Winestate Magazine March April 2012

varietal tastingOlivier Leflaive Fromm Clayvin CHARDONNAY Domaine Bouchard Joseph FaiveleyMeursault Vineyard $100 + Pere & Fils Meursault 1er Cru ‘Morgeot’Chardonnay Marlborough Perrieres Chardonnay Chassagne2009 HHHH Chardonnay 9 TASTED 2006 HHHHH MontrachetThis one is mean and 2009 HHH 7 AWARDED Lots going on here 2009 HHHHlean with lithe and zesty Lean, green and with this stylish and Complex wine that’s ancitrus fruit coupled with elegant with apple-like Who said chardonnay complex chardonnay. harmonious concoctionvery intense minerally characters and some is all the same? If you Great balance between of citrus and meloncharacters and some alcohol warmth. $62.67 tried some of these the sweetness and fine fruit characters, lovelymealy notes. $65 Seville Estate superb wines you would minerally characters. minerally elements andHoward Park Reserve Yarra Valley change your mind. Lots Lovely mouthful of warming alcohol. $130Western Australia Chardonnay of character wines from flavour on the textured Domaine LeflaiveChardonnay 2010 HHH the minerally, lean and palate. $159.99 Puligny Montrachet2008 HHHH A lighter, finer stylish wine tight to the rich and Domaine Bouchard Bourgogne FranceRich yet refined and with zesty, grapefruit opulent, and all balanced Pere & Fils Premier Chardonnayelegant style - very characters and nice within an inch of their Cru Meursault 2008 HHH1/2appealing with its mineral elements. $60 lives. A class tasting. Genevrieres “Broad and brash,”toasty development in Sileni Exceptional Chardonnay commented oneharmony with the lifted, Vintage Hawke’s S.C.E Domaine 2007 HHHH1/2 judge. A fuller, fatter,minerally fruit. $50 Bay Chardonnay Ramonet Chassagne- Interesting style - good creamier style but stillSacred Hill 2010 HHH Montrachet varietal fruit length with quite dry. $129.99Riflemans Hawke’s A rich “full bore”, style Chardonnay fine acid backbone adding William Fevre LesBay Chardonnay with a harmony of fruit, 2008 HHHHH finesse and balance, Clos Grand Cru2010 HHH malo and oak on the big, “There is exquisite and showing some Chablis 2009 HHH1/2Opulent, creamy, soft palate. $70 freshness and interesting rich lanolin-like A creamy, biscuity styleoaky bouquet. Long Bird In Hand Nest complexity here,” characters. $186.99 of wine with attractivepalate crammed with Egg Adelaide Hills agreed the judges. Bonneau du Martray flinty green notescreamy malo-lactic Chardonnay Lovely creaminess, Grand Cru Corton threaded through it. $150characters. $69.99 2010 HHH texture and balance with Charlemagne Big, simple, oaky wine well integrated acidity. A 2008 HHHH1/2 with a green apple tad warm. All it needs is Quite a pale colour to this fruit nose and a sweet, blue cheese. $114.99 tight, beautifully-focused slightly oily palate. $60 wine that’s a delight to drink with its caramel-like development layered with nice oak and minerally fruit. $250 THE CHESSER CELLAR CAFE & BAR Under the VinesAlfresco wining & dining under the vines in Chesser Street from Friday 3rd February until 31st March, 2012 Cafe Menu & Antipasto Plates Live music on Friday nights Great venue for functions & wine tastings outside under the vines, in the Cellar, Restaurant or Hogarth Room For bookings phone 8223 3791 Email: [email protected] www.chessercellar.com.au March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 101

travelbriefsWINSOR DOBBINMARLBOROUGHMARKING THE SPOT DEVELOPING A REPUTATION OVERLOOKING THE VINEYARDSBRANCOTT Vineyard - the exact spot WAIRAU River Wines, which recentlywhere the Marlborough sauvignon blanc celebrated its 20th birthday, has opened BEC Lodge is Marlborough’s newest privateboom began is now home to the impressive a new cellar door and restaurant, serving lodge, offering exclusive-use accommodationnew Brancott Estate Heritage Centre. lunch from noon-3pm daily. The $400,000 in a beautiful setting overlooking vineyards,Opened in September, coinciding with extension is aimed at further developing wild countryside and the ocean. The propertyBrancott’s sponsorship of the Rugby World Marlborough's reputation as a leading wine is set on 12.5ha but is just 4km out of Blenheim,Cup, the new facility outside Blenheim and holiday destination, general manager the major town in the Marlborough wine region.towers over the vines that in 1975 were Lindsay Parkinson says. The addition has The lodge offers luxury accommodation,the first plantings of sauvignon blanc in doubled the floor space of the cellar door, creative local cuisine, a swimming pool andMarlborough. The decision went against creating more room for tasting sessions spa. It is ideal for couples, small groups andthe popular opinion of the time – that it and functions. \"Everyone has been super corporate retreats. The five suites have en-was too cold to grow grapes on the SouthIsland – but sparked a worldwide appetite impressed with what they have seen and I suite bathroom facilities, while the main roomfor Marlborough sauvignon blanc. The new think the extension has been done in such a of the lodge has a wide-screen TV, private barHeritage Centre offers views across the way that it hasn't taken anything away from and wine selection, and a communal diningMarlborough region and on clear day it can our traditional look,” Parkinson says. “The table. Visitors can opt for a massage or otherbe possible to glimpse the North Island. windows on to the outside seating areas spa treatment before chef Dave cooks aDesigned to be environmentally friendly, the really do expose the stunning views we have four-course degustation dinner using localnew complex houses a 52-seat restaurant, and with some functions we can open up produce matched to Marlborough wines.a private dining room for up to 20 people the entire premises to cater for everyone.” The friendly and helpful owners are also ableand a beautiful tasting facility with retail Food here is built around fresh produce fromdisplays, an audio visual room and push the Marlborough district and meals can bebutton displays. The restaurant features enjoyed either on the lawns and verandahstasting plates of locally sourced seasonal or inside beside a large open fire in winter.produce matched to Brancott Estate The casual dining menu features the likes ofwines. For sauvignon blanc, the platter Marlborough mussel chowder with toastedfeatures bruschetta, salmon with salsa herb bread ($10), double-baked blue cheeseverde and steamed clams and sourdough souffle with rocket, pear and walnut saladbread, while the pinot noir platter features ($23) and Thai-style beef fillet salad witha selection of charcuterie, including peanuts, glass noodles and nam jim dressingSerrano ham, sopressa, salame piccante, ($24). There is a wide range of desserts andmarinated olives, chard and torn sourdough a special menu for children. Wairau River isbread. Both platters cost $29.50. Starters open daily except for major public holidays(all listed with suggested wine matches) and offers free wi-fi for visitors.include the likes of chicken liver pategarnished with pistachios and servedwith fruit relish and toasted brioche; andCloudy Bay clams steamed in sauvignongris with chilli flakes, garlic and parsley(both $17.50). Mains may include pan-fried monkfish with olive oil potato mash($26.50), or grilled lamb cutlets ($28.50).The Brancott Estate Heritage Centre isopen daily from 10am-4.30pm with mealsserved from 11am-3pm. You’ll find it at 180Brancott Rd, Blenheim 7272; phone +64 3520 6975. www.brancottestate.com/our-home/cellar-door.102 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

travelbriefsto arrange wine tours, Marlborough Sounds TEMPTING RURAL SETTING WEEKEND AWAYcruises, kayaking, trekking, fishing and otheroutdoor activities. Home-baked goods and THE Rise Bed and Breakfast is a firm favourite FRENCH Fields, a little slice of Provencefresh fruit are offered on arrival and the suites with regular visitors to Marlborough. Run by in New Zealand, has launched afeature local hand-made toiletries. Breakfast Mark and Kathy Daldorf, the purpose-built, new series of French food and winehere is an experience, featuring dishes like self-contained guest house is in a rural weekends available for just two coupleseggs Benedict with locally caught salmon; setting only five minutes from Blenheim. per weekend. Owners Ruth and Barryor gourmet sausage, grilled local bacon, The accommodation features two double Struthers offer platters in their courtyardtomato provencal, eggs and potato rosti bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchenette and on Friday nights, walks through theirhash cakes with fresh watercress, homemade two living areas, and during the warmer lavender and olive groves and a hands-tomato relish and toasted baguette. It may months guests have direct access to a on demo and cooking class by Cordonpay to book quickly as the lease has yet to solar-heated swimming pool and barbecue Bleu-trained chef Jenny Fyfe, after whichbe renewed, but BEC Lodge is at 81 Cob facilities. A separate living area upstairs offers guests eat the lunch they’ve prepared. AnCottage Rd, Blenheim; phone +64 3 579 4446. books, magazines, toy basket, CD player, afternoon wine tour is followed by dinnerwww.bedlodge.co.nz. television and DVD and is perfect for guests at Hotel d’Urville, with a farmers market travelling with children. Free wi-fi access visit on Sunday and lunch at DomaineRELAXED ATMOSPHERE is also available. A continental breakfast is Georges Michel’s La Veranda restaurant delivered each morning, including bread, before departure.WITHER Hills offers outstanding winery homemade muesli and yoghurt, seasonaldining at its revamped restaurant, where chef fruits and baked treats. The Rise is at 18 French Fields looks just like a ProvencalDave Anderson is behind the pans and his Dry Hills Rise, Dry Hills Estate, Blenheim; farm and its facilities include a petanquewife Sarah runs front of house. Located just phone +64 3 579 2932. www.therise.co.nz. court and heated outdoor swimmingfive minutes from central Blenheim on the pool. French Fields is at FairbourneSouthern side of the Wairau Valley, the cellar Drive, Blenheim; phone +64 3 578 6801.door, restaurant and function venue is a blend www.frenchfields.co.nz.of contemporary design and comfortablesophistication. The atmosphere is relaxed, Above: Wither Hills guests relaxing on beanbags onwith guests offered the chance to relax on the lawn and revamped restaurant.beanbags on the lawn. Sarah Anderson Opposite pagedescribes the food as being “designed to Above: BEC Lodge interior.complement the Wither Hills wines, with Below: Wairau River cellar door.wine recommendations given with each dishand special cellar door tastings offered forrestaurant diners”. The menu features lightlunches like a classic French onion tartlet($20) or smoked chicken salad ($23) or afull al a carte menu highlighting dishes like acroquette of slow-braised lamb, wrapped ina kumara blanket, coated with panko crumbsand served over a vegetable caponata withmint hollandaise ($27); wild venison pie ($27);or pork belly with fresh herb stuffing, kumaragalette and date and lemon chutney ($28).There is also a tempting dessert list featuringbanana baked alaska or a flourless chocolateand dark plum torte with blackcurrant sorbet,raspberry puree and vanilla creme fraiche.Wither Hills is open daily from 10am-4.30pmand is at 211 New Renwick Rd, Blenheim;phone +64 3 520 8284. www.witherhils.co.nz. March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 103

295 TASTED197 AWARDEDMARLBOROUGHCompared to smaller regions to the north and south, SAUVIGNONMarlborough enjoyed a good vintage in 2011, with a BLANCsubstantial crop and favourably dry ripening period forsauvignon blanc. Overall, the judges viewed the 2011 93 TASTEDsauvignon blancs as solid, rather than exciting, but the 60 AWARDED2010 pinot noirs are not to be missed. A good but not great class, with lots of attractive wines,Prices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. but only four out of 93 entriesWines available in export markets are shown as (A) gained five or four and a halfAustralia, (UK) and (US). stars. The bumper 2011 crop in Marlborough - with a tendencySPARKLING Deutz Marlborough Cuvée to large berries - may have Saint Clair Pioneer Rosé 2006 HHHH caused some flavour dilution. Block 18 Snap Block12 TASTED Fine, elegant style with a Goldwater Wairau Valley Marlborough Sauvignon6 AWARDED pale onion skin hue and floral, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHHH complex bouquet. Tight and Blanc 2011 HHHHH Ripe, passionfruit-like aromas,A variable class, ranging from complex on the palate, with Freshly scented, with lifted, showing excellent intensity.pleasant, simple sauvignon good yeast autolysis and a dry, intense varietal aromas. Lively Slightly “sweaty” notes,blancs with bubbles to several vivacious finish. $44 and persistent, with fresh melon, with excellent weight on theelegant, complex, richly Deutz Marlborough lime and capsicum flavours, palate, vibrant, sweet-fruitflavoured sparklings from Cuvée NV HHH1/2 minerally, pure and long. Enjoyed flavours and a dry, crisp,Pernod Ricard NZ under its Richly scented, with yeasty, by all judges. $22 (A, UK, US) sustained finish. $26 (A, UK)Deutz Marlborough brand. complex aromas. Lively, tangy, Alpine Valley slightly nutty flavours, showing Saint Clair Marlborough SauvignonDeutz Prestige very good length. $39 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHH1/2Marlborough Cuvee Huia Blanc de Blancs Blanc 2011 HHHHH From Tiki, this is a great buy.2007 HHHH1/2 2005 HHH1/2 Fleshy, ripe and smooth, with Concentrated and vibrantlyVivacious wine with a rich, Richly flavoured wine, made highly concentrated passionfruit/ fruity, it is punchy, tight andenticing fragrance and crisp, entirely from chardonnay. Citrusy lime flavours and a very fresh, finely poised, in a very freshincisive flavours, complex, and slightly toasty, with an finely balanced, long finish. and pure, ripely herbaceousyeasty and long. $44 appetisingly crisp finish. Verging Great value. $21 (A, UK, US ) style. $14.95 (US) on four stars. $35 (A, UK, US) Babich Black LabelDeutz Marlborough Nobilo Icon Methode Marlborough SauvignonCuvée Blanc de Blancs Traditionnelle 2007 HHH Blanc 2011 HHHH2008 HHHH Moderately complex style, Weighty, ripe, tropical fruit-Complex, finely scented bouquet. blended from pinot noir (53 flavoured style with excellentElegant, tightly structured and per cent) and chardonnay (47 depth, freshness, drive andracy palate, with crisp, yeasty per cent), lees-aged for 30 harmony. Rich and rounded.flavours, showing excellent months. Orange-tinted, with (Restricted to on-premisevibrancy and length. $44 satisfying depth of crisp, ripe, sale.) $22.50 peachy, gently yeasty and Boatshed Bay nutty flavours. $25 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHH Fleshy, ripe style with vibrant tropical fruit flavours that linger well. Finely balanced, with excellent concentration and harmony. $20 (A)104 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

regional tastingDrylands Marlborough Saint Clair Pioneer Babich Family Estates Ra Nui Wairau ValleySauvignon Blanc Block 6 Oh! Block Cowslip Valley Marlborough Sauvignon2011 HHHH Marlborough Sauvignon Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH1/2Ripely scented, weighty and Blanc 2011 HHHH Blanc 2011 HHH1/2 Fresh and punchy, withsmooth, with rich, tropical Very fresh and youthful, with Freshly scented, very lively crisp, strong flavours. Goodfruit flavours showing mouthfilling body and vibrant, wine from the Waihopai Valley weight, with tropical fruit andexcellent freshness and ripely herbaceous flavours. with very good weight and herbaceous characters, livelydepth. $22 (UK, US) Weighty and slightly “sweaty”, depth of ripe passionfruit and refreshing. $23Giesen The August with passionfruit and lime and herb flavours, crisp and Sacred HillMarlborough Sauvignon characters, showing good refreshing. $25 Marlborough SauvignonBlanc 2010 HHHH concentration. $25 (A) Clifford Bay Blanc 2011 HHH1/2Barrel-fermented with Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Marlborough Sauvignon Freshly herbaceous style, lightindigenous yeasts, this Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH1/2 and tangy, with very goodcomplex, estate-grown wine Blanc 2011 HHHH Vibrant, citrusy and limey, punch, delicacy, balance andwas hand-picked at three Fresh, ripe, tropical fruit- with good delicacy and length. $23 (UK, US)sites in the Wairau Valley. flavoured wine, slightly spicy and length. Very fresh, crisp and Sacred Hill ShatteredMouthfilling, it is ripely minerally, with a dry finish that refreshing. $20 (A, UK, US) Rock Marlboroughflavoured, with a subtle lingers well. $20 (A, UK, US) Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blancseasoning of oak (8 per cent Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon 2011 HHH1/2new) and a tight, dry, minerally Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH1/2 Aromatic, with crisp, lively melonfinish. Weighty, rich, complex Blanc 2011 HHHH Fleshy and dry, with very and green capsicum flavours, aand finely textured. $40 (A) Distinctly “sweaty” style, with good depth of ripe, tropical minerally streak, and very goodKim Crawford Small ripe, passionfruit-like aromas fruit flavours. Full-bodied, balance and length. $23 (UK, US)Parcels Spitfire and flavours, strong, fresh and very fresh and vibrant. Sacred Hill Three PassesMarlborough Sauvignon rounded. $34 (A) Good value. $17 (A, UK, US) Marlborough SauvignonBlanc 2011 HHHH Selaks Heritage Reserve Thornbury Marlborough Blanc 2011 HHH1/2Weighty, ripe Wairau Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Freshly aromatic, with goodstyle with tropical fruit aromas Blanc 2011 HHHH 2011 HHH1/2 body and ripe fruit flavours,and flavours. Passionfruit and Fleshy and concentrated, with Herbaceous, intensely varietal showing very good balance andlime notes, very fresh and tropical fruit and herbaceous style with grassy, nettley depth. $23 (UK, US)concentrated, with a crisp, dry flavours, woven with fresh aromas and flavours. Very fresh, Saint Clair Pioneerand lengthy finish. $33 (UK, US) acidity, and excellent texture vibrant and expressive. $21 Block 3 43 DegreesLawson’s Dry Hills and drinkability. $20 Forrest Marlborough Marlborough SauvignonMarlborough Sauvignon The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc Blanc 2011 HHH1/2Blanc 2011 HHHH Awatere Valley 2011 HHH1/2 Youthful, tightly structuredFleshy, tropical fruit-flavoured Marlborough Sauvignon Fresh, crisp, Wairau Valley wine wine with fresh, ripelystyle showing very good depth, Blanc 2011 HHHH with ripe passionfruit, melon and herbaceous flavours that lingera touch of complexity (6 per Very crisp, lively and aromatic, lime flavours, a hint of spice, and well to a crisp, dry finish. Bestcent barrel-fermented), and with strong, ripe tropical fruit very good weight, harmony and mid-2012+. $25 (A, UK)a fresh and lively, sustained and herb flavours, a minerally depth. $22 (A, UK, US) Saint Clair Pioneerfinish. $20 (A, UK, US) streak, and excellent delicacy Giesen The Brothers Block 11 Cell BlockMaui Marlborough and freshness. $22 Marlborough Sauvignon Marlborough SauvignonSauvignon Blanc Tiki Estate Blanc 2010 HHH1/2 Blanc 2011 HHH1/22011 HHHH Marlborough Sauvignon Slightly grassy, nettley aromas Slightly “sweaty” style withRipely scented, with tropical Blanc 2011 HHHH and flavours in a very fresh, mouthfilling body, ripe, tropicalfruit – especially passionfruit Fresh and full-bodied, with crisp and lively style, still fruit flavours, a dry finish and– flavours showing excellent ripe passionfruit-like flavours, youthful and showing plenty of very good drinkability. $25 (UK)freshness, harmony and depth. showing good purity, dryness depth. $25 (A) Saint Clair Pioneer(From Tiki Estates.) $17 (A, UK) and texture. Sweet-fruited and Kim Crawford Block 21 Bell BlockMount Riley 17 Valley lingering. $20 (A, UK, US) Regional Reserve Marlborough SauvignonMarlborough Sauvignon Wairau River Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH1/2Blanc 2010 HHHH Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH1/2 Freshly herbaceous aromasAgeworthy style, hand-picked Blanc 2011 HHHH Skilfully crafted blend of Wairau lead into a full-flavoured Wairauat Rapaura and barrel- Fleshy, ripe style with strong, Valley and Awatere Valley Valley wine. Green-edged,fermented with indigenous tropical fruit flavours. Very grapes. Mouthfilling body, with vibrantly fruity style, very fresh,yeasts. Slightly oaky and fresh and elegant, showing a flinty streak and fresh, ripely crisp and lingering. $26 (A, UK)creamy, with strong, ripe, nutty good weight, harmony and herbaceous flavours showing Stoneleigh Rapaura Seriesflavours and a tight, finely length. $30 (A, UK, US) very good depth. $23 (A, US) Marlborough Sauvignontextured finish. $22 (A) Babich Family Estates Mount Riley Limited Blanc 2011 HHH1/2 Wakefield Downs Release Marlborough “Sweaty armpit” aromas. Ripe Marlborough Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc and rounded, with passionfruit/ Blanc 2011 HHH1/2 2011 HHH1/2 lime characters, showing very Single-vineyard, Awatere Valley Ripe style with vibrant, tropical good weight, freshness and wine with mouthfilling body, ripe fruit aromas and flavours, length. $30 tropical fruit aromas and flavours, showing very good weight, gentle herbaceous notes and a freshness and length. $19.99 slightly creamy texture. $25 March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 105

