloured, Concentrated, ripe, balanced wine, tight Bay Grenache licorice flavours, firmly highly concentrated slightly earthy, 50/50 and very ageworthy. 2014 HHHH structured, savoury and red, matured for 17 blend of cabernet $56 (A) Full-coloured, tightly lasting. $80 months in French sauvignon and merlot, structured red, oak barriques (35% grown at Maraekakaho. mouthfilling (14.5% new). Youthful, ripe Some slightly herby alc/vol), with youthful, blackcurrant, plum and and gamey notes, berryish, slightly earthy spice flavours, with an but fleshy, rich and flavours and firm earthy streak and firm complex. $60 tannins. Still youthful. tannins. (One judge $25 scored it five stars.) $60146 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 new zealandBabich Winemakers Mission Reserve Giesen Single Pegasus Bay Follow us and keep upReserve Hawke's Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Encore Waipara to date with all our latestBay Syrah Hawke's Bay Syrah Selection Clayvin Valley Noble2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH Marlborough Syrah Riesling 2014 wine info, tastings andConcentrated, firmly Dark, purple-flushed 2012 HHHH (375ml) HHHHH events on facebook,structured red, grown red with strong Dark, with a fragrant, Light gold, with twitter and instagram.in the Bridge Pa plum/spice flavours peppery, spicy, earthy, beautifully rich, apricot/Triangle. Dark, with and some earthy, savoury bouquet. Rich, honey aromas and Winestate Magazinea fragrant bouquet of gamey notes adding ripe plum, spice and flavours. Notably @WinestateEdviolets, oak complexity complexity. Firm, dried herb flavours, concentrated, withand a strong surge of peppery and savoury, strongly seasoned with marmalade-like notes Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 147plum, spice and slight with very good depth, oak, and good texture and a lush, super-richlicorice flavours. Well structure and potential. and complexity. $70 finish. One judgeworth cellaring. $30 $25 (A, UK) Kainui Road Syrah praised it as a ‘super’Clearview Cape Saint Clair Pioneer 2013 HHHH wine. $39Kidnappers Block 17 Plateau Deeply coloured Esk ValleyHawke's Bay Syrah Hawke's Bay Syrah Northland red with Late Harvest2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH good weight and Hawke's BayYouthful, full-bodied, Fresh, rich, youthful, vibrant, still youthful Chenin Blanc 2013soft red, with dark, Gimblett Gravels red, plum/spice flavours, (375ml) HHHH1/2purple-flushed colour matured for 11 months showing very good Elegant, gold/amberand an attractive in French oak (30% depth. Enjoyed by all wine was hand-pickedbouquet of red berries, new). Deeply coloured judges. $30 in late May and partlyfruitcake and spice. and mouthfilling, with barrel-fermented. Rich,Fruity, with plum and ripe plum, spice and sweet whites peachy and honeyed,slight licorice flavours, licorice flavours that it is sweet (204 grams/rich and smooth. $27 linger well. $38 (UK) Seifried litre residual sugar),Esk Valley Te Awa Single Winemakers with balanced acidityHawke's Bay Estate Hawke's Bay Collection Sweet and a fragrant, invitingSyrah 2014 HHHH Syrah 2014 HHHH Agnes Nelson bouquet of apricot andBoldly coloured, Very youthful, floral, Riesling 2014 raisins. $30sweet-fruited red, with fruit-packed style, with (375ml) HHHHH Brancottdense plum and black deep, bright colour and Pale gold, richly Estate Letter Seriespepper flavours, and strong, fresh, plummy, scented wine, hand- B Late Harvestsavoury, toasty notes peppery flavours, picked at Brightwater Marlboroughadding complexity. showing good purity. at 37.6 brix. Peachy Sauvignon BlancDescribed by one Elegant, with a soft, and gently honeyed, 2014 HHHH1/2judge as “a burly, ripe long finish. $30 with lively acidity and Gently honeyed, faintlystyle, more shiraz than Vidal Reserve excellent vigour. Fruity herbal bouquet, leadingsyrah”. $25 Gimblett