Winestate Magazine Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new zealandMount Brown Anchorage Coopers Creek Peregrine Rastaburn Schist HillsCatherine’s Block Classic Nelson Riesling Marlborough Riesling Central Otago Riesling Old Vineyard CentralBarrique Ferment 2011 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHH Otago GewürztraminerWaipara Valley Light and lively, with excellent Off-dry style with honey Fragrant, slightly toasty 2011 HHHHSauvignon Blanc depth of citrusy, appley and toast aromas and the bouquet, showing some Perfumed, mouthfilling2012 HHHH flavours and a crisp, minerally first signs of “kero”. These bottle-aged complexity. wine from Alexandra,Generous, tropical fruit- thread. Skilfully balanced, developed characters flow Citrusy, medium-sweet with concentrated, lycheeflavoured wine, gently medium style offering a fresh, through to the palate, with flavours, showing excellent and spice flavours, andherbaceous, ripe and vibrant, pure expression of hints of marmalade, orange vigour and depth. Generous a slightly sweet, soft,rounded. Partly barrel- riesling. Fine value. $18 peel and ginger, and good wine, maturing gracefully. $23 lingering finish. $29fermented, with excellent intensity. $21 (UK, US)vibrancy and length. $19 Pegasus Bay Spy Valley Marlborough gewürztraminer Mission Hawke’s BayMuddy Water Waipara Valley Riesling Riesling 2012 HHHH GewurztraminerGrowers Series Waipara 2010 HHHH1/2 Ripely scented and fleshy, Lawson’s Dry 2013 HHHHValley Sauvignon Finely poised, with with crisp lemon/lime Hills Marlborough Exotically perfumed.Blanc 2012 HHHH excellent vigour and flavours, ripe stonefruit notes Gewürztraminer Mouthfilling, with veryBarrel-fermented style depth. Lime, apple, apricot and an off-dry finish. Already 2010 HHHH1/2 youthful, slightly sweetwith ‘funky’ notes from and honey flavours, in a very open and expressive. Highly perfumed and weighty, pear and lychee flavours,indigenous yeasts. Fleshy distinctly medium style with $22.90 (A, UK, US) gently sweet style with rich, balanced acidity andand rounded, with ripe fruit appetising acidity and a hint Tohu Raiha Reserve ripe, gingery, spicy flavours, excellent varietal character,flavours, obvious cellaring of bottle-aged toastiness. Riesling 2010 HHHH showing excellent depth depth and charm. $18potential and a long finish. $27.95 (A, UK, US) Light-bodied, medium- and harmony. Maturing very(From Greystone.) $19.95 (A) Terrace Edge Classic sweet style, still youthful, gracefully. $24 (A, UK, US) pinot grisWaimea Nelson Waipara Valley Riesling with fresh, crisp lemon/lime JohanneshofSauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHH flavours and mouth-watering Cellars Marlborough Church Road2012 HHHH Scented and rich, with gentle acidity. Harmonious wine, Gewürztraminer Hawke’s Bay Pinot GrisFleshy, with strong, sweetness, good vigour and described by one judge as 2012 HHHH 2013 HHHH1/2vibrant passionfruit and excellent depth of lemony, “Mosel-style” and another Exotically perfumed Attractively perfumedlime flavours, woven with limey, lingering flavours. as “spatlese style”. $25 bouquet, leading to a very and fleshy, medium styleappetising acidity, and a Priced sharply. $19.50 (A) Villa Maria Reserve Dry softly textured, oily palate with a slightly oily texturelingering finish. One judge Terrace Edge Riesling 2011 HHHH with abundant sweetness and fresh, rich, peachy,rated it five stars. $20 (UK) Liquid Geography Lively, finely poised, youthful and rich, gingery, lingering slightly spicy flavours.Church Road Waipara Valley Riesling wine with dryish lemon/ flavours. Ready. $32 (A) Highly scented, with goodGrand Reserve 2011 HHHH lime flavours, threaded with Spy Valley Marlborough mouthfeel and length. $30Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Rich, slightly honeyed, fresh acidity. Finely balanced Gewürztraminer Crossroads MilestoneBlanc 2012 HHHH late harvest style with and with good intensity, 2012 HHHH Series Hawke’s BayAttractive, oak-aged style, concentrated flavours of citrus this is an ideal candidate for Fleshy, with ripe lychee and Pinot Gris 2012 HHHHpowerful and weighty, with fruits, apples and apricots, cellaring. $27 spice flavours, fresh and Light, lemony, crisp and dry,strong, ripe, peachy fruit abundant sweetness and Margrain Proprietors strong, a hint of Turkish delight in a very attractive grigio styleflavours, showing a nutty, plenty of drink-young appeal. Selection Riesling and a gently sweet, smooth, showing excellent delicacy,barrel-aged complexity. Great value. $19.50 (A) 2010 HHHH rich finish. $23 (A, UK, US) balance and purity. $22 (A, UK)Tightly structured and Babich Family Estates Scented, generous wine West Brook Ara Single Estateageworthy. “Bordeaux-like”, Cowslip Valley Riesling with citrus