MARLBOROUGHStonewall Marlborough Lake Chalice Selaks Winemaker’s Vavasour Awatere ValleySauvignon Blanc Marlborough Sauvignon Favourite Marlborough Marlborough Sauvignon2011 HHH1/2 Blanc 2011 HHH Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Blanc 2011 HHHElegant style, fresh, ripe and Fleshy, with good depth of Grown in the Wairau (mostly) Slightly minerally style withlively, with finely balanced fresh, ripe, tropical fruit flavours and Awatere valleys, this is a melon and green capsicummelon/lime flavours and a well- and a slightly creamy texture, ripely flavoured style with good flavours, showing good intensity,rounded finish. (From Forrest balanced for easy drinking. $21 balance of passionfruit and drive and length. Rated highly byEstate.) $20 (A, UK, US) Mount Vernon capsicum characters, fresh, one panellist. $24 (A, UK, US)Triplebank Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon crisp and lively. $23Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Squawking Magpie Villa Maria Private BinBlanc 2011 HHH1/2 Well-ripened, tropical fruit style The Chatterer Reserve Marlborough SauvignonTangy, limey and slightly with satisfying flavour depth, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHminerally, with fresh, delicate fresh, balanced acidity and a Blanc 2011 HHH Light and lively, with limey,flavours of melons, lychees and rounded finish. (From Lawson’s Light, crisp and zingy, with slightly minerally characters,capsicums that linger well. One Dry Hills.) $17 (A) ripe, melon/lime aromas showing good depth and a dry,judge scored it five stars. (From Nobilo Regional Collection and flavours, showing good crisp finish. $22 (A, UK, US)Pernod Ricard NZ.) $26 Marlborough Sauvignon freshness and depth. $19.95 (A)Brancott Estate Blanc 2011 HHH Starborough Marlborough Wairau River Marlborough‘B’ Brancott Vibrantly fruity, with “green Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHMarlborough Sauvignon bean” or “green pea” Mouthfilling, ripe, tropical fruit- Easy-drinking style, with goodBlanc 2011 HHH notes on the nose. Slightly flavoured wine (75 per cent body, fresh, ripe, tropical fruitStill very youthful. Fresh, ripely minerally, with good drive and Wairau, 25 per cent Awatere), flavours, lively acidity and aherbaceous style with tropical persistence. $17 (A) with good depth and a dry, smooth finish. $20 (A, UK, US)fruit aromas, good weight, Petit Clos by Clos Henri rounded finish. $21 (A)balanced acidity and lingering Marlborough Sauvignon Stoneleigh Latitude Wild South Marlboroughflavours. $37 Blanc 2010 HHH Marlborough Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHCoopers Creek SV Fleshy, ripe style from young Blanc 2011 HHH Ripely herbaceous aromas leadMarlborough Sauvignon vines, estate-grown in the Fresh passionfruit, melon and into a fresh, lively wine withBlanc 2011 HHH Wairau Valley. Tropical fruit lime flavours in a ripe Wairau good depth of melon and greenEasy-drinking style, ripely flavours, with good harmony Valley style, showing good capsicum flavours, threadedscented and fleshy, with fresh, and presence. $20 (A, UK, US) body and depth. $27 with crisp acidity. $20 (UK)ripe, tropical fruit flavours and a Sacred Hill Halo Awatere Stoneleigh Marlboroughrounded finish. $20 (UK) Marlborough Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Yealands EstateDashwood Blanc 2011 HHH Fresh, crisp and lively wine Marlborough SauvignonMarlborough Sauvignon Mouthfilling, with ripe tropical from the Wairau Valley, with Blanc 2011 HHHBlanc 2011 HHH fruit and herb flavours, showing ripe passionfruit, melon and Estate-grown in the AwatereFreshly aromatic, with vibrant moderate intensity and a fresh, lime aromas and flavours. Valley, this is a very fresh andmelon and green capsicum finely balanced finish. $26 (A) Medium-bodied, with good vibrant wine, mouthfilling, withflavours, showing good depth. Sacred Hill Halo balance and length. $25 passionfruit and lime flavours,$20 (A, UK, US) Marlborough Sauvignon Tiki Single Vineyard showing good balance andHunter’s Marlborough Blanc 2011 HHH Marlborough Sauvignon depth. $25 (A, UK, US)Sauvignon Blanc Ripely scented Wairau Valley Blanc 2011 HHH2011 HHH style, with fresh, tropical Fleshy and ripe, with an easy- PINOT GRISLight and lively, with fresh fruit flavours that retain good drinking balance and vibrant,acidity and ripe melon/lime acidity, finishing crisp and moderately concentrated 42 TASTEDaromas and flavours that linger fully dry. $26 (A) flavours. $25 (A) 24 AWARDEDwell. $19.90 (A, UK, US) Tinpot Hut Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH A solid class, but many wines Nettley aromas and flavours, from the heavy-cropping 2011 with a distinctly herbal thread. vintage lack real weight and Green-edged style, very fresh richness. The judges found and crisp. $22 (A, UK) plenty of fresh, easy-drinking, clearly varietal wines, but few were highly impressive and none were outstanding.JUDGES Corey Hall Nick Picone Co-owner of the Senior Auckland Michael Cooper Gem and Harwood winemaker for Villa Winestate’s New Zealand Hall brands, Corey Maria Estate, Nick editor is the author of the was previously also has several internationally acclaimed Wine senior winemaker years’ winemaking Atlas of New Zealand and for Matua Valley. experience in the annual Michael Cooper’s Marlborough. Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines. In the 2004 New Year Honours, Michael was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to wine writing.106 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

regional tastingThe Darling Marlborough Dashwood Marlborough Steve Bird is known for his non-conformistPinot Gris 2011 HHHH Pinot Gris 2011 HHH1/2 approach to winemaking and consistently pushes theRich, complex, slightly mealy Finely balanced, dryish style with boundaries while paying homage to the past. Steve isbouquet, reflecting 20 per cent fresh, ripe, grapefruit and melon unashamedly obsessive about his craft. His passion hasbarrel fermentation. Weighty, flavours, showing good texture, reaped a raft of top awards, and produced a selection ofcitrusy, finely textured and vigour and depth. $20 (A, UK, US)refreshing. “Flowers, nuts Drylands Marlborough New Zealand’s finest new world wines.and yellow fruits echo on the Pinot Gris 2011 HHH1/2finish,” enthused one judge. Mouthfilling and invitingly floral. The Bird label is a selection of ultra premium single-Certified Bio-Gro. $23 (A, UK) Vibrant, with strong peach and vineyard wines from Marlborough. Manu, which is theMount Vernon grapefruit characters, a hint of Maori word for “bird” is another handcrafted wine byMarlborough Pinot Gris spice, fresh acidity and very Steve where he personally selects the very best grapes2011 HHHH good flavour depth. $22 available to achieve distinctive and memorable wines.Aromatic, full-bodied and Kim Crawford Regionalwell-rounded, with fresh, crisp Reserve Marlboroughpear and spice flavours, finely Pinot Gris 2011 HHH1/2balanced for easy drinking, and Fleshy, gently sweet style withvery good texture and length. a floral bouquet, slightly creamy(From Lawson’s Dry Hills.) $17 texture and plenty of fresh,Staete Landt Marlborough citrusy, peachy flavour. $23Pinot Gris 2010 HHHH Sacred Hill HaloFull-bodied, creamy-textured Marlborough Pinot Grisstyle with a complex, slightly 2010 HHH1/2mealy and oaky bouquet and Weighty and slightly creamy,concentrated, spicy, slightly with strong, ripe stonefruitgingery flavours, rounded and flavours and a finely textured,rich. $29 dry finish. $26Wairau River Marlborough Saint Clair Godfrey’sPinot Gris 2011 HHHH Creek ReserveFloral, fleshy, finely balanced Marlborough Pinot Griswine with fresh, vibrant, 2011 HHH1/2melon/peach flavours, showing Weighty palate with fresh,excellent ripeness and depth, citrusy, slightly appley andand a dryish (5 g/litre of residual creamy flavours. Medium-sugar) finish. It should unfold dry style (9 g/litre of residualwell. $25 (A, UK) sugar), with very good textureWest Brook Marlborough and depth. $26Pinot Gris 2011 HHHH Starborough MarlboroughFleshy and ripe, partly barrel- Pinot Gris 2011 HHH1/2fermented style with gentle Grow in the Wairau (mostly)sweetness, substantial body, and Awatere valleys, and 10excellent depth of stonefruit per cent barrel-fermented.flavours, a slightly oily texture and Dryish style (6 g/litre of residuala soft finish. Delicious now. $24 sugar), with a floral, slightlyBrancott Estate Living appley and minerally bouquetLand Series Marlborough and fresh, pure varietalPinot Gris 2011 HHH1/2 flavours, showing very goodMouthfilling Wairau Valley wine depth. $21 (A)with peachy, spicy flavoursshowing very good balance,depth and drive. $24Michael Ivicevich Available in Victoria throughChief winemaker for Horizon Wines & Spirits ph: +61 41856 3567 or inOyster Bay Wines and NSW through Waratah Wines ph: +61 24739 8915Delegat’s Wine Estate,Michael is a senior www.birdwines.com ph: +64 7 927 2377 e: [email protected] in New Zealandcompetitions. His parentsown West Brook Winery,in west Auckland. March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 107

MARLBOROUGHAlpine Valley Selaks Heritage Charles Wiffen Bouldevines MarlboroughMarlborough Pinot Gris Reserve Marlborough Marlborough Riesling Riesling 2010 HHH1/22011 HHH Pinot Gris 2010 HHH 2010 HHHH1/2 Scented, citrusy, medium-dryFloral, medium-bodied style Soft, creamy-smooth style Slightly toasty and honeyed wine with good freshness,with stonefruit and spice with mouthfilling body, slightly bouquet, showing good structure and length. Subtle,flavours, showing good balance gingery flavours and a dryish intensity. Citrusy, with toasty, bottle-aged notes justand depth. Fine value. (From finish. Ready. $20 excellent weight, delicacy, starting to emerge. $20 (A)Tiki.) $14.95 drive and richness. Should Distant Land MarlboroughBrancott Estate ‘F’ Stoneleigh Marlborough mature well. $19 Riesling 2010 HHH1/2Fairhall Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011 HHH Giesen Marlborough Light, lemony, crisp and tight,Pinot Gris 2010 HHH Floral, crisp and lively, with Riesling 2011 HHHH with a medium-dry, slightlyLively, citrusy, slightly citrusy, slightly appley and Generous, medium style with minerally finish. Still youthful,appley wine with a sliver of minerally flavours and a dryish, strong, ripe, peach and lime with good acidity and lengthsweetness, refreshing balance finely balanced finish. $25 flavours and a slightly musky and a floral bouquet. $20and satisfying depth. Drinking perfume. A distinct splash of Saint Clair Marlboroughwell now. $37 Stoneleigh Rapaura Series sweetness gives early-drinking Riesling 2011 HHH1/2Coopers Creek SV The Marlborough Pinot Gris appeal. $19 (A, UK) Fleshy, with ripe peach andPointer Marlborough 2011 HHH Lake Chalice lime flavours, slightly minerallyPinot Gris 2010 HHH Fleshy, flavoursome, distinctly Falcon Vineyard and spicy. Finely balanced,Fresh and lively, with a hint of medium style with a floral, Riesling 2010 HHHH medium-dry style with goodoak on the nose and plenty of slightly honeyed bouquet, Stylish wine, developing well. length. $22pear and spice flavour, dry and gentle sweetness and a ripe, Lemony, limey and lingering, Stoneleigh Marlboroughsmooth. $20 (UK) rounded finish. $30 with slightly sweet, finely Riesling 2011 HHH1/2Huia Marlborough Pinot balanced flavours. $21 Floral, citrusy, limey bouquet,Gris 2010 HHH Wild South Marlborough Lawson’s Dry Hills leading into a fresh, tightlyFleshy, with melon and green Pinot Gris 2011 HHH Marlborough Riesling structured, finely balancedapple flavours, dry and minerally, Light, crisp and lively, “grigio” 2008 HHHH wine with good acidity andand good acidity and length. style. Fresh and appley, in a fairly Toasty nose, showing good length. $25Food wine. $27 (A, UK, US) lean but refreshing style. $20 (UK) complexity. Fleshy, with Yealands EstateJohanneshof Cellars citrusy, slightly honeyed Marlborough RieslingMarlborough Pinot Gris RIESLING flavours, in a medium-dry style 2011 HHH1/22011 HHH (11 g/litre of residual sugar), Freshly aromatic, with a lively,Ripely perfumed and 24 TASTED showing excellent depth and crisp palate. Citrusy, youthfulmouthfilling, with a slightly oily 18 AWARDED length. $19 (A, UK, US) wine, showing very goodtexture and ripe, peachy, spicy Toi Toi Reserve balance and obvious potential.flavours, offering smooth, easy A strong class, with lots of Marlborough Riesling $25 (A, UK)drinking. $29 youthful, finely balanced wines 2011 HHHH Babich Family EstatesLake Chalice Eyrie showing good potential and Scented, ripe style with vibrant Cowslip Valley RieslingVineyard Marlborough the older vintages revealing the citrus and stonefruit flavours, 2011 HHHPinot Gris 2011 HHH benefits of bottle age. showing excellent balance and Fleshy, with ripe, grapefruit andPale, with a slightly creamy, concentration. $21.95 mandarin peel aromas and goodleesy and biscuity bouquet. flavour depth. Finely balancedMedium-bodied, fresh and Saint Clair Pioneer Yealands Way for early enjoyment. $25crisp, with lemony, appley Block 9 Big John Riesling Marlborough Riesling Coopers Creekflavours, showing good texture 2011 HHHHH 2011 HHHH Marlborough Rieslingand depth. $21 Deliciously fresh, crisp and light- Fresh and vibrant, tightly 2010 HHHLawson’s Dry Hills bodied (9 per cent alc), with structured wine with citrusy, Fleshy, ripe and rounded,Marlborough Pinot Gris strong grapefruit/lime flavours, limey flavours, mouth- with citrus and tropical2011 HHH good drive and lovely interplay watering balance of fruit, fruit flavours and a slightlyThis wine split the panel. One of sweetness (43 g/litre of acidity and sweetness, honeyed, toasty bouquet.judge found it ripe, peachy residual sugar) and acidity. and a long finish. $19 (A) Drinking well now. $17 (A)and flavoursome, but slightly Excellent “Germanic” style. $24 Crossroads Medwayflabby; another found it fresh Vineyard Marlboroughand vibrant, but lacking varietal Riesling 2009 HHHcharacter; while the third rated Drinking well now. Light yellow,it highly: “luscious”and “very with lemon/lime flavours, a hintAlsace”. $26 (A, UK, US) of marmalade and toasty, bottle-Mount Riley Marlborough aged complexity. $22Pinot Gris 2011 HHH Drylands Marlborough DryMouthfilling, slightly spicy wine Riesling 2011 HHHin an easy-drinking, medium- Lively, lemony, slightly spicydry style with good weight and wine in a fresh, dryish styledepth. $18 (A) with floral, citrus notes to the fore. $22108 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