Gravels and tightly structured, into a luscious wineMills Reef Reserve Hawke's Bay Syrah with impressive with rich passionfruit,Gimblett Gravels 2014 HHHH harmony and length. ginger and apricot-likeHawke's Bay Syrah Generous, supple red, $33 (UK, US) flavours, woven with2015 HHHH matured for 15 months Alpha Domus fresh acidity, excellentDeep ruby, vibrantly in barrels (20% new). AD Noble drive and depth throughfruity red, aged for eight Deeply coloured, with Selection 2015 the palate, and a long,months in French oak blackcurrant, plum (375ml) HHHHH sweet finish. $36casks (72%), American and spice flavours, in This pale gold beauty Tupari Late Harvestoak casks (8%), and a silky, finely textured is from sémillon, Marlboroughtanks (20%). Medium style, described by one grown in the Bridge Riesling 2014to full-bodied style with panellist as “pinot noir- Pa Triangle and mostly (375ml) HHHHgenerous, ripe berry like”. $25 (A, UK) harvested at 45-47 Fragrant, apricot-likefruit and spice flavours, Villa Maria Private brix. Fresh, lively and bouquet. Peach andgood complexity and Bin Hawke's Bay crisp, it is full-bodied honey flavours, in arichness, and fine- Shiraz 2014 HHHH (although only 10% ripe, moderately sweetgrained tannins. $28 (A) Fine value red, mostly alc/vol), with rich, ripe style, enriched byMission Jewelstone (80%) barrel-aged. flavours, showing good botrytis. $29 (A, UK)Gimblett Gravels Boldly coloured, with complexity, plentiful Osawa PrestigeHawke's Bay Syrah deep, ripe, well- sweetness (248 grams/ Collection2014 HHHH rounded flavours of litre residual sugar), Late HarvestDark, concentrated spices and licorice, and an oily, honeyed Gewurztraminerred, matured for a year a slightly earthy richness. $38 (A, US) 2013 HHHHin French oak casks streak, and good Gold/amber, this soft,(23% new). Rich, acidity and length. sweet wine was grownwell-ripened flavours (Labelled ‘shiraz’, at Maraekakaho, inof blackcurrants, plums rather than syrah, to Hawke's Bay. Drinkingand spices, with a attract supermarket well now, it is floral,finely textured finish. shoppers.) $20 (UK) peachy and spicy, with$45 (A, UK) bottle-aged complexity and a rich, well- rounded finish. $29

micchoaoepler BEST OF 2016 RELEASES148 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2016 RELEASES new zealand Church Road Saint Clair Church Road Grand Church Road Awaroa Melba McDonald Series Wairau Reserve Reserve Hawke's McDonald Peach WaihekeAurum Central Hawke's Bay Marlborough Bay Sauvignon Series Hawke's Island SyrahOtago Amber Wine Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Blanc 2014 HHHHH Bay Cabernet 2014 HHHHH2014 HHHHH 2014 HHHHH 2015 HHHHH A powerful, thought- Sauvignon 2014 Dark and dense, thisLooking for something This powerful, complex Deliciously pure and provoking wine. Estate- HHHHH powerful red is stillcompletely different, wine offers great sweet-fruited, this grown/hand-harvested Lovely young, but very youthful. Maturedmade by ancient value. Hand-harvested classy, youthful wine and ferwwmented still youthful, this for a year in Frenchtechniques? This and barrel-fermented was grown at Dillons with indigenous yeasts deeply coloured red oak barriques (50%amber-hued pinot gris, with indigenous Point, in the lower in French oak barrels. was bottled unfined new), it has highlymade with indigenous yeasts, it has a highly Wairau Valley. Pale Bright, light lemon/ and unfiltered. It is concentrated, ripeyeast fermentation fragrant, smoky and mouthfilling, it is green, it is multi-faceted, sturdy (14.5% alc/ plum and black pepperand prolonged skin bouquet, leading into weighty, with melon, with a very fragrant, vol), with vibrant, pure flavours, woven withmaceration, was a full-bodied wine with grapefruit and lime ripe bouquet leading blackcurrant, plum and fresh acidity, and abarrique-aged for over concentrated, ripe, flavours that build into a mouthfilling