fruit and Marlborough Marlborough Pinot Grisnoted one judge. $49 2011 HHHH passionfruit flavours, Gewürztraminer 2012 HHHH Fragrant, with strong, ripe balanced for easy drinking, 2011 HHHH Delicious young, this isriesling citrus/lime flavours, a hint and excellent vibrancy and Musky, aromatic bouquet, a mouthfilling, strongly of marmalade and good length. Drinking well now. leading into a concentrated varietal wine with peachy,The Crossings concentration and harmony. $24 (A, UK) wine with fresh acidity, a spicy flavours, a gentleMarlborough Riesling All judges noted it is ready Craggy Range distinct splash of sweetness splash of sweetness and2011 HHHHH for drinking now. $25 Te Muna Road Vineyard and a well-spiced, lingering excellent texture and depth.Fragrant, lemony, limey Martinborough Riesling finish. $24 $22 (A, UK, US)and spicy, with a touch of 2012 HHHH Greystone Waiparasweetness, good freshness Floral and finely balanced, Valley Gewürztraminerand vigour, excellent balance with good weight, strong, 2012 HHHHand depth, and slightly citrusy, limey flavours, a Exotically perfumed. Richtoasty notes emerging. gentle splash of sweetness, and soft, with mouthfillingGreat value. $19 (A, UK, US) lively acidity and a long body and excellent depthWest Brook finish. Well worth cellaring. of pear, lychee, spice andMarlborough Riesling $27 (A, UK, US) ginger flavours. Floral, lush,2011 HHHH1/2 Domain Road well-spiced wine. One judgeAgeworthy, very lively Vineyard Duffers Creek scored it five stars. $28 (A)wine in a medium-dry style Riesling 2012 HHHHwith stonefruit, marmalade Floral and lively, withand spice flavours, and excellent depth of lemon,appetising acidity. Tight apple and lime flavours, andand youthful, with excellent a gently sweet (19g/litre oflength. $21 residual sugar), crisp, finely balanced finish. $25 (A) Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 151

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new zealandJohanneshof Cellars Thistle Ridge Villa Maria Single Man O’ War Valhalla Alexandra WineMarlborough Pinot Gris Waipara Valley Vineyard Taylors Waiheke Island Company Ferauds2012 HHHH Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH Pass Marlborough Chardonnay Chardonnay 2012 HHHHPerfumed and fleshy, with Finely poised, with rich, Chardonnay 2010 HHHH1/2 Lemon-scented. Fleshy,gently sweet stonefruit slightly sweet stonefruit 2010 HHHHH Weighty and complex, with with generous, citrusy,flavours and distinct spicy and spice flavours, balanced Fragrant, fleshy and finely a fragrant, peachy, mealy leesy flavours and a roundednotes. Softly textured, with acidity and excellent poised, with vibrant fruit bouquet. Concentrated, with finish. Some buttery andexcellent depth. $31 (A) varietal definition. (From flavours, slightly creamy, rich, ripe flavours seasoned cheesey notes from MLF.Lawson’s Dry Hills Greystone.) $19.95 (A) nutty and mealy notes with toasty, nutty oak and Good value. $22Marlborough Pinot Gris Locharburn adding complexity, and real a finely balanced, lingering Maude Mt Maude2012 HHHH Central Otago power through the palate. finish. Drinking well now. Vineyard Central OtagoFleshy, medium-dry style Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH Classy wine, well worth $35 (A, UK, US) Chardonnay 2012 HHHHwith strong stonefruit and Lively, gently sweet wine, cellaring. $37 Odyssey Reserve Iliad Lemony bouquet. Excellentspice flavours, complexity scented and fleshy, with Gisborne Chardonnay freshness, depth and drivefrom barrel fermentation (27 citrusy, appley flavours, Vidal Legacy Series 2011 HHHH on the palate, with someper cent of the blend), and fresh and strong, and a hint Hawke’s Bay Fleshy, complex style, rich complexity and a lingeringgood weight, ripeness and of cinammon. (30 per cent Chardonnay 2010 and savoury, with peachy, finish. (From 18-year-oldlength. $24 (A, UK, US) barrel-fermented.) $25 (A) HHHHH toasty, slightly buttery vines at Wanaka, fermentedPeter Yealands This powerful, notably flavours and a creamy- in seasoned French oakMarlborough Pinot Gris Schist Hills generous and complex wine smooth finish. Strongly puncheons.) $28 (A)2012 HHHH Central Otago has a smoky, flinty bouquet, oaked, but weighty and Church Road McDonaldFleshy and ripe, dryish style Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH sweet-fruit delights, a lovely concentrated. $38 Series Hawke’s Baywith stonefruit and spice Scented, medium style, fleshy marriage of concentrated, Georges Michel Chardonnay 2012 HHHHflavours, showing very good and rich, from Alexandra. grapefruit-like flavours La Reserve Marlborough Mouthfilling, with strong,freshness, body, texture and Distinctly spicy and gingery, and subtle, biscuity, nutty Chardonnay 2009 HHHH peachy, citrusy, toastydepth. Lots of early-drinking