regional tastingDistant Land Marlborough Lawson’s Dry Hills Ra Nui Marlborough Stoneleigh Rapaura SeriesRiesling 2011 HHH Marlborough Wairau Valley Marlborough ChardonnayFreshly aromatic, gently sweet Gewürztraminer Gewürztraminer 2009 HHH 2010 HHHH1/2style (14 g/litre of residual 2009 HHHH Mouthfilling, lemony and Fleshy and creamy, withsugar) with lively acidity and Powerful wine, weighty, rich spicy, with a floral bouquet concentrated, ripe, peachysatisfying depth of citrusy, and rounded. Medium-dry style, and fresh, crisp flavours, aromas and flavours. Weightyappley flavours. $20 slightly hot on the finish (noted maturing solidly. $23 and rich, with excellentForrest Marlborough by two judges), but shows complexity, texture and length.Riesling 2011 HHH excellent flavour depth, with Red Deer Marlborough Enjoyed by all judges. $30Pale, slightly sweet and crisp, toasty, bottle-aged notes adding Sounds Gewürztraminerwith fresh lemon/apple flavours complexity. $26 (A, UK, US) 2010 HHH Georges Michel Goldenshowing good sugar/acid Fleshy, citrusy and appley, with Mile Marlboroughbalance and length. $20 Spy Valley Marlborough a gentle splash of sweetness, Chardonnay 2009 HHHH Gewürztraminer good flavour depth and an Richly fragrant, weighty andGEWÜRZTRAMINER 2011 HHHH easy-drinking charm. $27 vibrant, with rich, citrusy, soft Heady, exotically perfumed flavours, showing excellent14 TASTED bouquet. Weighty, fleshy palate, Saint Clair Godfrey’s texture and length, and a12 AWARDED with lychee, ginger and spice Creek Marlborough toasty, nutty complexity. Tank-A strong class, with lots of flavours, deliciously ripe, rounded Gewürztraminer 2009 HHH fermented, barrel-aged stylearomatic, well-spiced wines and rich. $23 (A, UK, US) Weighty and well-rounded, with (French, one and two year-oldand several of the big names Distant Land Marlborough some bottle-aged complexity. barriques). $22 (A)in gewürztraminer standing out Gewürztraminer Dryish style with gentle acidity Hunky Dory Marlboroughfrom the crowd. 2010 HHH1/2 and good length. $28 Chardonnay 2010 HHHH Enticingly scented, medium-dry Citrusy, fruit-driven style withSaint Clair Pioneer style with good weight and The Darling Marlborough slightly toasty notes addingBlock 12 Lone Gum fresh, lingering flavours. $20 Gewürztraminer 2010 HHH complexity. Shows excellentMarlborough West Brook Marlborough Ripely scented, with some freshness, harmony andGewürztraminer Gewürztraminer complexity (50 per cent barrel- length. Fine value from Huia.2010 HHHHH 2011 HHH1/2 fermented). Fleshy, dryish and $18 (A, UK, US)Enticingly perfumed, with spicy, Youthful, attractively scented rounded. Drinking well now. Mount Riley 17 Valleygingery aromas. Concentrated, wine with vibrant, citrusy, Certified organic. $25 (A) Marlborough Chardonnayoily textured palate with gentle spicy, slightly sweet and crisp 2010 HHHHsweetness (20 g/litre of residual flavours, showing very good CHARDONNAY Citrusy nose, with a hint ofsugar), impressive weight, depth. $24 gunflint. Weighty, vibrantlyharmony and richness, and a Yealands Estate Awatere 26 TASTED fruity and complex, withdeliciously soft finish. $24 Valley Marlborough 21 AWARDED a tight, minerally noteJohanneshof Marlborough Gewürztraminer and impressive richness,Gewürztraminer 2011 HHH1/2 Chardonnay is not one of complexity and length. $302011 HHHH Slightly gingery bouquet. Marlborough’s most famous Saint Clair Pioneer BlockRichly perfumed, with citrus, Strongly varietal, with very varieties, but the region 4 Sawcut Marlboroughspice and rose petal aromas. good depth of citrus fruit, produces stylish, cool-climate Chardonnay 2010 HHHHDistinctly medium style lychee and spice flavours and wines, buoyantly fruity and From the Ure Valley, 50kmwith good weight and fresh, an off-dry finish. $24.95 appetisingly crisp. The judges south of Blenheim, this elegantintensely varietal flavours, finely Charles Wiffen found plenty of rich, mealy, wine has a fragrant, complex,balanced and lingering. $29 Marlborough complex wines, which typically biscuity bouquet, leading into a Gewürztraminer 2010 HHH mature well for several years. citrusy, mealy palate, showing Fleshy and slightly creamy, excellent balance of rich, sweet with gentle sweetness and Lake Chalice The Raptor fruit flavours and oak. $31 fresh stonefruit and spice Marlborough Chardonnay Saint Clair Pioneer Block flavours, showing good balance 2010 HHHHH 10 Twin Hills Marlborough and depth. $24 Fragrant, mealy bouquet, with Chardonnay 2010 HHHH a hint of matchstick. Highly Highly fragrant, with citrusy, complex style, concentrated sweet-fruit characters and citrusy, with a strong oak seasoned with toasty oak. influence, but the fruit to match. Weighty, fresh and finely Weighty, rich and long. $27 textured, with excellent ripeness and depth and a Forrest Marlborough mealy, biscuity complexity. $31 Chardonnay 2008 HHHH1/2 Maturing very gracefully. Fragrant, mealy, nutty bouquet. Rich, ripe stonefruit flavours, showing good complexity, an oily texture, finely integrated oak, and impressive harmony and depth. Fine value at $23. (A, UK, US) March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 109

MARLBOROUGHSaint Clair Pioneer Stoneleigh Marlborough Saint Clair Omaka ROSÉBlock 11 Cell Block Chardonnay 2010 HHH1/2 Reserve MarlboroughMarlborough Chardonnay Skilfully crafted, with lots of Chardonnay 2010 HHH 5 TASTED2010 HHHH ripe, peachy flavour, a minerally Citrusy, peachy and mealy 4 AWARDEDElegant, finely poised wine, streak, and well-integrated oak wine with a strong, sweet oakfully barrel-fermented. Mealy, adding complexity. $25 influence (American, 50 per cent A small but solid class, withcomplex bouquet. Citrusy Wild South Marlborough new) and fresh acidity. Youthful pinot noir-based rosés offeringon the palate, with good Chardonnay 2010 HHH1/2 wine, worth cellaring. $34 (UK) lively strawberry and spiceweight and subtle, toasty Creamy-textured, unoaked style flavours, crisp and refreshing.oak seasoning rich, ripe fruit with good depth of vibrant, ripe Riverby Estatecharacters, fresh and strong. fruit flavours, offering very easy Marlborough Chardonnay Spy Valley Pinot NoirEnjoyed by all judges. $31 drinking. $20 (UK) 2010 HHH Rosé 2011 HHH1/2Wairau River Reserve West Brook Barrique Fleshy, creamy and soft, with Pale pink, light and lively, withMarlborough Chardonnay Fermented Marlborough fresh fruit characters and some dryish, strawberry and spice2010 HHHH Chardonnay 2010 HHH1/2 mealy, nutty notes adding flavours and a smooth finish.Powerful, finely textured wine Weighty, generous, ripely richness. $25 Fresh, finely balanced andwith a very mealy, biscuity flavoured wine with nutty, mealy instantly attractive. $23 (UK)bouquet and weighty, peachy, notes adding complexity and OTHER WHITEScreamy-textured palate. good texture and length. $24 Maui New Zealand RoséRich, complex style, worth Drylands Marlborough 10 TASTED 2011 HHHcellaring. $30 Chardonnay 2010 HHH 5 AWARDED Bright pink/red, pinot noir-Charles Wiffen Easy-drinking style, weighty, based rosé, fleshy, vibrantlyMarlborough Chardonnay peachy and smooth, with some A small class dominated fruity, well balanced and2010 HHH1/2 mealy, spicy notes adding by four grüner veltliners. smooth. (From Tiki.) $17Fragrant, with ripe fruit aromas, complexity and a creamy, Marlborough’s recent plantingsa gentle seasoning of French buttery finish. $22 are so far yielding promising Stoneleigh Pinot Noiroak, and very good freshness, Red Deer Marlborough rather than exciting wines - Marlborough Rosédrive and depth through the Sounds Chardonnay fresh, light and lively, with 2010 HHHpalate. $25 (A, UK, US) 2010 HHH citrusy, spicy flavours that may Light and still very lively, withLake Chalice Marlborough Lemon-scented, with strong, respond well to bottle age. fresh aromas and satisfyingChardonnay 2010 HHH1/2 crisp flavours in a fresh, fruit- depth of strawberryish, spicyFragrant and fleshy, fruit-driven driven style with a touch of Konrad Marlborough flavours. $25style (25 per cent barrel- mealy, nutty complexity. (From Grüner Veltliner 2011 HHHfermented). Slightly creamy Waitaria Bay.) $27 Aromatic, vibrantly fruity Yealands Estate Pinottexture, with fresh, ripe, Stoneleigh Latitude bouquet. Fresh, slightly leesy Noir Rosé 2011 HHHtropical fruit flavours to the Marlborough Chardonnay and crisp, with a gentle splash Pink/red Awatere Valley winefore, and very good depth and 2011 HHH of sweetness (9 g/litre of with gentle, plummy, spicydrinkability. $21 Some leesy, oaky complexity residual sugar) and plenty of flavours, showing a touch ofMount Riley Marlborough on the nose. Citrusy palate, citrusy, appley, slightly spicy complexity and a smooth, dryChardonnay 2010 HHH1/2 with vibrant fruit characters to flavour. Worth cellaring. $25 finish. Good food wine. $25Strong, ripe fruit flavours to the the fore, moderate complexity,fore, in a fresh, vibrant style fresh acidity and good The Doctors’ Marlborough OTHER REDSwith finely integrated oak, a harmony. $27 Arneis 2011 HHHslightly creamy texture and a Pale and light, with fresh, lively 8 TASTEDwell-rounded finish. $18 lemon, peach and almond 7 AWARDED flavours, crisp acidity and good STAR RATINGS  length. $28 (A, UK, US) A small class, dominated by merlot, which from the dry 2010Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of The Doctors’ Marlborough season has yielded richer, riperexcellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. Grüner Veltliner 2011 HHH reds than the regional norm.All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry Vibrantly fruity, with lemonprofessionals and are compared in peer and spiced apple aromas Saint Clair Rapauraclasses by three judges. and flavours, crisp and lively. Reserve MarlboroughCM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, Youthful wine with good Merlot 2010 HHHHa major mail-order business. texture and length. (From Boldly coloured, with goodCD Cellar door price. Forrest.) $25 (A, UK, US) density of berry and plumCDO Cellar door only. flavours, lashings of sweetSO Sold out. The People’s oak (American, 59 per cent$N/A Price not available at time of printing. Sauvignon Blanc new) and ripe, supple tannins. Pinot Gris 2010 HHH Concentrated, brambly and Contact information pg 144. Fleshy, with generous, tropical slightly minty. $28 fruit flavours, ripe and rounded. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). Smooth, easy-drinking style. $22 Saint Clair Marlborough Merlot 2010 HHH1/2 Yealands Estate Full-flavoured, easy-drinking Awatere Valley Grüner style with strong spice and Veltliner 2011 HHH herb characters, seasoned Lemon-scented, with plenty of with sweet American oak, and citrusy, spicy flavour. Shows supple tannins. $22 (UK) good personality, with a dry finish. $25110 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

regional tastingDrylands Marlborough Villa Maria Single Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Saint Clair PioneerMerlot 2010 HHH1/2 Vineyard Southern Clays Marlborough Pinot Noir Block 22 Barn BlockDeeply coloured, with fresh, Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHH Marlborough Pinot Noirstrong blackcurrant, herb and 2010 HHHHH Fragrant, rich and silky, with 2010 HHHH1/2plum flavours and supple, From the south side of the deep colour, sweet-fruit delights Powerful, densely coloured redapproachable tannins. $22 Wairau Valley, in the Ben and plum, cherry and spice with concentrated dark fruit, Morven foothills, this is a flavours, showing lovely texture, plum and dried herb flavours,Mount Riley Marlborough powerful, dark, purple-flushed, complexity and depth. $36 seasoned with toasty oakMerlot Malbec 2010 HHH notably concentrated red with (French, 46 per cent new).Firm, full-flavoured blend (15 per dense, sweet fruit flavours Spy Valley Marlborough Fresh and tight, with excellentcent malbec), with plum, cassis of plums, blackberries and Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHH weight, ripeness and length.and green olive characters, a liquorice. Crammed with fruit Beautifully scented, weighty, Worth cellaring. $34spicy influence from the malbec, and oak, it’s a bold style of vibrant and supple, with deep Brancott Estate ‘T’young tannins and a structured, pinot noir, but not over the top, colour and concentrated Terraces Marlboroughslightly drying finish. $18 with arresting depth. $56 plum, cherry and spice Pinot Noir 2010 HHHH Saint Clair Pioneer flavours, showing excellent Fragrant and full-flavoured,River Farm Block 14 Doctor’s Creek harmony and length. Fine with ripe cherry, plum andGodfrey Road Marlborough Marlborough Pinot Noir value. $32 (A, UK, US) spice characters, showing goodMerlot 2010 HHH 2010 HHHHH Forrest Marlborough Pinot concentration and complexity,Dark, with green, leafy notes Very “complete” wine, rich, ripe, Noir 2010 HHHH1/2 and a fairly firm finish. Savoury,on the nose and palate, which savoury and complex. Fragrant, Densely coloured, fragrant structured wine, well worthshows good weight and richness, dark and vibrant, with plenty of wine with black plum and cellaring. $44with a well-rounded finish. $35 oak (French, 36 per cent new) spice aromas. Sturdy, tightly Goldwater Wairau Valley but dense, sweet fruit characters structured palate with Marlborough Pinot NoirStaete Landt Marlborough to carry it. Combines power and impressively concentrated fruit 2010 HHHHSyrah 2009 HHH finesse. $34 (A, UK) flavours, delicately seasoned Ruby hued, with very goodConcentrated and tightly Saint Clair Pioneer Block with French oak (one and two depth of plum and herbstructured, with a nutty, spicy, 16 Awatere Pinot Noir year-old), and ripe tannins. Worth flavours, slightly spicy and nutty.savoury complexity, integrated 2010 HHHHH cellaring. Good value at $27. Fleshy, fresh, vibrantly fruity andoak and firm young tannins. Fragrant, deeply coloured, Huia Marlborough Pinot supple. $30 (A, UK, US)Worth cellaring. $55 youthful red with dense, Noir 2010 HHHH1/2 Hunky Dory Marlborough ripe cherry, plum and spice Built to last. Fragrant and boldly Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHStoneleigh Marlborough flavours, seasoned with nutty coloured, with concentrated, A very good buy from Huia.Merlot 2010 HHH oak (French, 54 per cent new), ripe plum, spice, herb and nut Youthful red, full-coloured, withDeeply coloured and vibrantly and silky tannins. Powerful flavours, dense, firm and long. ripe, sweet-fruit characters,fruity, with plummy, minty, wine with finesse and lovely $40 (A, UK, US) fresh, concentrated, berry/plumslightly herbal flavours, richness. $34 (US) Saint Clair Pioneer Block flavours, and good texture andshowing very good freshness 10 Twin Hills Marlborough potential. $25 (A, UK, US)and depth. $26 Pinot Noir 2010 HHHH1/2 Lake Chalice Marlborough Grown in the Omaka Valley, Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHPINOT NOIR this finely fragrant red shows Deeply coloured, with bold colour and concentrated, substantial body, fresh,58 TASTED brambly, spicy flavours. concentrated, plummy, spicy37 AWARDED Coupling dense fruit characters flavours, well-handled oak and with a powerful oak influence, tannins, and a lingering finish.From a slightly warmer and it’s a youthful, structured wine, A great buy. $21sunnier, but far drier than very ageworthy. $34 Nobilo Icon Marlboroughaverage, growing season, Saint Clair Pioneer Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHthe 2010 pinot noirs from Block 12 Lone Gum Powerful, weighty, full-colouredMarlborough are the best yet, Marlborough Pinot Noir red, grown mostly in thewith enticingly perfumed, richly 2010 HHHH1/2 Waihopai Valley. Strong plum andflavoured reds at the top end Dense and silky-textured, with spice flavours, with hints of herbsof the market, but also lots bold colour and very ripe plum, and raisins, and good, savouryof impressively ripe, flavour- spice and fruit cake flavours, complexity. $25 (UK, US)packed wines in the $NZ20 to showing excellent depth and Riverby Estate$NZ30 category. complexity. $34 Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHVilla Maria Single Deep ruby, with fresh, ripe,Vineyard Taylors Pass cherryish aromas. GoodMarlborough Pinot Noir weight, with finely balanced2010 HHHHH oak (French, 30 per cent new)This Awatere Valley beauty went and tannins, and excellentstraight to five stars on all judges’ flavour depth. $28 (A, UK, US)score sheets. Floral, youthfuland flowing, it’s a seriousbut “pretty” red, deliciouslysweet-fruited, with rich, livelyplum, cherry and spice flavours,balanced tannins and a lastingfinish. It should be long-lived. $56 March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 111