spice flavours, showing tightly structured,a year, and bottled grapefruit-like flavours, across the palate to (14.5% alc/vol), tropical excellent ripeness long, spicy finish. Bestunfined and unfiltered. gently seasoned with a powerful finish. A fruit-flavoured wine, and concentration, a drinking 2020+. $65Mouthfilling, it shows biscuity, toasty oak. concentrated, very deliciously sweet- seasoning of nutty oak, Awaroa Requiemgood complexity, with Creamy-textured, with harmonious wine, it fruited, complex, rich fine-grained tannins Waiheke Islandstrong apricot and a long, harmonious should be at its best and rounded. Best and obvious potential. Cabernet Merlotspice flavours, a touch finish, it’s already mid-2016+. $34 (A) drinking 2017+. $44 A top buy. $27 Malbecof tannin, and a dry, delicious; drink now or Terra Sancta Church Road Grand 2014 HHHHHstructured finish. cellar. $27 Bannockburn Reserve Hawke's Ataahua Waipara Fragrant, dark andReady. $45 Church Road Central Otago Rosé Bay Chardonnay Late Harvest youthful, this classyAurum Central McDonald Series 2015 HHHHH 2014 HHHHH Gewurztraminer blend of cabernetOtago Riesling Hawke's Bay Pinot This classy rosé was Built to last, this is a 2014 (375ml) sauvignon (70%),2014 HHHHH Gris 2015 HHHHH hand-harvested and classic regional style HHHHH merlot (20%) andFreshly scented, If you like Alsace pinot partly (10%) handled in with a fragrant, smoky, This pale gold dessert malbec (10%) waslively and tangy, this gris, try this beauty. old barrels. Bright pink, complex bouquet. wine is packed with matured in French oakmedium-bodied wine Instantly engaging, it is buoyantly fruity, The palate is powerful personality. From barriques (50% new).has intense lemon/ it is fragrant and full- with rich, yet delicate, (14.5% alc/vol), with grapes hand-harvested Instantly appealing, itlime flavours, a bodied (14.5% alc/vol), strawberry and peach highly concentrated in early winter and is sweet-fruited, withminerally streak and a in a rich, ripe, slightly flavours, hints of stonefruit and spice barrel-fermented with deep, ripe flavours offinely poised, dryish, sweet style with lovely apricots and spices, flavours, showing indigenous yeasts, blackcurrants, plums,very long finish. Full depth of peach, pear lively acidity, and loads excellent ripeness and it is perfumed and spices and dried herbs,of personality and and spice flavours. of charm. $27 (A) complexity, balanced weighty, with sweet, fine-grained tannins,potential, it’s certified Slightly honeyed, acidity and a very long concentrated stonefruit and a lasting finish.organic. $26 with complexity from finish. Best 2018+. $44 and spice flavours, Drink now or cellar. $65Church Road Grand some indigenous yeast Church Road Grand showing lovely Ceres Black RabbitReserve Hawke's fermentation in old Reserve Hawke's complexity, richness Vineyard CentralBay Cabernet French oak cuves, and Bay Syrah and harmony. Drink Otago RieslingSauvignon Merlot gentle acidity, it’s a 2014 HHHHH now or cellar. $26 2015 HHHHH2013 HHHHH delicious, very finely Likely to be long-lived, Already enjoyable, thisStill very youthful, this balanced wine, already this weighty, dark, Church Road highly scented, vivaciouspowerful, concentrated drinking well. $27 purple-flushed red McDonald Series wine was grown atred was estate- Obsidian Reserve was matured for 16 Hawke's Bay Bannockburn. Showinggrown in Redstone Waiheke Island months in French Chardonnay lovely vibrancy andVineyard, in the Bridge Syrah 2013 HHHHH and Hungarian oak 2015 HHHHH depth, it has intensePa Triangle, and Likely to be long-lived, barrels and bottled Smoky, ‘struck match’ lemon/lime flavours, aFrench oak-aged for this dark, powerful, unfined and unfiltered. aromas lead into a minerally streak and a18 months. Bold and concentrated red was Perfumed and sturdy mouthfilling, sweet- long, slightly sweet andyouthful in colour, it matured