MARLBOROUGHSaint Clair Pioneer Villa Maria Single Hunter’s Marlborough River Farm Godfrey RoadBlock 15 Strip Block Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir 2010 HHH1/2 Marlborough Pinot NoirMarlborough Pinot Noir Marlborough Pinot Noir Ruby hued, with ripe, 2010 HHH2010 HHHH 2009 HHHH spicy flavours showing Firm and flavoursome. SlightlyFragrant bouquet of dark fruits, Fleshy, dark and sweet-fruited, good complexity. Medium- developed colour, with somecoffee, thyme and spices. with a floral, ripely scented bodied, fresh and savoury. herb and green olive notes andPowerful and sweet-fruited, bouquet and plummy, spicy $27 (A, UK, US) a fresh, crisp finish. $29with fresh, strong flavours, flavours, fresh and rich. $56 Konrad Marlborough Saint Clair Marlboroughshowing good complexity. Still Babich Winemakers Pinot Noir 2010 HHH1/2 Pinot Noir 2010 HHHdeveloping. $34 (UK) Reserve Marlborough Weighty and deeply coloured, Medium-bodied style, partlyStoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010 HHH1/2 with strong, cherryish, herbal, oak-aged, with decent depth ofPinot Noir 2010 HHHH Deeply coloured, with spicy flavours. Fleshy and plum and dried herb flavours,Concentrated and firmly mouthfilling body. Strong, ripe, generous. $29 some nutty complexity and astructured, with plum, cherry, plummy flavours, with hints of Staete Landt Marlborough firm finish. $22 (A, UK)spice and slight herb flavours, fruit cake, olives and nuts, and Pinot Noir 2008 HHH1/2 Vavasour Awatere Valleyshowing some nutty complexity, the structure to age. $30 Maturing gracefully. Sturdy, Marlborough Pinot Noirand good length. $26 Bouldevines Marlborough with full, bright colour and 2010 HHHWairau River Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 HHH1/2 ripe, plummy, spicy flavours, Floral and full-flavoured, withMarlborough Pinot Noir Concentrated, full-coloured red, showing very good complexity cherry, herb and spice notes.2010 HHHH ripely scented, with plummy, and depth. $39 Already quite expressive, but twoDensely coloured, with a nutty, spicy flavours, showing Stoneleigh Latitude judges found the finish a bit tartfragrant bouquet of ripe fruit very good depth. $30 (A) Marlborough Pinot Noir and green-edged. $32 (A, UK, US)and mocha. Weighty, rich, Cooper’s Creek 2010 HHH1/2 Yealands Estate Awateresweet-fruited palate, spicy Marlborough Pinot Noir Generous, sweet-fruited and Valley Marlborough Pinotand almost raisiny, with 2010 HHH1/2 finely textured, with very good Noir 2010 HHHconcentrated flavours and soft Easy-drinking style, ruby hued, depth of plum, spice and herb Ruby hued, with strong plum,tannins. $40 (A, UK, US) with ripe plum and spice flavours and supple tannins. $27 spice and slight herb flavours. flavours, gentle tannins and Stonewall Marlborough Fleshy, with integrated oak and a © Tourism New Zealand. some savoury complexity. Pinot Noir 2010 HHH1/2 fairly firm finish. $29.95 (A, UK) Fragrant, fruity and smooth. Bold red with very good Priced sharply. $20 (A, UK, US) depth of cherry and dried SWEET WHITES herb flavours, showing some savoury complexity. Fleshy and 3 TASTED highly approachable already. 3 AWARDED (From Forrest Estate.) $27 Triplebank Awatere Valley Riverby Estate Noble Marlborough Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2010 HHH1/2 2011 (375ml) HHHHH Vibrantly fruity, with deep Golden blend of sauvignon blanc colour, strong plum, spice and (55 per cent) and semillon (45 per herb flavours, fresh and firm, cent), from fully botrytis-affected and considerable complexity. berries. Ravishingly honeyed Slightly greener style, but bouquet, with concentrated enjoyed by all judges and apricot and honey flavours, an verging on four stars. $29 oily texture, abundant sweetness Brancott Estate Living (250 g/litre of residual sugar), Land Series Marlborough and lovely ripeness and richness. Pinot Noir 2010 HHH $35 (A, UK, US) Fresh and vibrantly fruity, with Konrad Sigrun Noble Two strong, ripe, berryish flavours, Riesling Sauvignon Blanc underpinned by firm tannins. $24 2009 (375ml) HHHH Dashwood Marlborough Rich, honeyed blend of tank- Pinot Noir 2010 HHH fermented riesling (55 per cent) Strong cherry, spice and herb and barrel-fermented sauvignon flavours, fresh and fruity, blanc (45 per cent). Weighty, with crisp acidity and gentle with concentrated honey and tannins. $20 (A, UK, US) apricot flavours, showing plentiful Giesen The Brothers sweetness (168 g/litre of residual Marlborough Pinot Noir sugar), good acid spine and oak- 2010 HHH derived complexity. $25 Fleshy and sweet-fruited, Brancott ‘B’ Late Harvest with plum and spice flavours Sauvignon Blanc 2011 showing very good depth, but (375ml) HHH1/2 two judges thought it lacked the Elegant sweet wine, with pure, finesse to rate higher. $40 (A) juicy, late harvest fruit characters of passionfruit and apricot, showing moderate concentration and complexity. $37112 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012



MICHAEL COOPERThere’s something for everyone in the latest batchof releases. The top wines underlined the regions’strengths in specific varieties: Central Otago shone withpinot noir, Hawke’s Bay with chardonnay, Waipara witharomatic white wines, and Marlborough with aromaticwhites and sauvignon blanc.Prices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Greystone Waipara Valley Spy Valley EnvoyWines available in export markets are shown as Gewürztraminer 2011 Marlborough Sauvignon(A) Australia, (UK) and (US). Beautifully perfumed, spicy, Blanc 2010 gingery bouquet, with small A sauvignon blanc to ponder degrees of noble rot and over. Estate-grown and hand- barrel fermentation adding harvested in the WaihopaiAurum Madeleine Central Greystone Waipara Valley complexity. Mouthfilling Valley, it was fermented andOtago Pinot Noir 2009 Pinot Gris 2011 wine, already very open and lees-aged for a year in FrenchRefined, single-vineyard red, Scented, with lovely richness, expressive, with concentrated oak casks. Mouthfilling, slightlyestate-grown at Lowburn, delicacy and harmony. Full- peach, pear and spice flavours, creamy and complex, it ismatured for 20 months in bodied and vibrantly fruity, with a slightly oily texture and tight and elegant, with ripelyFrench oak barrels and bottled deep stonefruit, lychee and spice a gently sweet, rounded, herbaceous flavours, finelyunfiltered. Finely scented, flavours, gentle sweetness and a sustained finish. $28 (A) poised, minerally and long. Bestwith deep, youthful colour and fine thread of acidity. Benchmark Greystone mid-2012+. $29.95 (A, UK, US)lovely fruit sweetness and stuff. $30 (A) Sand Dollar Waipara Spy Valley Envoycomplexity. Cherry, plum and Craggy Range Gimblett Valley Pinot Gris 2011 Marlboroughspice flavours, with hints of Gravels Vineyard Hawke’s Dry style, weighty and rich, Gewürztraminer 2011coffee and nuts, that build to a Bay Chardonnay 2010 with stonefruit and spice Powerful wine, estate-grownfinely structured, lasting finish. Richly fragrant, finely textured flavours and a slightly oily in the Waihopai Valley andBest 2013+. $55 (A) wine with a citrusy, mealy texture. Elegant, finely poised barrel-fermented. Richly spicyCarrick Bannockburn bouquet, seasoned with wine, just starting to unfold. bouquet, with substantialCentral Otago quality oak (French, 24 per Best mid-2012+. $30 (A) body (14.5 per cent alc),Pinot Noir 2010 cent new). Refined palate an oily texture, and highlyA wine of real finesse. Deep showing excellent delicacy and concentrated stonefruit, gingerand youthful in colour, with depth, with ripe, grapefruit- and spice flavours. Openlayers of ripe cherry, plum like characters to the fore, 2013+. $29.95 (A, UK, US)and spice flavours, and a hint sweet-fruit delights, andof dark chocolate, it has good well-integrated, biscuity oak.savoury complexity and fine- Already delicious, but wellgrained tannins. Approachable worth cellaring. $32 (A)now, it should be at its bestfrom 2013+. $45114 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

recent releases½ Clearview Old Olive Greystone Waipara Valley Spy Valley 8 Ranges BarrelBlock 2010 Chardonnay 2010 Envoy Marlborough Selection Central OtagoRefined, full-flavoured regional Powerful, robust style (14.5 Pinot Gris 2010 Pinot Noir 2009blend of merlot (43 per cent) per cent alc), very rich and Estate-grown in the lower From Tussock Ridge Vineyard,and smaller portions of cabernet harmonious, with sweet-fruit Waihopai Valley, this barrel- at Alexandra. Full, bright ruby,sauvignon, cabernet franc delights and highly concentrated, fermented wine is a medium with a silky entry and strong,and malbec. Deeply coloured, stonefruit flavours, slightly style (31 grams/litre of residual ripe flavours of cherries, plumsmouthfilling, sweet-fruited and buttery and rounded. Already sugar). Delicious now, it is full- and dried herbs. Savoury andsupple, with blackcurrant, plum delicious. $34 (A) bodied, with concentrated, ripe complex, with the structure toand spice flavours showing good Kirky Patutahi Gisborne stonefruit, lychee and spice age and good personality. $37complexity and a finely textured, Reserve Malbec 2010 flavours, showing excellent 8 Ranges Central Otagorich finish. Best 2013+. $40 Dark, with dense blackcurrant, delicacy and harmony, a subtle Pinot Rosé 2011Craggy Range Calvert plum and spice flavours, seasoning of oak, and a rich, Bright pink Alexandra wineVineyard Bannockburn showing good complexity, a hint soft finish. $29.95 (A, UK, US) with buoyant strawberry andPinot Noir 2010 of dark chocolate and smooth spice flavours, fresh acidityStill very youthful, this elegant tannins. Powerful wine with Spy Valley Marlborough and a slightly creamy texture.wine was hand-picked, rich, sweet-fruit characters and Pinot Gris 2011 Excellent freshness andfermented with indigenous lots of drink-young appeal. $35 Powerful wine, delicious from harmony, with lots of drink-yeasts and matured for nine the start. Weighty (14.5 per cent young charm. $25months in French oak barrels (31 Milcrest Estate Nelson alc), with fresh, concentrated Amisfield Central Otagoper cent new). Full-coloured, it Pinot Noir 2010 stonefruit and spice flavours, Sauvignon Blanc 2011is mouthfilling, with ripe cherry, Deep ruby, floral and supple showing excellent depth and Aromatic and tangy, with 10plum and spice flavours, fresh red, from 14-year-old vines at harmony. $23 (A, UK, US) per cent indigenous yeastand concentrated, and a savoury, Hope. Delicious already, with Martinborough Vineyard fermentation in old oak barriquessupple, finely poised finish. mouthfilling body, strong, ripe, Manu Riesling 2011 adding a touch of complexity.Open mid-2013+. $59.95 (A, UK) cherryish, plummy, slightly From grapes harvested in the Ripe citrus fruit, passionfruitCraggy Range Zebra nutty flavours, showing good Jackson Block with a “slight” and lime flavours, showingVineyard Central Otago complexity and harmony and a botrytis influence, this is a good intensity and vigour, and aPinot Noir 2010 silky charm. $31.90 distinctly medium style (25 lingering finish. $25 (A)Grown at Bendigo, this is a grams/litre of residual sugar), Aurum Central Otagogenerous style of pinot noir – Spy Valley with vibrant, rich grapefruit, Chardonnay 2010warm and rich, with the power Envoy Marlborough spice and lime flavours, Elegant, youthful wine, barrel-to age. Deeply coloured, it has Chardonnay 2008 threaded with fresh acidity. fermented. Full-bodied andconcentrated, beautifully ripe Fleshy, soft and creamy- A concentrated, finely balanced finely balanced, with strongplum, cherry and spice flavours, textured, with sweet-fruit wine with drink-young charm, peachy, citrusy flavours,with good tannin support. $42.95 characters and strong grapefruit/ it should also mature well. $27 gently seasoned with biscuity spice flavours, showing good oak. Slightly creamy, with aGreystone complexity. Subtle, slightly sustained finish. $28 (A)Feather Star Waipara minerally wine, likely to be long- Carrick UnravelledValley Riesling 2011 lived. $40 (A, UK, US) Central OtagoVivacious, light-bodied wine (8.5 Pinot Noir 2010per cent alc) with good intensity Still a baby, this is a purple-of fresh peach, lemon and spice flushed, tightly structured red.flavours. Instantly appealing, It shows good density, withmedium-sweet style with good concentrated cherry, plum andacid spine and a lingering finish. spice flavours, underpinnedShould age well. $26 by fairly firm tannins. Open mid-2012+. $25 Clearview Black Reef Blush 2010 Like a very refreshing light red, this Hawke’s Bay wine is blended from Bordeaux grapes (mostly merlot), syrah, and the highly rated French hybrid, chambourcin. Mouthfilling, it is basically dry, with berryish, plummy flavours, deliciously fresh, vibrant and strong. $17 March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 115

MICHAEL COOPERClearview Late Harvest Giesen The Brothers Greystone Waipara Valley Morton BlancHawke’s Bay Chardonnay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 de Blancs 20022009 (375ml) Pinot Noir 2010 Distinctly minerally style, partly Chardonnay-based style,Pale gold, gently honeyed Generous, graceful, supple red, barrel-fermented. Mouthfilling disgorged after seven yearswine, hand-picked with grown in the Waihopai Valley and crisp, with good intensity on its lees. Still lively, it’s asome botrytis showing, and and on the north side of the of vibrant grapefruit, melon and mature wine, yellow-hued, withfermented and matured for 15 Wairau Valley, at Kaituna. Fleshy, lime flavours, youthful, finely crisp, citrusy flavours, a hint ofmonths in seasoned French with excellent texture and depth balanced and lingering. $23 (A) oranges, subtle yeast charactersoak casks. Shows good of ripe, cherry and nut flavours. Martinborough Vineyard and a slightly buttery, nutty,complexity and richness, with Savoury, harmonious wine; drink Riesling 2011 lingering finish. $29stonefruit and honey flavours now or cellar. $39.99 (A, UK) Fleshy, tightly structured, Morton Blancin a weighty style showing Corazon Single Vineyard youthful wine, from bunches with de Noirs 2005excellent harmony. $65 Chardonnay 2010 no botrytis influence. Full-bodied, Drinking well now, this stylishClearview Reserve Full of personality, this Kumeu, with generous, ripe, grapefruit sparkling was blended almostHawke’s Bay Sauvignon West Auckland wine is full-bodied and slight spice flavours, fully dry entirely from pinot noir and pinotGris 2011 and creamy-textured, with ripe but finely balanced. Drink now or meunier grown in Hawke’sMouthfilling, fully dry wine, stonefruit flavours, slightly buttery cellar. $27 Bay (mostly) and Marlborough.estate-grown at Te Awanga and toasty, and good complexity. Martinborough Vineyard Disgorged after more than fiveand fermented in old French Drink now or cellar. $22 Rosé 2011 (500ml) years on its yeast lees, it is paleoak casks. Refined, subtle and This instantly appealing, lively straw, with peachy, yeasty,satisfying, with ripe tropical rosé was made from hand- slightly nutty flavours, showingfruit and spice flavours, woven picked pinot noir, fermented in impressive freshness, vigour andwith fresh acidity, a subtle an even split of tanks and old richness. $29seasoning of oak and a tight oak casks. Pink/pale red, it has Ohau Gravelsfinish. Open 2013+. $25 concentrated, cherryish, spicy Pinot Gris 2011 flavours, deliciously fresh, dryish Grown on the west coast northGiesen The Brothers Corazon Single Vineyard and smooth. Ready to roll. $20 of Wellington, this hand-picked,Marlborough Merlot 2010 partly barrel-fermented wineChardonnay 2010 A good buy. This youthful Mud House Marlborough is full-bodied, with a touch ofRich, buttery, toasty bouquet. Hawke’s Bay red is full-coloured, Sauvignon Blanc 2011 complexity and rich, peachy,Youthful wine with substantial mouthfilling and savoury, Stylish regional blend, grown in spicy flavours. An off-dry style,body, concentrated citrus fruit with generous plummy, spicy the Wairau, Awatere and Ure it shows excellent depth,and peach flavours, strongly flavours, an earthy streak adding valleys. Aromatic, punchy and texture and harmony. $22.95 (A)seasoned with oak (French, complexity, and fine-grained minerally, with good vigour and Rockburn Spitfire85 per cent new), and a hint tannins. It shows good muscle intensity of fresh melon, lime Central Otagoof butterscotch. One for the and potential. $22 and green capsicum flavours Gewürztraminer 2011cellar. $24.99 (A) Corazon Single Vineyard that build to a crisp, slightly Drinking well now, with very Syrah 2010 nettley finish. $20 (A, UK, US) good weight and depth of Grown in Hawke’s Bay, ripe lychee and spice flavours. this deeply coloured red is Slightly sweet style, with good mouthfilling, with vibrant plum concentration, fresh acidity and and black pepper flavours, a well-rounded finish. $35 good, savoury complexity, Rockburn Tigermoth finely balanced tannins and Central Otago a spicy finish. It shows good Riesling 2011 potential; open 2013+. $27 Light, racy wine with intense lemon, lime and spice flavours, STAR RATINGS  a hint of sherbet, firm acid spine and a lingering finish.Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of Medium-sweet style (40excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. grams/litre of residual sugar),All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry already delicious. $35professionals and are compared in peer Seifried Winemakersclasses by three judges. Collection Sweet AgnesCM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, Riesling 2011 (375ml)a major mail-order business. From Nelson grapes hand-CD Cellar door price. picked “with a large portionCDO Cellar door only. of the fruit shriveled andSO Sold out. raisined”. Already delicious,$N/A Price not available at time of printing. with concentrated, sweet, citrusy, limey flavours, slightly Contact information pg 144. spicy and honeyed, fresh and rich. $24 (A, UK, US) RECOMMENDED cellaring (years).116 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

recent releasesSileni The Triangle Bouldevines MarlboroughHawke’s Bay Merlot 2010 Pinot Noir 2010Elegant, ageworthy red, Fresh, vibrant and supple, withmatured for 14 months in mouthfilling body and berryish,French (predominantly) and gently oaked, moderatelyAmerican oak barriques. Deep complex flavours, showingand youthful in colour, with very good texture and richness.strong ripe plum/spice flavours, Already drinking well. $30 (A)a hint of mint chocolate, and Carrick Central Otagogood backbone and savoury Dry Riesling 2011complexity. Best 2013+. $32 Crying out for more time, this isSeifried Nelson Grüner a mouthfilling dry wine, citrusy,Veltliner 2011 appley and slightly spicy, withGrown at Brightwater, this is a firm acid spine and very goodmedium to full-bodied wine with depth. Open 2014+. $22gently spicy aromas and strong, Carrick Central Otagodry lemon and spice flavours, Pinot Gris 2011showing very good freshness, Mouthfilling, this partly barrel-delicacy and length. $22 (UK) fermented pinot gris showsSpy Valley Marlborough greater complexity than most.Chardonnay 2010 It offers very good depth ofA top vintage. Slightly biscuity, stonefruit and spice flavours, withcreamy bouquet. Mouthfilling a dryish, lingering finish. $25body and strong, citrusy, mealy, Carrick Central Otagobuttery flavours, with firm acid Sauvignon Blanc 2011spine and a tight finish. Good Bio-Gro certified, this is anow or cellar. $23 (A, UK, US) flavoursome, slightly nettley wine with gooseberry and green capsicum flavours, slightly toasty and tangy. Punchy and crisp, it offers good drinking through 2012. $20Waipara Hills Marlborough Clearview ReserveSauvignon Blanc 2011 Hawke’s Bay SauvignonRipe style, grown in the Blanc 2011Wairau and Awatere valleys, Grown near the coast atwith substantial body, tropical Te Awanga, blended withfruit flavours to the fore and semillon (9 per cent) anda herbal undercurrent. Very barrel-fermented, this fresh,finely balanced, with excellent tangy, full-flavoured wine hasfreshness and depth. $21 (A, UK) ripe melon/lime characters, slightly spicy and minerally, good complexity and a lingering finish. Best mid-2012+. $23½ Coney Martinborough Que Sera Syrah 20098 Ranges Central Otago Full-coloured, vibrantly fruityPinot Gris 2011 and supple, with generous, ripeSingle-vineyard Alexandra wine flavours of plums, spices andwith a fragrant, spicy bouquet. liquorice, gentle tannins andMedium-bodied style with plenty of personality. $30plenty of ripe, peachy flavour, a Coney Ragtimelemony twist and a crisp, dryish, Riesling 2010finely balanced finish. $27 This Martinborough wine isAnt Moore Marlborough fleshy, with very good depthSauvignon Blanc 2011 of ripe, citrusy, slightly spicyEstate-grown, Waihopai Valley flavours, hints of honey andwine. Full-bodied, with fresh, passionfruit, and a medium-dryripe, tropical fruit flavours, finish. $20 (A)showing very good balance anddepth. $23 (A) March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 117

MICHAEL COOPERConey Rallentando Morton Sparkling Rosé NV Sileni The Straits Giesen MarlboroughRiesling 2009 Mature, brick red style made Marlborough Sauvignon Pinot Noir 2010From Martinborough, this from Hawke’s Bay pinot Blanc 2011 Ruby hued, vibrant andis a medium-bodied wine noir, disgorged after four Fresh and vibrantly fruity, smooth, with sweet-fruitwith strong, ripe lemon/lime years on its yeast lees. Good with lots of youthful impact. flavours of cherries and plums,flavours, fresh, crisp and fully complexity, with strawberryish, Strong, ripe melon and finely balanced and youthful.dry. Drink now or cellar. $20 (A) yeasty, slightly nutty and crisp capsicum flavours, with lively $24.99 (A, UK, US)Giesen Chardonnay 2010 flavours. Tastes ready. $20.95 acidity, and very good balance Old Coach Road NelsonAttractive, fruit-driven style for early drinking. $25 Unoaked Chardonnay 2011(not identified by region). Muddy Water Sileni The Pacemaker Good example of the style, withMouthfilling and dry, with Waipara Valley Hawke’s Bay Cabernet mouthfilling body and plenty offresh, peachy, citrusy, gently Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Franc 2010 vibrant, citrusy flavour, enlivenedoaked flavours, showing some Crisp and racy, with mouthfilling Single-vineyard, full-coloured by fresh acidity. $17 (A, UK)biscuity, buttery, mealy notes, body and fresh, slightly grassy red from The Triangle, with a Kirkpatrick Estate Winerybalanced acidity, and good flavours, showing very good spicy bouquet. Mouthfilling, Virgin Chardonnay 2011vigour and depth. $18.99 (A) vigour and depth. $19 berryish and smooth, with “Virgin”, on the label ofGiesen Marlborough Naked Vine Marlborough moderately rich flavour, this Gisborne wine, meansPinot Gris 2011 Sauvignon Blanc 2011 savoury notes adding untouched by oak. Fresh, full-Delicious young, this wine Weighty, crisp and dry, with complexity and an easy- bodied and smooth, it offerswas grown at Rapaura, in the ripe, tropical fruit flavours in a drinking appeal. $32 good depth of ripe, peachy,Wairau Valley, and a small quietly satisfying, rather than Spy Valley Marlborough slightly spicy flavours, in anportion was barrel-fermented. dramatic, style. Blended from Riesling 2011 easy-drinking style. $18Mouthfilling, it is vibrantly vineyards in the Wairau and Fresh and full-bodied, with Clearview Te Awangafruity, with stonefruit and spice Awatere valleys. $22 strong lemon/lime flavours, Sauvignon Blanc 2011flavours, showing a touch of Ohau Gravels slightly sweet and crisp. Tight, Hand-harvested on thecomplexity, and very good Sauvignon Blanc 2011 youthful wine, best opened Hawke’s Bay coastline andbalance and depth. $18.99 (A) From Horowhenua, on the 2013+. $23 (A, UK, US) partly barrel-fermented, this is aGrower’s Mark Someone’s west coast north of Wellington, Woven Stone Ohau fresh, dry wine with a touch ofDarling Vineyard Bendigo this vibrant, full-bodied wine Pinot Gris 2011 complexity and plenty of lively,Pinot Rosé 2011 has firm acid spine and strong Freshly scented, vibrantly fruity ripely herbaceous flavour, limeyBright pink, with vibrant melon, lime and capsicum wine with a gentle splash of and slightly spicy, with goodstrawberry/spice flavours, flavours, showing a touch of sweetness, lively acidity and acid spine. $17showing very good delicacy, complexity. $21 (A) very good depth of peach, pear Old Coach Road Nelsonbalance and depth. (From Sileni Cellar Selection and spice flavours. $17 (A) Gewürztraminer 2011Farmers Market Wine Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010 From Seifried, this is aCompany). $29.90 Good, drink-young style,  medium-dry style with aKirkpatrick Estate French and American oak-aged, distinctly spicy bouquet.Patutahi Gisborne with aging potential. Dark and 8 Ranges Trail Rider Central Mouthfilling, it is gently sweet,Gewürztraminer 2011 weighty, with generous plum Otago Pinot Noir 2009 in a clearly varietal style withPale gold, with very gingery and black pepper flavours and Ruby-hued Alexandra red with plenty of citrusy, spicy, slightlyaromas and flavours. Full- ripe, supple tannins. $20 mouthfilling body and plum and gingery flavour. $17bodied, with strong, well- Sileni Estate Selection herb flavours, showing some Seifried Nelson Syrah 2010spiced flavours, already Late Harvest Semillon fruit sweetness and good Ruby hued, full-bodied anddrinking well. $24 2011 (375ml) depth. Ready; no rush. $27 supple, with vibrant plum andKirkpatrick Estate Winery Delicious already. Fresh and Clearview Haumoana pepper flavours, a hint of herbsKirky Series Reserve sweet (69 grams/litre of Hawke’s Bay and a pinot noir-like texture.Chardonnay 2010 residual sugar), with vibrant, Pinot Gris 2011 Drink now or cellar. $22 (UK)Perfumed, sweet-oak aromas well-ripened fruit flavours, Still very youthful, Clearview’s Woven Stone Ohaulead into an upfront style from a hint of honey and a well- first pinot gris was hand-picked Sauvignon Blanc 2011Gisborne, fermented in a mix of rounded finish. $20 at Haumoana and made in a Tangy, herbaceous style grownFrench and American barriques. slightly off-dry style. Gentle at Horowhenua on the westIt offers very good depth of ripe pear and spice aromas lead into coast north of Wellington.stonefruit flavours, with a slightly a fresh, mouthfilling wine with Grapefruit and lime flavours,buttery, rounded finish. $26 ripe peach, spice and slight with a nettley streak, a gentleMilcrest Estate Nelson apricot flavours, showing good splash of sweetness andSauvignon Blanc 2011 depth. $NA appetising acidity. $17 (A)Estate-grown at Hope, this is Clearview Capean easy-drinking style, ripely Kidnappers Hawke’s Bayscented, with very good Syrah 2010depth of passionfruit and lime Full-coloured regional blendflavours, fresh and lively, a with vibrant, moderately ripesliver of sweetness (4.6 grams/ plum/spice flavours, a touch oflitre of residual sugar) and complexity and supple tannins.mouth-watering acidity. $19 An enjoyable, drink-young style. $25118 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

the wine & spirit insiderMarch/April 2012 Issue 122 FREE COPY new releasesin this issue and Top 40 Best Wine Buys Under $20 THE WINE & SPIRIT INSIDER IS A PROMOTIONAL GUIDE FROM THE LIQUOR TRADE TO THE CONSUMER. Winestate Publishing ABN 56 088 226 411

287 TASTED169 AWARDEDNEW RELEASESOverall a very even New Release tasting with very good wines in Ninth Island Chestnut Grovealmost every category and there was some weakness in the pinot Tasmania Western Australiagris/grigio and pinot noir categories, but other reds and whites Chardonnay Pinot Verdelho 2011 HHHcame in as either excellent, or very good. This augurs well for the Noir Pinot Meunier Soft floral nose withconsistency of our upcoming wine choices! NV HHH hints of quince. Big Pleasant, clean lifted, palate - lots of flavourSPARKLING Ulithorne Flamma lolly fruit nose and and plenty of length. $14 McLaren Vale sweet apple palate with14 TASTED Sparkling Shiraz nice savouriness. $28 Swings &10 AWARDED NV HHHH Roundabouts A classic big Aussie OTHER WHITE Margaret RiverA pleasant surprise with sparkling shiraz with VARIETALS Chenin Blancsome nice quaffers huge, rich, dark plum and & BLENDS 2011 HHHshowing good balance licorice aromas and great Heavily scented wildof acidity and tannins. depth of rich, mature, 11 TASTED flower bouquet and varietal flavours. $38 8 AWARDED full-flavoured, oily palate. Nice texture and Howard Vineyard A bunch of different balance. $20 Adelaide Hills white varietals showing Sparkling Brut a lot of interest as Rusden Christian 2010 HHHH pleasant lunch wines. Barossa Chenin Fine strawberry aromas Blanc 2011 HHH and fresh, balanced Heritage Wines Light gooseberry/ and stylish palate Savagnin Blanc herbaceous aromas and with creamy mousse, 2011 HHHH very simple but pleasant delicate sweet fruit and A stylish, spicy melon green palate. $35 good acidity. $25 nose with a hint of nutmeg. Savoury palate Heritage WinesBurch Family Wines Domaine Chandon Angas Plains Estate has a good depth of fruit Verdelho 2010 HHHJeté Sparkling Vintage Tasmania PJ’s Langhorne flavours with a drying A simple wine withWhite NV HHHH Cuvee 2008 HHHH Creek Sparkling herbal finish. $25 stewed melon pulp-likeBroad developed toasty A full, creamy, toasty, Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and balancingbouquet with melon fruity nose with a soft and NV HHH Heritage Wines acidity. $25notes. Aged flavours on a generous palate brimming Earthy, sweet, leafy Viognier 2010 HHHHpalate that’s still fresh and over with flavour richness blackcurrant aromas and Aromatic perfumed/ SAUVIGNONfull of life. Lovely acidity and lovely creamy nicely structured, gently spicy aromas and BLANCand astringency. $30 mousse. $39.95 sweet palate. $20 viscous, mouthfilling & BLENDS Tapestry Bakers Sittella Pinot Noir palate rich with apricot Gully Vineyards Chardonnay and lemon flavours 38 TASTED McLaren Vale 2008 HHH showing nice depth and 21 AWARDED Sparkling Big developing candy intensity. $25 Chardonnay NV HHH aromas and marzipan Lots of good dry whites A light young thing with palate with nice balance Possums Three In here rather than strong reserved green apple of acid and tannin. $32 The Pouch McLaren varietal wines from a fruit and dry, astringent Vale Classic White difficult vintage. “The finish. $28 2011 HHH winemakers should get Smells like a fruit salad a pat on the back for Sittella Blanc de Waverley Estate Rob with a perfumed lift and producing these wines,” Blancs 2009 HHH Roy Hunter Valley a full, sweet melon fruit said one judge. Enjoy Smells of apples and Sparkling Shiraz palate. $12 these as lovely quaffers pears with a lively palate, 1996 HHH rather than serious wines. with nice balance of fruit, Delicately maturing Sylvan Springs yeasty notes and acid. $22 barnyardy aromas; similar Dirty Girl’s White characters on the nicely 2011 HHH weighted palate. $45 Sweet herbaceous nose and pleasant, soft fruit palate with herbal edge. Good quaffer. $13120 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingCape Naturaliste Beeamma EstateMargaret River South AustraliaSauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc2011 HHHH 2011 HHHLifted fresh varietal Subdued floral/greenbouquet of herbs and pea aromas. Nicegooseberries. The balance of fruit and acidpalate is soft yet has on the palate. $17juicy green fruit flavours Fox Creek McLarenwith spicy notes. Well Vale Sauvignonbalanced. $20 Blanc 2011 HHHAnvers Brabo Ripe, rich, tropical noseSouth Australia and very big, ripe, spicySauvignon Blanc fruit palate with someSemillon 2011 HHH sweetness. $17Reserved, spicy, Plantagenet Omrahherbaceous aromas and Great Southerncrisp, dry white flavours Sauvignon Blancwith a warm finish. $14 2011 HHHMoppity Vineyards Soft, round, full-Lock & Key Hilltops flavoured, fruit-drivenOrange Sauvignon wine. Very bright, freshBlanc 2011 HHH and lively. $18Nicely structured Looking Glasswine with light, fresh, Marlboroughtropical fruit showing a Sauvignon Blancperfumed lift and good 2011 HHHacidity. $14.99 Peas and asparagus onMorambro Creek the nose and a zestyMt Monster and flavoursome tropicalLimestone Coast palate. $18.95Sauvignon Blanc Lou Miranda Estate2011 HHH Leone Adelaide HillsLifted aromatic/ Sauvignon Blancperfumed aromas and 2011 HHHlight, fresh and zippy in Lively green aromas andthe mouth. $14.99 a palate of green citrusScarpantoni Estate and melon fruits. GoodMcLaren Vale drying tannins. $18.95Sauvignon Blanc2011 HHHHerbaceous, pungenttropical aromas anddistinctly varietal palate;soft and full in themouth. $18 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 121