for a year (14.5% alc/vol), it is fruited wine offering spicy, tangy finish. Greatis sturdy (14.5% alc/ in French oak casks sweet-fruited, with excellent concentration value. $23vol), with dense, ripe (40% new). Sturdy and highly concentrated and complexity. Hand-blackcurrant, plum and sweet-fruited, it is still plum and black pepper harvested and Frenchspice flavours, a hint of youthful, with dense flavours, a hint of oak-fermented withmint, oak complexity blackcurrant, plum and dark chocolate, gentle indigenous yeasts, itand firm tannins. A black pepper flavours, tannins, and excellent has rich, ripe grapefruitvery ageworthy wine, finely structured complexity and and peach flavours,it should be at its best tannins, and a long, harmony. It’s already well-integrated biscuity2018+. $44 spicy finish. Best very approachable. $44 oak, and a finely poised, drinking 2018+. $63 lasting finish. Already drinking well. A great buy. $27 Annual 2017 W I N E S TAT E 149

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2016 RELEASES new zealandClos Marguerite Left Field Pegasus Bay Finale Trinity Hill Gimblett Bannock Brae CrossroadsMarlborough Gisborne Albariño Noble Sémillon Gravels Marsanne Central Otago Talisman GimblettSauvignon Blanc 2015 HHHHH Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Pinot Noir Gravels Hawke’s2015 HHHHH Packed with flavour, Barrique Matured 2014 HHHHH 2014 HHHHH Bay SyrahWeighty, fleshy and this mouthfilling, 2011 (375ml) Deliciously weighty, This classy red was 2014 HHHHHrich, this single-vineyard strongly varietal wine HHHHH rich and rounded, grown at Bannockburn, Floral, graceful, veryAwatere Valley wine was hand-picked This striking Waipara, this fragrant wine matured for 10 months finely textured red,was partly (8%) and handled without North Canterbury is a powerful blend in French oak casks grown in the Elmsbarrel-fermented. oak. It has strong dessert wine is deep of marsanne (55%) (35% new), and bottled Vineyard. DeeplyFull of personality, peach, pear and spice amber, with notable and viognier (45%), unfined and unfiltered. coloured, with rich, ripeit has concentrated flavours, with slightly complexity on the fermented and matured Deep ruby, with an blackcurrant and spicetropical fruit flavours, leesy, salty notes nose and palate. It for 15 months in enticingly fragrant flavours, hints of darka herbaceous adding interest, and a has substantial body old oak puncheons. bouquet, it is full- chocolate and licorice,undercurrent, good crisp, dryish (5 grams/ (14.5% alc/vol), with Sturdy (14.5% alc/vol), bodied, with a sense and a long, slightlycomplexity and a crisp, litre residual sugar), super-rich peach and it has concentrated, of youthful vigour and peppery finish. Alreadydry, very persistent lasting finish. Worth apricot flavours, an ripe stonefruit and concentrated, vibrant delicious, it should befinish. $28 (UK) discovering. (From Te oily texture and a spice flavours, finely cherry, plum and spice at its best 2019+. $45Johanneshof Awa.) $25 lush, raisiny, superbly integrated oak, good flavours, showing GillmanCellars Loveblock sustained finish. A complexity, a slightly excellent complexity 2010 HHHHHMarlborough Marlborough Noble wine to ponder over. oily texture and a long, and harmony. Best Powerful, sweet-Gewurztraminer Chenin Blanc 2014 $37 (A, UK) dry, seductively smooth drinking mid-2017+. fruited, complex2014 HHHHH (500ml) HHHHH finish. $35 (A, UK) $60 (A) Matakana blend ofVery exotically Full of youthful vigour, Spy Valley Envoy Trinity Hill Clearview cabernet franc (65%),perfumed, this is a but already delicious, Johnson Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Beachhead Hawke’s merlot (31%) andmedium to full-bodied this estate-grown wine Marlborough The Gimblett Bay Chardonnay malbec (4%), maturedwine with peachy, was hand-harvested Gewurztraminer 2014 HHHHH 2015 HHHHH for two years in