NEW RELEASESJip Jip Rocks Forest Hill Vineyard PINOT GRIS/ RIESLING Saddler’s CreekPadthaway Highbury Fields GRIGIO Reserve RieslingSauvignon Blanc Great Southern 11 TASTED 2011 HHHH2011 HHH Sauvignon Blanc 11 TASTED 7 AWARDED Perfumed nose withSmells of honeydew 2011 HHH 4 AWARDED An excellent class talc-like characters andmelon with similar Great quaffer; smells showing elegance and long, pure, crisp, sweetflavours on the nicely spicy and tropical with A difficult class class, and without any lemon/lime flavours withtextured palate. $18.99 a pleasant hit of citrus/ with unusual herbal of the premature ageing some spiciness. One forRobert Oatley melon flavours. $24 characters showing we saw in the other cellaring. 5+ $28Wild Oats Western Domaine Chandon throughout these wines. white varietals. A greatAustralia Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc variety for drinking now Moppity VineyardsBlanc 2011 HHH 2011 HHH Haselgrove First Cut or for cellaring later. Lock & Key HilltopsConfectionery, fruit Fresh green bean Adelaide Hills Pinot Riesling 2011 HHHHaromas and big mouthful aromas and bright, lively, Grigio 2011 HHH Peter Lehmann Wigan Very light but nicelyof sweet, melon-like fruit-driven palate - good Big, ripe, fruity/herbal Eden Valley Riesling balanced varietalflavours. $18.99 flavour length. $24.95 aromas and crunchy, 2008 HHHHH aromas. Lovely tight,Peccavi No Regrets Moppity Vineyards textured flavours with Developed lemon-scented fresh palate with lemonMargaret River Single Vineyard alert acidity. $16 aromas showing toasty, curd flavours wrapped inSauvignon Blanc Orange Sauvignon honeyed elements. Lovely crisp acidity. A keeper.Semillon 2011 HHH Blanc 2011 HHH Sidewood textured “clear as a bell”Light,herbaceous Lovely delicacy and Adelaide Hills Pinot palate with great depth 5+ $14.99bouquet with an elegant, balance with subtle, Gris 2011 HHH of aged citrus flavours.citrus palate and a fresh, fresh, spicy aromas and Fresh herbal aromas and Another 5-6 years left Howard Park Greatspicy lift. $20 soft fruit flavours. $24.99 flavours. Nice tannin grip in it yet. $28 Southern RieslingHoward Vineyard Streicker Bridgeland and drying finish. Good 2011 HHH1/2Adelaide Hills Block Margaret food wine. $24 Ripe lime juice-likeSauvignon Blanc River Sauvignon aromas and a tight and2011 HHH Semillon 2010 HHH Spring Vale austere palate with aClean, fresh and Fresh fruit in the Freycinet Coast crisp, citric acid flavourbalanced - great for grassy green end of Tasmania Pinot Gris profile. $30lunch with exotic the spectrum; slight 2011 HHHessences and simple, toastiness. Great with Lovely, ripe, custard Schild Estatecitrus flavours. $22 food. $32 apple aromas and sweet, Barossa RieslingSwings & Peccavi Margaret fruit flavours with herbal 2011 HHHRoundabouts River Sauvignon overtones. $28 Expansive floral bouquetMargaret River Blanc Semillon and rich, mouthfillingSauvignon Blanc 2010 HHH Brangayne of ripe varietal limeSemillon 2011 HHH Attractive floral nose and Orange Pinot Grigio flavours. $15.95Fresh fruit salad nose and developed, complex, 2011 HHHnicely weighted palate toasty fume style of A genuine austere grigio Aramis Eden Valleywith green fruit flavours palate. $34 style with flinty fruit Riesling 2011 HHHand lovely acid. $22 and crisp, lean, lemon Reserved nose - smellsVerdun Park Lyla acidity. $20 like bath salts withAdelaide Hills lovely length of lime/Sauvignon Blanc citrus flavours. $192011 HHHHigh acid style with Moppity Vineyardswell-maintained, vibrant Single Vineyardfruit balanced and some Hilltops Rieslingastringency. $22 2011 HHH Delicate floral aromas and intensely flavoured and nicely structured citrus palate. $24.99JUDGES Peter Simic Stephen John Steve Warrick Editor/publisher Winestate Owner/winemaker of Wine consultant. Formerly Magazine. More than 35 years’ Stephen John Wines. sales and marketing experience in the wine industry. More than 30 years’ manager for the Hamilton Formerly founding publisher winemaking experience. Wine Group. 10 years’ of the first US colour wine Has judged at Adelaide, experience working in magazine, manager of the SA National, and Barossa McLaren Vale, Coonawarra Wine Information Bureau, and wine shows. Regular and the Adelaide Hills. wine educator with Regency Winestate panellist and Has judged at the College, in SA. Also a regular chairman of judges at Adelaide, McLaren Vale wine commentator on national the Winestate Wine of and Hobart wine shows. radio and television programs. the Year Awards.122 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingSEMILLON Peter Lehmann Longview Adelaide& BLENDS Margaret Barossa Semillon Sauvignon Semillon 2006 HHHH Blanc 2011 HHH13 TASTED Complex honeyed Delicate, estery,7 AWARDED nose with good fruit melon notes on theAn eclectic group of back-up and beautiful, nose and crisp, zingywines with the blends full-flavoured, toasty/ palate with lovely flavouroffering nicely balanced line juice palate that has length. $15.50quaffers and less excellent length andresidual sugar than seen balance. $28 Peter Lehmannin the past. There were Peppermint Creek Portrait Barossaalso a couple of aged Wines Margaret Semillon 2011 HHHsemillons showing the River Semillon Cut grass nose withpotential this variety has Sauvignon Blanc some yeastiness.for cellaring. 2011 HHH1/2 Long, crisp appley A spicy, exotic fruit palate; lots of acid $18Sylvan Springs bouquet with someMcLaren Vale pleasant green, crisp Ibizan MargaretSemillon Sauvignon and acid-driven varietal River SemillonBlanc 2011 HHHH fruit flavours. $14 Sauvignon BlancSoft, lifted, pungent Waverley Estate 2011 HHHpassionfruit aromas. Hunter Valley Simple gooseberrySoft, light and spicy in Semillon aromas and very well-the mouth with attractive 2001 HHH1/2 balanced, long, tight palateflavours and well- Smells of fresh with a crisp finish. $22balanced acidity. $13 buttered toast and has a generous, but quite CHARDONNAY elegant, palate with & BLENDS lovely, buttery, toasty length. $40 36 TASTED 21 AWARDED Two winemaking trends here - the well-made, well-balanced, seamless wines made to a recipe but lacking character and then there were the wines showing “a spark and a zing” and that have the fruit depth to add interest.David Norman Thomas VergnesWinemaker for Smythe Visiting French wineRoad Vintners. Previously consultant and retailer.winemaker for Hollick Regular judge atWines and winemaker the Concours desfor Miranda Wines for vins de Lyon, andfour years. David has Concours de Bordeaux.nine years’ winemaking Wine consultant atexperience and wine L’Intendant Wineshow judging credentials. Cellars in Bordeaux. The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 123

NEW RELEASESPlantagenet Omrah Butler Crest Trentham Estate Saracen Estates Saddler’s CreekMount Barker Margaret River Chardonnay Margaret River Hunter ValleyChardonnay Chardonnay 2011 HHHH Chardonnay Chardonnay2010 HHHHH 2009 HHHH Heady, slightly oily, 2008 HHH1/2 2011 HHHExcellent bright green Nose is a lifted complexity early drinking style. Ripe A “serious” wine Simple, light, ripe meloncolour with a vivacious of fruit and oak with a oak aromas and a big, with a complex, fruit/ aromas with creamyand complex honeyed bright, lively palate that weighty and well-worked oak bouquet and big, flavours in the riper endnose and lovely, stylish, is well structured, fruit/oak palate. $16 balanced, toasty/oaky of the spectrum. $24fresh and lively palate nicely textured and palate showing plenty Queen Adelaideoffering a beautiful, showing appley fruit of length. $35 South Easterncreamy, mouthful of flavours. $29.95 Saddler’s Creek Australiatoasty oak and ripe Reserve Chardonnay Chardonnayfruit. $28 2011 HHH1/2 2011 HHHGeoff Merrill Well worked, complex Creamy cashew andReserve Chardonnay creamy oak nose and rich, delicate melon aromas.2007 HHHHH toasty palate with some Nice palate weightWonderful nose - long classy oak to balance the with creamy, nuttyand complex with ripe, fresh fruit. $32 elements. $7.99some funky overtones. Mad Fish Sideways Swings &Soft and creamy in the Western Australia Roundaboutsmouth with a melange Chardonnay Margaret Riverof biscuity, oaky, fruity 2010 HHH1/2 Chardonnayflavours. The palate has Flinty characters to the 2010 HHHstyle and length. Drink grapefruit-like nose. Elegant style withnow. $28 High acid palate but with pungent, tropical well-balanced, fruit/oak fruit characters and flavours. $22 seamless, toasty integration. $22 HUNTER VALLEY JAMES HALLIDAY 5 STAR RATING 2007 - 2012Mistletoe is a “unique, boutique” family owned and run winery, established by the current owners in 1989.From vineyard to bottle, Mistletoe’s “no-compromise” approach to producing small quantities of “true to origin”premium quality wine has seen it rewarded with many, many hundreds of awards and accolades.Two recent awards • NSW Wine of the year - Citibank NSW Wine Awards 2011 • Best Australian Chardonnay 2011 - Winestate Magazine 2011 Awards Join Mistletoe’s email list to receive regular list members Special e-offers and 4 annual no-obligation newsletters. To sign up, go to the website link www.mistletoewines.com.au/ws and follow the prompts. Sign up prior to April 30th 2012 and your name will be included in a draw fortwo cases of Mistletoe wines - Valued at over $500 - includes free delivery to your door Australia wide. Mistletoe Winery, 771 Hermitage Road Pokolbin www.mistletoewines.com.au email: [email protected] Ph:02-4998-7770124 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingHenry’s Drive Morse Lobethal RoadCode Padthaway Bacchant AdelaideChardonnay Hills Chardonnay2011 HHH 2010 HHHA light, balanced wine Oaky wine but withwith simple oak and good citrus fruit in thedelicate varietal fruit. $12 background and someJames Oatley Tic Tok sweetness. $42Mudgee Chardonnay2011 HHH Spring Vale FreycinetSimple, creamy nose and Coast Tasmaniaripe, nutty, fruit palate Chardonnaywith toasty finish and a 2009 HHHhint of sugar. $17.99 Complex, cool climateSidewood Adelaide chardonnay. Light herbalHills Chardonnay fruit, zippy acid and2011 HHH some bottle age. $22Delicate floral fruitfragrances and oaky Wood Park Meadowpalate with bright, clean, Creek King Valleylemony finish. $24 ChardonnayForest Hill Vineyard 2009 HHHHighbury Fields Very oaky nose withGreat Southern a seamlessly, smoothChardonnay palate with rich, hot,2011 HHH oaky flavours. $25A funky edge to thelight, fruit aromas and Waverley Estatefine, long and well- Hunter Valleybalanced palate. $24 ChardonnayBird In Hand 2001 HHHAdelaide Hills Very developed butChardonnay flavoursome wine. Soft,2010 HHH toasty and complex. StillHuge, old-fashioned, has some freshness. $40oaky wine. Very workedwith lots of alcohol and PINOT NOIRgrippy tannins. $20Serafino Sharktooth 6 TASTEDMcLaren Vale 3 AWARDEDChardonnay2010 HHH Forward wines hereLight, nutty fruit with which could have beentoasty oak behind and better had there beenan elegant, crisp, chablis less oak and the fruitstyle of palate. $22 picked earlier.Streicker IronstoneBlock Old Vine Spring ValeMargaret River Freycinet CoastChardonnay Tasmania Pinot Noir2010 HHH 2009 HHHHSimple, ripe, oily fruit Spicy nose with a toucharomas and soft palate of mint and hint ofwith toasty, ripe melon licorice. Nicely balanced,flavours. $35 ripe, licorice-like flavours on the medium weight palate. $40 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 125

NEW RELEASES OTHER RED Mr Riggs Yacca Dowie Doole VARIETALS & Paddock Adelaide McLaren Vale Merlot BLENDS Hills Tempranillo 2010 HHH 2010 HHH A pleasant, spicy quaffer 9 TASTED Huge tannic wine. with lifted, toasty oak 5 AWARDED Complex fruit nose with aromas and minty, berry savoury, earthy notes flavours. $22 A mixed range of and rich, Christmas cake interesting varietals with flavours. $25 Burnbrae Mudgee one classic GSM. Merlot 2009 HHH Rose Hill Estate Ripe, jammy nose andTokar Estate Yarra Wines Durif soft palate with nice Geoff MerrillValley Pinot Noir 2010 HHH integration of varietal Pimpala Vineyard2010 HHH1/2 Big, ripe, seamlessly fruit and oak. $23 Cabernet MerlotA riper style with savoury wine with rich 2004 HHHHHnicely balanced oak varietal fruit and long, Sirromet Colour holding upand spicy, cherry berry firm palate. $28 Seven Scenes well. Some very good,characters. Toasty Signature Collection minty, oaky aromasnose and nice softness De Bortoli Deen De Granite Belt Merlot and an excellent palatein the mouth. $25 Bortoli Vat 4 Petit 2009 HHH structure with delicious, Verdot 2009 HHH “Smells a bit like a long, minty fruit flavoursPlantagenet Omrah Serafino McLaren “One for the brave” medicine chest,” noted still amazingly fresh for aGreat Southern Vale Grenache said one judge. Dense, one judge. Soft in the 7-year old. $35Pinot Noir 2010 HHH Shiraz Mataro brooding dark fruit, mouth with good fruit Maxwell LittleQuite a tannic wine with 2010 HHHH1/2 violet lift and earthy purity. $35 Demon McLarena delicate, strawberry Excellent bright purple elements. $12.90 Vale Cabernetinfluence. More dry red wine with intense, Preston Merlot 2010 HHH1/2than varietal. $18 brooding, dark berry Palmer Wines Peak Leaf Series Lovely long rich wine bouquet and nice fleshy Margaret River Merlot 2008 HHH with good cabernet palate with lovely depth of Malbec 2009 HHH Powerful, herbaceous fruit, some stylish oak floral/berry fruit and nicely Rich, dark, dense, earthy fruit characters on and pleasant choc-mint handled tannins. $26 characters mingle with the nose and nicely characters. $15 Christmas pudding fruit. weighted palate. $21 Windance Margaret High alcohol. $26 River Cabernet CABERNET Merlot 2010 HHH1/2 MERLOT BLENDS Beautifully complex, cool & BLENDS area cabernet; berry fruits 21 TASTED mingle with herbaceous 10 TASTED 15 AWARDED notes and show some 6 AWARDED licorice notes. $25 A good class with nice Robert Oatley A sound class which merlot “flesh” and shiraz Wild Oats Mudgee surprised the judges. to add mid-palate depth. Cabernet Merlot Nice quaffing wines. “Some caution needs to 2009 HHH1/2 be exercised with alcohol A big, complex, cigar Heathridge Gold and oak extraction,” said box style. Some porty/ Range Margaret one judge. “The blend jammy characters and River Merlot should be better than the nice freshness in the 2010 HHH individual components,” mouth. Needs more Light, ripe berry fruits said another. time. $18.99 and lifted, fresh, vanillin STAR RATINGS  oak wrapped in firm tannins. $14.95Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs ofexcellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. Night HarvestAll wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry Margaret Riverprofessionals and are compared in peer Merlot 2010 HHHclasses by three judges. Medium weight wineCM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, with chocolaty oaka major mail-order business. sitting on top of plum-CD Cellar door price. like fruit with slightlyCDO Cellar door only. green tannins. $16.95SO Sold out.$N/A Price not available at time of printing. Contact information pg 144. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years).126 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2010 HHH Soft choc-berry nose and well-balanced, fleshy, fruit palate with toasty oak and soft tannins. $22 Rosenthal The Naomi Cabernet Shiraz 2010 HHH A bright, lively, elegant wine with ripe blackberry fruit and new oak. Needs time to really shine. $25Serafino BDX McKellar Ridge TrioMcLaren Vale Canberra DistrictCabernet Sauvignon Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Franc Merlot CabernetCarmanere Merlot Franc 2010 HHH2010 HHH1/2 Warm and slightly simpleDefined cabernet fruit style with very ripe fruitreminiscent of dark and some subtle oak. $28berries, violets and tomato Plantagenet Omrahleaf. Excellent flavours on Western Australiaa long, tight palate. $26 Cabernet MerlotRobertson of Clare 2009 HHHMax V Clare Valley Mature, chocolaty noseCabernet Blend and long, smooth,2008 HHH1/2 elegant and slightlyStrong mint characters green palate. $18on the nose and big, Wehl’s Mountlively, chocolaty minty Benson Vineyardspalate with firm tannins Cabernet Merlotand plenty of length. $75 2009 HHHSecond Nature Great nose of mints andMcLaren Vale violets, and a powerful,Cabernet Shiraz complex palate withMerlot 2010 HHH intense fruit. Time! $19.50Lifted, minty aromas with Geoff Merrilllicorice notes and lovely, Fleurieu Cabernetfleshy, blackcurrant fruit Shiraz 2008 HHHflavours. $18 Big, old-fashioned,Nardone Baker chocolaty wine with aCabernet Merlot warm and generous2010 HHH palate. Great drinkingComplex Christmas cake now. $21aromas and warm, fleshy Parri Estate Phillipsand well-balanced palate. Family SelectionGood length. $18.95 McLaren Vale Cabernet Shiraz 2008 HHH Complex, toasty nose and delicious palate that coats the mouth with soft flavours. $40 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 127

NEW RELEASESCABERNET Haselgrove First De Bortoli Deen Parri EstateSAUVIGNON Cut Adelaide Hills De Bortoli Vat 9 Southern Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Viognier29 TASTED 2010 HHH1/2 2009 HHH 2006 HHHH1/210 AWARDED Big, classy, cassis Nice varietal lift to Amazing nose of mature, fruit characters with the nose and soft developing, chocolatyThere were too many excellent fresh oak and in the mouth with aromas with cola andadvanced, mature wines tight acidity to balance mature, chocolaty, fruit black fruit elements.here with contradictory, this lovely, cool climate flavours. $12.90 More chocolate on thesteely green fruit and wine. $18 powerful palate with aacid flavours. The 2010s Rosnay Central Sandalford Estate lovely, long, lingeringwere promising and Ranges Cabernet Reserve Margaret finish. $18offer something to look Sauvignon River Cabernet Heritage Wines Shirazforward to after several 2008 HHH1/2 Sauvignon 2009 HHH Mourvedre Grenachedifficult vintages. Lifted fruit, pastille-like A big wine ready for 2010 HHHH nose with spices and drinking now with Pretty spiced plum and Penny’s Hill mint, and clean, fresh, powerful, warm, choc- raspberry aromas and Edwards Road lively and spicy cool mint varietal fruit. $39.95 lovely freshness to McLaren Vale climate palate. Needs the somewhat rustic Cabernet Sauvignon more time. $20 SHIRAZ palate with a big hit of 2010 HHHHH Saracen Estates BLENDS mouthfilling flavours. $35 Huge hit of ripe, red Margaret River Maxwell Four Roads berry varietal fruit Cabernet Sauvignon 15 TASTED McLaren Vale showing a nice, minty 2009 HHH 10 AWARDED Shiraz Grenache edge and beautifully Developed aromas and 2010 HHH1/2 balanced with the other generous palate with firm Well made wines Impressive spicy depth elements, and displaying tannins and fleshy fruit. offering good drinking. to the dark berry nose some lovely complexity Good food wine. $40 “Drinkability is the key and huge satisfying developing. $25 Parri Estate McLaren with lots of dark fruits cherry/cola palate with Vale Cabernet and freshness,” said lovely, ripe tannins. $22 Sauvignon 2008 HHH one judge. Peter Lehmann Subtle, minty, berry Futures Barossa bouquet and light, tight, Shiraz Cabernet blackberry palate. Some 2008 HHH1/2 alcohol heat. $20 Powerful, dark, spicy fruit aromas and lovely depth and length of rich shiraz fruit with good tannic backbone. $25Mr Riggs Outpost McKellar RidgeCoonawarra Canberra DistrictCabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Viognier2010 HHHHH 2010 HHHGreat colour here Aromatic nose withwith fresh and vibrant a violet “tint” and acabernet fruit aromas simple, sweet, spicyof berries and mint, palate. $28followed by a big, rich,“fruit-bomb” of a palate Farmer’s Leap Wehl’s Mount Saddler’s Creekwrapped in gentle, Random Shot Benson Vineyards Langhorne Creeksweet oak. $25 Padthaway Cabernet Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz Viognier Sauvignon 2010 HHH 2009 HHHH1/2 2010 HHH Tapestry McLaren Rich, earthy, dark fruit A beautifully structured, Chocolaty nose and Vale Cabernet and sweet oak aromas. nicely balanced, deeply bright, lively, spicy fruit Sauvignon Lovely intensity and coloured wine with palate with mouthcoating 2010 HHHH balance on the stylish reserved, black fruit/ tannins. $36 Lovely minty cabernet palate. $16 tobacco aromas and a Lou Miranda Estate fruit on the nose big, rich, Christmas cake Angel’s Vineyard and tight, greenish of a palate with a fine Barossa Old Vine fruit on the rich and line of tannins. $17.50 Shiraz Mourvedre well-balanced palate 2009 HHH with some pleasant “Discreet” red berry sweetness. $28 bouquet and a nicely balanced, flavour concentrated, sweet cola palate. $37.95128 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

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NEW RELEASES Wood Park Wild’s Henry’s Drive Morse Gully King Valley Code Padthaway130 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2 2009 HHH Deep, vibrant, purple Great floral aromas and a wine with beautifully mouthful of intense, red expressive, plum fruit berry flavours on a well- flavours showing a balanced palate. $15 peppery lift with toasty oak adding complexity, Brothers in Arms some soft tannins and No. 6 Langhorne barrel ferment notes. $12 Creek Shiraz Bird In Hand Mt Cabernet 2006 HHH Lofty Ranges Shiraz Dark cherry fruit with 2010 HHHH1/2 some minty development. Wine has intensely “Great drinking for purple red colours and another 10 years,” a huge, ripe, fruit cake suggested one judge. $26 nose followed by a supple, mouthfilling SHIRAZ 2010 palate with lovely sweet and spicy fruit and oaky 21 TASTED softness. $25 18 AWARDED “A fantastic group of wines,” agreed the judges. “Great ripe fruit freshness and purity of flavour. This is proving to be a great consistency, highly rated, vintage for reds,” said another. Saracen Estates Margaret River Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2 A cool climate style with intense purple hues. A lovely balance and length of tightly wound, raspberry-like varietal fruit, fine grained oak and pleasant peppery notes. $35 Bellevue Estate McLaren Vale Shiraz 2010 HHHHH Described by one judge as being “light on its feet”, this wine had lovely intensity of mocha, coffee and vanilla oak characters mingling with dark raspberry fruit with interesting, rustic elements. $18

WORLD CABERNET CHALLENGE II 2012 INVITATION During April 2012, Winestate Magazine is conducting its annual judging of Cabernet Sauvignon & Bordeaux Varietals (merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, petit verdot) plus cabernet blends, from both local and imported wines. You are invited to enjoy all these wines at an exclusive subscriber's tasting! The tasting will feature over 500 local and imported wines (including a draw to taste some of the world's most famous brands. Last year Chateaux Lafite, Latour & Mouton Rothschild). Friday 13 April 2012 from 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm National Wine Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide WINESTATE SUBSCRIBERS ARE ENTITLED TO ONE FREE ENTRY. Numbers are limited to 500 so to secure your free entryplease email your details to [email protected] and we will post you your ticket. Additional guests are welcome at a cost of only $60 per person! Contact Winestate on 08 8357 9277. ON BEHALF OF PETER SIMIC AND ALL THE WINESTATE JUDGES WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THIS EVENT! If you are not yet enjoying the benefits of being a Winestate subscriber why not subscribe today and claim your free ticket?

NEW RELEASESBrookman Wines Haselgrove First Cut Peter Lehmann EVS Lobethal Road Night HarvestSilv’s Block McLaren Vale Shiraz Eden Valley Shiraz Adelaide Hills Shiraz Margaret RiverMcLaren Vale Shiraz 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHH Shiraz 2010 HHH1/22010 HHHH The nose displays The nose has lovely, Intense Cherry Ripe like Young, fresh, raspberryA typical, ripe, McLaren a lovely richness of clean, fresh, spicy fruit aromas lift out the aromas and rich, softVale shiraz with its spicy plum fruit and plum aromas and glass and similar flavours palate with generous,vibrant purple hues, sweet oak, and the the elegant palate is fill the mouth with dark fruit/oak flavours andlifted spicy plum fruit nicely weighted, evenly soft, flavoursome and long lingering flavours. long, tannic spine. $16.95aromas and lovely pure textured, palate has rich, spicy with light oak It’s rich, powerful and Ernest Hilland powerful red berry ripe flavours. $18 complexity. $25 balanced. $22 Shareholdersflavours. $12.50 Swings & Hunter Valley Shiraz Roundabouts 2010 HHH1/2 Margaret River A ripe and lively medium Shiraz 2010 HHHH bodied wine with clean, A beautifully rich, ripe, sweet and simple Aussie-style of shiraz varietal fruit and a silky, with dark, spicy, berry smooth mouthfeel. $30 bouquet and lovely, Ernest Hill William long, soft palate with Henry Hunter Valley great varietal fruit Shiraz 2010 HHH1/2 texture. $22 Soft, spicy aromas with Sandalford Estate shortbread hints and a Reserve Margaret palate filled with ripe River Shiraz fruit and lovely acid; 2010 HHHH finishes firm. $40 Ripe and fleshy wine with lovely intensity and length of chocolaty fruit aromas and flavours. Quite high in alcohol. Great drinking now. $33.95Stockists of an extensive range of Italian & Spanish beveragesSpecialty Liquor Merchants La Vigna’s Recommendations from left to right Mas Pere Cava, Condes de Albarei Albarino 10, Marques de Velilla Joven 09,302 Walcott Street, Mt. Lawley W.A. 6050 Giribaldi Barolo 04, Valle Reale Vigne Nuove Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo 09, Phone: 9271 1179 Fax: 9370 3304 Ca Montini Pinot Grigio 09 Email: [email protected] The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingHeathridge Gold Rosenthal Ritchings SHIRAZ Peter Lehmann Flint’s of CoonawarraRange Margaret River Shiraz 2010 HHH 2009 & OLDER Stonewell Barossa RostrevorShiraz 2010 HHH Powerful plum fruit Shiraz 2008 HHHH Coonawarra ShirazBig, powerful and and smoky bacon oak 27 TASTED Nicely structured and 2009 HHH1/2jammy with spicy floral balanced with fine 16 AWARDED intensely flavoured wine A rich wine smelling ofnotes on the nose and tannins and bright with dark red hues, ripe herbs and eucalypt withspicy complexity to the acidity. $25 Lots of good drinking Christmas cake fruit, a long well balancedpalate. $14.95 Cape Thomas here, more for mid- fine tannins and lovely palate, sweet oak andBird In Hand The Skipper range enjoyment rather acidity. $90 soft tannins. $20Two In The Bush Mount Benson than for long term Waverley Estate Wood ParkMt Lofty Ranges Limestone Coast ageing. With ageing Shiraz 2001 HHHH Kneebones GapShiraz 2010 HHH Shiraz 2010 HHH comes complexity and Maturing port aromas King Valley ShirazDeep, spicy, plum/ Medium weight wine with whilst some freshness and very elegant silky 2009 HHH1/2blackcurrant aromas fresh and vibrant primary may be lost the trade-off smooth palate with “It’s hot, astringent andechoed on the silkily red berry fruits and a firm, is worth the exchange. lovely combination of rich”, said one judge,textured palate. Great tannic finish. $14.99 sweet oak, fruit and with pure dark cherryflavour length. $20 Sidewood bottle age complexity. and berry varietal fruitMaxwell Adelaide Hills At its peak. $40 concentration and firmSilver Hammer Shiraz 2009 HHHH Pokolbin Estate finish. $23McLaren Vale Elegant yet generous Reserve Limited Robert Oatley WildShiraz 2010 HHH wine with sweet mulberry Release Hunter Oats Mudgee ShirazDeep, expressive wine; fruit, fresh new oak and Valley Shiraz 2009 HHHgreat intensity and lovely firm tannins. Good length 2009 HHH1/2 Toasty prune-like aromasfreshness of Christmas and strength. Needs more A lively tightly wound and a slightly astringentcake fruit. $18 time. $24 shiraz that’s fragrant lightweight palate. Drink and expressive and has soon. $18.99 some nicely focused acidity. $50 WISH Your Children Are Invited!It’s special ... It’s a limited edition ... It’s a coffee table book ... It’s full of children ... It could have your children in it ...The Photographyroom is pleased to be undertaking a childrens’ photographic coffee table book project titled “WISH”. Our previous book project “Children of Adelaide” raised over $10,000 for Make-A-Wish® Australia.Your child/ren could be one of up to 150 families included in this timeless volume of images, celebrating children and our South Australian life.A nomination fee of $50, all of which will go to Make-A-Wish Australia, guarantees your child/rens’ inclusion.The Photographyroom is renowned as a leader in creative, candid and contemporary portrait photography.Positions are limited and nominations close 30 April 2012!Call Mark or Jaylen at the Photographyroom on 8272 4311 and we will discuss a great South Australian location to photograph your child/ren in.www.photographyroom.com.au (08) 8272 4311 [email protected] The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 133

NEW RELEASES Schild Estate Barossa Sandalford Estate Kirrihill Moscato Shiraz 2009 HHH Reserve Margaret 2011 HHH1/2 GET THE “A pure, harmonious River Shiraz Sweet floral fruit aromas LAST DROP wine”, said one judge, 2008 HHH and bright well balanced OF PROFIT with its blackberry fruit, Robust generous style citrus sherbet-like OUT OF toasty oak and peppery with dark jammy cherry palate. $14 notes. $19.95 fruit and soft tannins. Burnbrae Mudgee EVERY Drink now. $33.95 Botrytis Semillon BOTTLE. Peter Lehmann NV (375ml) HHH 8 Songs Barossa Very sweet and • A unique, flexible shield Shiraz 2007 HHH creamy with powerful that protects wine An elegant wine that has complexity of honeyed from oxidation nicely developed spicy botrytis varietal fruit. $25 fruit, some bottle age Wood Park Heavenly • Extends the life of bottled and light oak. $40 King Valley Moscato wine for up to 5 days Fox Creek Reserve 2011 (500ml) HHH McLaren Vale Shiraz Floral grapey fragrances • Inexpensive, easy to deploy 2007 HHH and good fruit palate and recycled with the bottle Earthy fresh coffee with lots of sugar but aromas and a supple and high acidity. $15 • Tested by Provisor Labs in nicely structured leafy Australia and ETS fruit palate. $70 Laboratories in NAPA 9 Acre Block Wines Peter Lehmann Kulara Estate • International Distribution Matilda’s Ghost Stonewell Barossa Lightning Creek Agreements Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007 HHH South Eastern Shiraz 2009 HHH Maturing dark peppery Australia Moscato • Recipient of Australian An elegant wine fruit, toffee notes and NV HHH Design Mark & New with spicy varietal fruit “walls of tannin”. Needs Light, fresh and simple Inventors Award and a little ‘bite’ of even more time! $90 aromatics and full menthol. $14.99 flavoured fresh spicy • Patent & Trademark protected Cape Naturaliste SWEET WHITE palate. Good drink. $6.99 Torpedo Rocks Schild Estate www.wineshield.com Margaret River 12 TASTED Three Springs Shiraz 2009 HHH 8 AWARDED Barossa (Moscato HBT/WPR113/A An elegant shiraz with Style) 2011 HHH clean spicy varietal fruit, A strong class ranging Yeasty floral bouquet and134 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER vanilla bean oak and firm from lighter sweet wines a light and lifted lemon tannins. $30 to very rich botrytised citrus palate. $15.95 Peter Lehmann wines showing glycerol Lou Miranda Estate Futures Barossa weight, intensity of fruit Leone Special Shiraz 2008 HHH (without being cloying) Selection Riverina Slight jamminess to the and good balance. Botrytis Semillon cherry berry fruit with 2011 (375ml) HHH toasty oak and some De Bortoli Deen De Intense complex wine- alcohol warmth. $25 Bortoli Vat 5 Botrytis big and rich yet has Hartz Barn Wines Semillon 2008 elegance with raisined- General Store (375ml) HHHH1/2 like fruit. $18.95 Reserve Barossa Delightfully rich Shiraz 2008 HHH “Graves”-like nose with A dark and tightly bound beautifully honeyed wine that’s mature, botrytis characters and a complex and ready for delicious luscious palate drinking. $30 brimming over with a sweet rich complexity of flavours. $13.90 Tertini Reserve Noble Riesling 2009 (375ml) HHHH Beautifully intense, complex honeyed dried apricot-like botrytis characters on the nose and palate and wrapped in some lovely fresh acidity. $25

ARTWINE Refreshingly DifferentArtWine Pinot Grigio Winestate Magazine “Wine of the Year” 2011Exotic Wines & Vineyard AccommodationDEnisqturiibriuetsoWr &elTcoramdee ArtWine - Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley 61 (0)411 422 450 [email protected] www.artwine.com.auFollow us at ArtWineEstate

TOP 40Kirrihill Clare Valley Kulara Estate Chalk Hill De Bortoli Morambro CreekMoscato 2011 Lightning Creek McLaren Vale Windy Peak Victoria Mt MonsterLovely lifted lemon and South Eastern Vermentino 2011 Pinot Grigio 2010 Limestone Coastginger-like aromas and a Australia Moscato NV Lovely wine with aromas A very youthful clean Sauvignon Blanc 2011clean fruity palate with Light fresh and simple of apple blossom and vibrant wine with sweet Lifted aromatic/great acid/sugar balance aromatics and full nicely rounded fruity white peach and pear perfumed aromas andand zesty creamy spritz flavoured fresh spicy palate with grippy edges juice-like fruit with a light fresh and zippy incharacters. Very easy to palate. Good drink. $6.99 and moderate acidity. $18 crisp acid backbone. $14 the mouth. $14.99drink! $14THE TOP 40 BEST BUYS LISTING TO QUALIFYis updated in each issue of The Wine & Spirit Insider. Some wines may - if they are 1 Wines must have first been recommended instill available - remain in the next issue’s Top 40 Best Buys group. Others will sell Winestate Magazine style or new release tastings.out, or be replaced by higher-rated wines. Price is a major factor in selection. Style tastings are defined as varietal tastings - eg,The Wine & Spirit Insider’s Top 40 Best Buys listing comprises the best wines shiraz, chardonnay, etc. - or blended styles such ascurrently available, from big-name brands and the higher volume ‘second labels’ shiraz/cabernet wines.from the smaller producers, as tasted by Winestate Magazine panels. The Top 40Best Buys listing gives credit to the value wines in the marketplace - wines that 2 Wines from designated regional tastings arewould otherwise be overshadowed by their much more expensive cousins. eligible provided they are widely available.HOW IT WORKS 3 All wines must be currently available from the winery, or be readily available in many liquor stores.In each issue Winestate’s publisher Peter Simic selects the highest-rated winesat specific price points. All wines have previously been judged for Winestate by 4 No cellar door-only wines are eligible.panels of expert judges.136 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Fox Creek Anvers Brabo Sylvan Springs Buller Beverford Barwick EstatesMcLaren Vale South Australia McLaren Vale Chardonnay 2009 Margaret RiverSauvignon Blanc 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Sauvignon Loads of flavour here Chardonnay 2009Ripe rich tropical nose Semillon 2011 Blanc 2011 - this wine is a rich Ripe pineapple-likeand very big ripe spicy Reserved spicy Soft lifted pungent combination of tropical varietal fruit in balancefruit palate with some herbaceous aromas and passionfruit aromas. fruit spicy toasty oak and with some lovely dusty/sweetness. $17 crisp dry white flavours Soft light and spicy in buttery overtones. $13 spicy oak. Palate is light with a warm finish. $14 the mouth with attractive slightly sweet and nicely flavours and well- textured. $19.95 balanced acidity. $13OTHER WHITE WINES Zontes Footstep The Love Symbol Savagnin 2011 best buys A nicely textured mouthfilling wine with stonefruitHardys Nottage Hill South Eastern Australia and light tropical varietal characters. Some 20less thanPinot Grigio 2010 savouriness and zesty acidity. $16.50Delicate aromas of pears and flower petals with a $rich complex and developed palate. $8.50 Moppity Vineyards Lock & Key Hilltops Riesling 2011Stefano De Pieri South Australia Pinot Grigio 2011 Very light but nicely balanced varietal aromas. LovelyA lovely aromatic ‘attack’ of pungent sweet fruit witha well-balanced lightweight palate. $16.99 tight fresh palate with lemon curd flavours wrapped in crisp acidity. A keeper. 5+ $14.99 Bethany Barossa Semillon 2010 Nose already showing some honeyed toasty age which is echoed on the long light lemon butter palate. $18 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 137

TOP 40Queen Adelaide Trentham Estate Sandbar Estate Ishtar Barossa Thorn-ClarkeSouth Eastern Chardonnay 2011 Victoria Grenache Shiraz Sandpiper BarossaAustralia Heady slightly oily early Tempranillo 2009 Mourvedre 2009 Merlot 2010Chardonnay 2011 drinking style. Ripe Smells of blackberry A shy nose with A well-made veryCreamy cashew and oak aromas and a big candies with a dark some delicate hints of flavoursome fruit-drivendelicate melon aromas. weighty and well-worked earthy spicy palate raspberries and spices and style of varietal withNice palate weight fruit/oak palate. $16 showing decent followed by a solid plum/ a pleasant berry andwith creamy nutty structure. $15 cinnamon palate. $19 herbal fruit length andelements. $7.99 finishing with a chalky tannic note. $16TOP 40 Peppermint Creek Wines Margaret River OTHER RED WINES Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011 A spicy exotic fruit bouquet with some pleasant green Blue Pyrenees Pyrenees Rosé 2011 crisp and acid-driven varietal fruit flavours. $14 Lovely bright aromas of sweet strawberries and rose petals. Good level of sweetness on the palate with Marienberg Limeburners Cottage Unwooded clean acidity. $18 Chardonnay 2010 The lovely spicy citrus and melon fruit characters are Natasha Mooney La Bise (The Kiss) Adelaide Hills in perfect seamless balance with the oak malo and Tempranillo 2008 soft acidity. $13 Floral perfumed and fragrant on the nose. Decent juicy characters to the savory mocha palate. It’s Warrenmang Bazzani Pyrenees Chardonnay 2010 complex and elegant. $19 Lemony aromas with some banana-like esters and a ripe tropical fruit palate showing hints of oak. Crisp acid spine. $15138 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Morgan Simpson Maxwell Little Farmer’s Leap Bellevue Estate HaselgrovePlan B McLaren Vale Demon McLaren Random Shot McLaren Vale First Cut McLarenMataro 2010 Vale Cabernet Padthaway Cabernet Shiraz 2010 Vale Shiraz 2010Violet and sweet candy Merlot 2010 Sauvignon 2010 Described by one judge The nose displays aaromas with subtle Lovely long rich wine Rich earthy dark fruit as being “light on its lovely richness of spicymeaty notes. Juicy inky with good cabernet and sweet oak aromas. feet” this wine had plum fruit and sweet oakspicy palate saturated fruit some stylish oak Lovely intensity and lovely intensity of mocha and the nicely weightedwith flavour and a lovely and pleasant choc-mint balance on the stylish coffee and vanilla oak evenly textured palateline of soft tannins. $18 characters. $15 palate. $16 characters mingling has rich ripe flavours. $18 with dark raspberry fruit with interesting rustic elements. $18Mount Avoca Trioss Red Merlot Shiraz Cabernet 2009 Berton Vineyard Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2008 best buysDark and savoury on the nose and pleasant dark fruit Smells like Cherry Ripe and fruit cake. Nicely texturedflavours with soft tannins. $12 palate - slightly hot with long dense fruity flavours. $17 20less thanPatritti Adelaide Hills Barbera 2010 Cape Thomas The Skipper Mount Benson Limestone $Bright spicy nose - slight medicinal characters with a Coast Shiraz 2010clean fruity palate approachable tannins and smoky Medium weight wine with fresh and vibrant primaryaftertaste. $16 red berry fruits and a firm tannic finish. $14.99Wood Park Wild’s Gully King Valley Yelland & Papps Delight Barossa Shiraz 2010Shiraz Cabernet 2009 Dense plum nose and very youthful, fruit-drivenGreat floral aromas and a mouthful of intense red palate that has good overall complexity and flavourberry flavours on a well-balanced palate. $15 depth with lots of oak tannins. $19.95 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 139