Frenchspicy, intensely varietal in the Awatere Valley 2015 HHHHH Still very youthful, This is a great buy. oak barrels (50% new).flavours, showing at 42 brix, with 100% This deliciously this is a concentrated, Estate-grown and Deeply coloured,lovely delicacy and botrytis infection. perfumed, complex deliciously ripe and hand-harvested at Te with a fragrant, spicy,richness. A medium Light gold, deliciously and harmonious wine supple blend of Awanga, it was fully complex bouquet.style (20 grams/ peachy and honeyed, was hand-picked and cabernet franc (49%), fermented and lees- Sturdy, with generous,litre residual sugar), it has abundant fermented in small oak cabernet sauvignon stirred for six months ripe plum, spiceit has hints of ginger sweetness (230 grams/ vessels. Already very (39%), merlot (9%) in seasoned French oak and nut flavours,and apricot, with a litre residual sugar), open and expressive, and malbec (3%). Dark barrels. The bouquet in a savoury, verydeliciously harmonious, balanced by firm it is mouthfilling and and fragrant, it is full- is highly fragrant; the Bordeaux-like style,well-rounded, lasting acidity, and a slightly smooth, with highly bodied, with strong, palate fleshy, rich rich and rounded. Drinkfinish. Drink now or oily, lasting finish. $30 concentrated, spicy, vibrant blackcurrant/ and rounded, with now-2020. $70cellar. $29 Pegasus Bay peachy, slightly toasty plum flavours, hints concentrated, ripe, Crossroads Encore Noble and gingery flavours, of dark chocolate and stonefruit flavours, Winemakers Riesling 2013 and a long, well- herbs, well-integrated showing excellent Collection Hawke’s (375ml) HHHHH rounded finish. $30 (A) oak and gentle tannins. delicacy, complexity Bay Chardonnay Delicious now, this Best drinking 2018+. and length. Already 2014 HHHHH Waipara, North Spy Valley Envoy $35 (A, UK, US) delicious, it’s a This refined wine Canterbury dessert Johnson Vineyard Villa Maria Reserve drink-now or cellaring was estate-grown at wine shows lovely Marlborough Gimblett Gravels proposition. $27 Mangatahi. Fragrant lightness, delicacy and Sauvignon Blanc Syrah 2014 HHHHH Folding Hill and mouthfilling, it is intensity. Bright, light 2014 HHHHH This dark, purple- Bendigo Central youthful and tightly gold, with a highly A very ageworthy flushed and densely Otago Pinot Noir structured, with scented, peachy, style, this wine was packed Hawke's 2014 HHHHH strong, vibrant, citrusy, honeyed bouquet, hand-harvested, barrel- Bay red is still This lovely, sweet- peachy flavours, it has an apricot-like fermented and lees- extremely youthful. fruited and finely finely integrated oak richness, with layers of aged for 11 months. Showing lovely fruit textured red was (French, 25% new), flavour, lively acidity, Elegant, vibrantly sweetness, it offers matured for 10 fresh acidity, and very and a sweet, lasting fruity, tightly structured highly concentrated months in French oak impressive delicacy, finish. $39 (A, UK) and minerally, it’s plum, spice and black barriques (25% new), complexity and still youthful, with pepper flavours, with and bottled unfined harmony. $40 strong, ripe, tropical integrated oak, good and unfiltered. Deep Greystone fruit flavours, a gently tannin support and a ruby, it has generous Waipara Riesling seasoning of oak long, finely textured cherry, plum and spice 2015 HHHHH adding complexity, finish. Best drinking flavours, integrated Lovely young wine, good acid spine, and 2019+. $60 oak, gentle acidity and made in a medium a long, dry finish. Best tannins, and a long, style (23 grams/litre drinking 2017+. $30 (A, very harmonious finish. residual sugar). Full- UK, US) Drink now or cellar. $45 bodied, with strong, ripe, citrusy, peachy flavours, hints of lime, spice and honey, and excellent concentration and harmony. Instantly appealing. $27 (A, UK, US)150 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2017