TOP 40Henry’s Drive Morse Mojo by RockBare Night Harvest Ross Barossa Thorn-ClarkeCode Padthaway Barossa Shiraz 2010 Margaret River Shiraz 2008 Sandpiper BarossaShiraz 2010 An oaky core surrounded Shiraz 2010 A lovely wine smelling Shiraz 2010Deep vibrant purple by luscious ripe varietal Young fresh raspberry of olives, blackberries Lovely plumy nosewine with beautifully fruit soft tannins and aromas and rich soft and cherry liqueur with with great spicyexpressive plum fruit balancing acidity. $17.95 palate with generous dark some meaty nuances. notes and touches offlavours showing a fruit/oak flavours and long Palate offers a big chocolate and coffee.peppery lift with toasty tannic spine. $16.95 lingering mouthful of Beautifully seamlessoak adding complexity, dark spicy fruit oak and palate well oaked withsome soft tannins and balancing acidity. $18 fresh acid and wonderfulbarrel ferment notes. $12 length of varietal fruit. 5+ $16 Issue 122 | March/April 2012Editor & Publisher Winestate Web Site electronic medium or machine-readable form without the express permission of the publisher. Every care isPeter Simic E-mail: [email protected] Justin Martin E-mail: [email protected] taken in compiling the contents of this publication, butManaging Editor the publisher assumes no responsibility for the effects Printing DAI Rubicon arising therefrom. ABN 56 088 226 411Lara Simic E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.distalliance.comAdministrationVicki Bozsoki E-mail: [email protected] Director Winestate Publishing Pty Ltd. WINESTATE is published seven times a year by Telephone (08) 8357 9277Renate Klockner E-mail: [email protected] WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD, Facsimile (08) 8357 9212Marketing Manager 81 King William Road, Unley SA 5061. E-mail [email protected] Copyright 2012 by WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD. Website www.winestate.com.auPeter Jackson E-mail: [email protected] This publication may not, in whole or in part, be copied,Tasting Coordinator photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to anyStephen Dean E-mail: [email protected] The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

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new international distribution deals available Новое распределеНие междуНародНых сделок в НаличииLooking for new buyers for your wines? www.barleystackswines.comWould you like to gain exposure to new markets?Join the Winestate team at our Asian andEuropean Trade Show Displays in 2012 for afraction of the cost of your own display!Contact Peter Jackson +61 8 8357 9277 [email protected] to discuss your participation.Now taking bookings for major wine events inHong Kong, Italy, China and Singapore! March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 143

contact detailsBAROSSA VALLEY CHARDONNAY & BLENDS The Growers/Niche Wines Haselgrove Wines& EDEN VALLEY Ph: (08) 9755 2121 Ph: (08) 8323 8706 Allandale E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Wines Ph: +61 2 4990 4526 Web: www.thegrowers.com Web: www.haselgrove.com.auPh: (08) 8364 5600 E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Web: www.allandalewinery.com.au The Wine Stop Sales & Distribution Howard Park WinesWeb: www.eighteenfortyseven.com Ph: 0438 737 587 Ph: (08) 9336 9600 Anvers Wines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] of the Barossa P/L Ph: (08) 8323 9603 Web: www.howardparkwines.com.auPh: (08) 8562 2949 E-mail: [email protected] Trentham EstateE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.anvers.com.au Ph: (03) 5024 8888 Peter Lehmann Wines LimitedWeb: www.balthazarbarossa.com E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8563 2500 Balthazar of the Barossa P/L Web: www.trenthamestate.com.au E-mail: malcolm.stopp@Dolan Family Wines Ph: (08) 8562 2949 peterlehmannwines.comPh: 0438 816 034 E-mail: [email protected] Vok Beverages Web: www.peterlehmannwines.com.auE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.balthazarbarossa.com Ph: (08) 8182 1866Web: www.dolanfamilywines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Saracen Estates Cable Bay Vineyards Web: www.vok.com.au Ph: (08) 9755 6099Fox Gordon Ph: +64 9 372 5889 E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8388 7155 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.saracenestates.com.auE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cablebay.co.nzWeb: www. foxgordon.com.au ITALIAN & SPANISH Serafino Wines Cloudy Bay Vineyards Ph: (08) 8323 0157God’s Hill Wines/Scalzi Wines Pty Ltd Ph: +64 3 520 9140 Kirrihill Wines Pty Ltd E-mail: [email protected]: 0412 836 004 E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8842 1233 Web: www.serafinowines.com.auE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cloudybay.co.nz E-mail: [email protected]: www.godshillwines.com Web: www.kirrihillwines.com.au Sylvan Springs Estates Ferngrove Wines Ph: (08) 8383 0500Ross Wines Barossa Ph: (08) 9363 1300 The Spanish Acquisition E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8524 4033 E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (03) 9495 6373 Web: www.sylvansprings.com.auE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ferngrove.com.au E-mail: [email protected]: www.rosswines.com Web: www.thespanishacquisition.com Tapestry Wines Howard Park Wines Ph: (08) 8323 9196The Colonial Wine Company Ph: (08) 9336 9600 NEW RELEASES E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8524 5030 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.tapestrywines.com.auE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.howardparkwines.com.au 90 Mile Wines/Beeamma EstateWeb: www.colonialwinecompany.com.au Ph: 0430 313 548 The Edgemill Group Hungerford Hill Wines Pty Ltd E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (03) 9982 8700Thorn-Clarke Wines Ph: (02) 4998 7666 Web: www.90milewines.com E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8564 3036 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.edgemill.com.auE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.hungerfordhill.com.au Angas Plains WinesWeb: www.thornclarkewines.com Ph: (08) 8537 3159 Tokar Estate Killerby E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (03) 5964 9585Tim Smith Wines Ph: (08) 9363 1300 Web: www.angasplainswines.com.au E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8563 0939 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.tokarestate.com.auE-mail: [email protected] Web: www.killerby.com.au Bellevue EstateWeb: www.timsmithwines.com.au Ph: 0413 082 358 Trentham Estate Lawson’s Dry Hills E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (03) 5024 8888CENTRAL & WESTERN VICTORIA Ph: +64 3 578 7674 Web: www.bellevueestate.com.au E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.trenthamestate.com.au Web: www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz Brookman Wines Ph: (08) 8383 0161 Wehl’s Mount Benson VineyardsA T Richardson Wines Lucas Estate E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8768 6251E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (07) 4683 6365 Web: www.brookmanwines.com.au E-mail: admin@Web: www.atrichardsonwines.com E-mail: [email protected] wehlsmtbensonvineyards.com.au Web: www.lucasestate.com.au Cape Naturaliste Vineyard Web:Best’s Wines Ph: (08) 9755 2538 www.wehlsmtbensonvineyards.com.auPh: (03) 5356 2250 Negociants Australia E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8561 3200 Web: www.capenaturalistevineyard.com.au TOP 40Web: www.bestswines.com Web: www.negociantsaustralia.com/ www.redbankwines.com Farmer’s Leap Anvers WinesGrampians Estate Ph: (08) 8765 6007 Ph: (08) 8323 9603Ph: (03) 5354 6245 Peccavi E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Ph: 0404 873 093 Web: www.farmersleap.com Web: www.anvers.com.auWeb: www.grampiansestate.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.peccavi-wines.com Galvanised Wine Group/Woop Woop Wines Balthazar of the Barossa P/LKimbarra Wines Ph: (08) 8556 4460 Ph: (08) 8562 2949Ph: (03) 5352 2238 Sandalford Wines Pty Ltd E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Ph: (08) 9374 9315 Web: www.mrriggs.com.au E-mail: [email protected]: www.kimbarrawines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.sandalford.com Web: www.balthazarbarossa.com Saracen Estates Geoff Merrill Barwick Wines Pty Ltd Ph: (08) 9755 6099 Ph: (08) 8381 6877 Ph: (08) 9755 7100 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.saracenestates.com.au Web: www.geoffmerrillwines.com.au Web: www.barwickwines.com Springton Hills Wines Greenpiper Wine Distributors Bellevue Estate Ph: (08) 8337 7905 Ph: (08) 9756 7813 Ph: 0413 082 358 Web: www.springtonhillswines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greenpiper.com.au Web: www.bellevueestate.com.au144 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

contact detailsBuller Wines Thorn-Clarke WinesPh: (03) 9936 0200 Ph: (08) 8564 3036E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.bullerwines.com.au Web: www.thornclarkewines.comChalk Hill Wines Trentham EstatePh: (08) 8556 2121 Ph: (03) 5024 8888E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.chalkhill.com.au Web: www.trenthamestate.com.auDe Bortoli Vinous Australis Pty LtdPh: +61 2 6966 0100 Ph: 0409 963 223Web: www.debortoli.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.vinau.comRockbarePh: (08) 8388 7155 Vok BeveragesE-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8182 1866Web: www.rockbare.com.au/ E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.vok.com.auFarmer’s Leap MARLBOROUGH, NZPh: (08) 8765 6007E-mail: [email protected] Georges Michel Wine EstateWeb: www.farmersleap.com Ph: +64 3 572 7230 E-mail: [email protected] Creek Wines Web: www.georgesmichel.co.nzPh: (08) 8557 0000E-mail: [email protected] Saint Clair Family VineyardsWeb: www.foxcreekwines.com Ph: +64 3 578 8695 E-mail: [email protected] Wine Distributors Web: www.saintclair.co.nzPh: (08) 9756 7813E-mail: [email protected] Spy Valley WinesWeb: www.greenpiper.com.au Ph: +64 3 572 9840 E-mail: [email protected] Wines Web: www.spyvalleywine.co.nzPh: (08) 8323 8706E-mail: [email protected] Yealands Estate Wines LtdWeb: www.haselgrove.com.au Ph: +64 3 575 7618 E-mail: [email protected]’s Drive Vignerons Web: www.yealands.co.nzPh: (08) 8132 1048E-mail: [email protected] MICHAEL COOPER’SWeb: www.henrysdrive.com RECENT RELEASESKirrihill Wines Pty Ltd Giesen WinesPh: (08) 8842 1233 Ph: +64 3 344 6270E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.kirrihillwines.com.au Web: giesenwines.comMaxwell Wines Greystone Wines Pty LtdPh: (08) 8323 8200 Ph: +64 272 525 331E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: dom.maxwell@Web: www.maxwellwines.com.au greystonewines.co.nz Web: www.greystonewines.co.nzMorambro Creek Wines/Jip Jip Rocks/Mt Monster Milcrest Estate WinesPh: (08) 8723 1065 E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Web: www.milcrestestate.co.nzWeb: www.morambrocreek.com.au/www.mtmonster.com.au/ Mud House Wineswww.jipjiprocks.com.au Ph: +64 3 520 6011 E-mail: [email protected] Simpson Wines/Songvaar P/L Web: www.mudhouse.co.nzPh: 0417 843 118E-mail: [email protected] Spy Valley WinesWeb: www.morgansimpson.com.au Ph: +64 3 572 9840 E-mail: [email protected] Wines Barossa Web: www.spyvalleywine.co.nzPh: (08) 8524 4033E-mail: [email protected]: www.rosswines.comSylvan Springs EstatesPh: (08) 8383 0500E-mail: [email protected]: www.sylvansprings.com.auThe Edgemill GroupPh: (03) 9982 8700E-mail: [email protected]: www.edgemill.com.au March/April 2012 W I N E S TAT E 145

aftertasteELISABETH KINGIt’s a knock-off - Chinese counterfeiterstarget high end wine marketSEVERAL years ago I sat next to an American golden. Even though There’s good and bad copies no matter whatIT executive during a flight to Thailand. straitened Western goods are being faked. In France, for example,He had just been in China and we started economies remain the main you can buy Louis Vuitton bag lookalikes thattalking about how Chinese industries were markets for luxury products, the fast- are so good they cost half the price of the realplundering Western intellectual property. In a rising East, especially China, is where many thing because only someone who works forscary anecdote, he told me that he had visited companies are looking for growth. It’s a road the luxury brand could tell the difference - ifShanghai to sell a very advanced micro-chip already travelled by the leading Bordeaux, at all. The same rule applies to phony vintagehis company had developed after years of Burgundy and Champagne marques in wines up to a point. The original wine may costresearch. “We gave it to one of our component Hong Kong, where the wealthier inhabitants thousands of dollars, but a good fake can stillsuppliers to see if they had the know-how to of the former British territory sought to display retail for hundreds in China. With all the inflatedproduceitinmassquantities,” he said.“It only their sophistication in the 1990s by quaffing talk of country’s new-found wealth, it’s easytook them nine days to come back with an expensive imported wine. A spend-like- to forget that only 24 million Chinese out ofexact replica. We were seriously spooked.” there’s-no-tomorrow period that even Dom a population of 1.3 billion earn the minimum Perignon admits took them to the top of income of $US545 per month necessary to ManyothercompaniesfromluxuryEuropean tai-tai society because it was much easier to pay income tax. A price tag of $180 is a lotfashion designers to Australia’s major pearl pronounce Dom than many of the other major to fork out for a foreign wine.brands have felt a similar frisson of fear at tete de cuvee Champagnes.China’s expert efforts to mimic their pricey Competition among wine counterfeitersgoods. And now it’s the turn of the prestige Fancy French wines with price tags of has become so fierce in China that smartwine business to be afraid. Very afraid. But not $1000 or more were far too tempting for operators pay $200 or more for an emptyin the immediate future if the clumsy attempts China’s legions of counterfeiters to ignore bottle bearing a fancy French label. A wholeby Chinese knock-off merchants to counterfeit and they haven’t missed a beat. Phony industry of “bottle recyclers” has sprung up,some of the world’s most exclusive vintages wines in legitimate bottles have become so notably in Beijing and Shanghai, which are thesuch as Chateau Petrus are any indication. commonplace that Christie’s in Hong Kong epicentres of the businesses and government now smash the empty bottles after their departments who are the main customers for Home-grown wines such as Great famous tastings so they don’t fall into the expensive imported wines. Just as ChineseWall might account for 75 per cent of hands of black market racketeers. There have and Japanese women buy imported scentsChina’s booming wine business, but been cases where imported bottles have been to show the world they can afford to buy thethe real money is in exclusive imported filled with vinegar and food colouring, but fragrances, rather than actually wearing them,bottlings that show off their buyer’s wealth. most of the bootleg wines sold in upmarket their male counterparts use wine labels to pullAt a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong last guise are actually drinkable even if they are off the same “I’ve made it” effect.September, one unidentified buyer from light years away from the world’s best winesthe mainland spent over $500,000 on in complexity. That’s why the counterfeit wine The perfume analogy is spot-on for another300 bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild. racket is so insidious. If the products were reason, too - the prevalence of label tweaking.Basketball legend, Yao Ming, has also homemade hooch that could send drinkers Many fragrance counterfeiters all over thedipped his big toe into the burgeoning blind or worse, the Chinese government would world slightly change the name of a perfume -high-end wine market in his native country be forced to crack down on the practice. Channel No 5 is a major favourite - to establishand imports expensive California vintages a supposedly separate brand. Chinese winethat retail for close to $300. Why do Christie’s smash the bottles? knock-offoperatorsfollowthesameroutetoget Because simply removing the label still around the law. Anyone for a Benfold’s Grange A mere 10 years ago China was looked allows counterfeiters to slap on a fake label Hermitage or a Comte de Chateau Petrus?upon as the final frontier for the global wine that would pass scrutiny, except by experts.industry, who were keen to wean wealthier If your first thought was - there’s nothing newdrinkers off Cognac as their favourite foreign about that - you’re right. The nouveau richetipple. Progress has been rapid over the and the unsophisticated have been victimspast seven years, though, and China is now of such scams from Manhattan to Moscowranked as the seventh largest wine market in for decades. What is new is that China hasthe world. Wine consumption has doubled to become party central of global wine forgery.100 million cases a year and the future looksnext issue: Round and round the countryside with tastings of Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Central & Western NSW, Western Australia and Wairarapa & Nelson (NZ). Relax at the end of it all with a lovely fortified, sweet white or cleansing ale from these featured tastings.146 W I N E S TAT E March/April 2012

gBoeihsoianddgervweeryaitnsetory Peter Yealands has always dared to do things differently – to find a better way to get the best results; especially when the environment’s at stake. At Yealands Estate, home to one of the world’s first carboNZeroCert TM wineries, his innovative thinking in step with nature has already produced a host of award-winning wines. And we’re just getting started. Inspired to “think boldly, tread lightly and never say it can’t be done”, we’re tackling every aspect of premium wine production fromsoil care to packaging with eco-friendly options and a fair few clever solutions of our own. You can follow our mission to lead the world in sustainable wine production at www.yealands.co.nz

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