with considerable sweetness oak, and a very sustained Complex, harmonious flavours, showing goodappeal. $19.95 (A) and a hint of honey. $27 finish. It romped straight wine, tank fermented and complexity. Creamy-Villa Maria Single to a five-star rating on all barrique-aged for a year. textured, with a lingeringVineyard Seddon chardonnay scoresheets. $50 Ripe, sweet-fruit flavours, finish. $34Marlborough Pinot Gris with a slightly creamy Crossroads Milestone2011 HHHH Mount Riley 17 Vidal Legacy Series texture and well-rounded Series Hawke’s BayFloral, elegant wine with a Valley Marlborough Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay finish. $28 (A) Chardonnay 2012 HHHHgentle splash of sweetness. Chardonnay 2011 HHHHH Charles Wiffen Full-bodied, with very goodComplex bouquet, with 2011 HHHHH Highly fragrant, smoky Marlborough depth of fresh, citrusya layered palate showing Classy and complex, bouquet. Tightly structured, Chardonnay 2011 HHHH flavours, deft oak handling andgood depth, delicacy and with sweet-fruit delights, powerful and yet elegant Fragrant, toasty bouquet. balanced acidity. Elegant wineharmony. $32 (UK) concentrated stonefruit wine, weighty, citrusy and Weighty palate with rich, with some complexity andWairau River flavours and finely integrated, peachy, with mealy, nutty lively, citrusy flavours, well- cellaring potential. $22 (A, UK)Marlborough spicy oak. Generous style notes adding complexity, balanced oak and excellent Elephant HillPinot Gris 2012 HHHH - weighty, creamy-textured youthful vigour and a finely complexity and length. $25 Hawke’s BayFleshy and finely textured, and rich. $29 (A) poised, lasting finish. Villa Maria Reserve Chardonnay 2011 HHHHmedium-dry style with Spy Valley Marlborough “Makes a statement,” Marlborough Elegant wine, fresh andstrong, ripe, peachy, spicy Chardonnay enthused one judge. $50 Chardonnay 2009 HHHH crisp, with strong, citrusyflavours, balanced for early 2011 HHHHH Crisp, citrusy, slightly flavours, subtle biscuity oak,enjoyment. $25 (A, UK) Very refined, vibrantly fruity Church Road biscuity and minerally, a slightly creamy texture,Yealands Estate wine, citrusy and slightly Grand Reserve in a refined, tightly and excellent balance andMarlborough Pinot Gris creamy, with a subtle Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay structured style, developing depth. $292012 HHHH seasoning of oak (fully 2012 HHHH1/2 excellent complexity and Selaks ReserveWeighty, with concentrated barrel-fermented) and a hint Tightly structured, elegant harmony. Maturing very Hawke’s Baypear, tropical fruit and spice of “burnt match” on the wine with mouthfilling body, gracefully. $32 (UK) Chardonnay 2012 HHHHflavours, finely balanced and nose. Tightly structured and rich, peachy, citrusy flavours, Waimea Nelson Fragrant and vibrantly fruity,lingering. $24 (A, UK) minerally, with good potential. biscuity oak and balanced Chardonnay with subtle, creamy MLFTerrace Edge Outstanding value. $23 (A) acidity. Fragrant, complex 2012 HHHH1/2 influences, mealy, biscuityWaipara Valley and finely textured. One Fragrant and vibrantly fruity, notes adding complexityPinot Gris 2012 HHHH judge scored it five stars. $49 with youthful, citrusy flavours, and good length. SkilfullyFragrant, Alsace-style, a hint of passionfruit, a crafted wine, alreadyfermented with indigenous Vidal Legacy Series subtle seasoning of oak, and drinking well. $22yeasts in aged barrels. Rich, Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay excellent harmony, vigour anddistinctly medium style, with 2012 HHHH1/2 depth. Enjoyed by all panellistsgood body, luscious stonefruit Smoky, flinty bouquet. and priced sharply. $25flavours and a soft texture. Fresh and crisp, with Aronui Single VineyardEnjoyable young. $22.50 (A) generous, citrusy, mealy, Nelson Chardonnay biscuity flavours that linger 2011 HHHH well. Youthful wine with Youthful, with strong, lively, power and finesse, well citrusy flavours and a subtle worth cellaring. $50 seasoning of oak. Finely textured, with a lingering finish. $24.95152 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new zealandSoljans Barrique Waitapu Estate Villa Maria Single Big Sky Martinborough Pegasus BayReserve Hawke’s Bay Reef Point Pinotage Vineyard Southern Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHChardonnay 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHH Clays Marlborough Ruby hued, with cherry, Fragrant, deeply colouredDrinking well now, this Northland red, French Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHH plum and dried herb Waipara red with generousfull-bodied, creamy-textured oak-matured for a year, Boldly coloured, very flavours, showing a plum, cherry and spicewine offers rich grapefruit with dark, still purple- vibrant and fruit-packed, toasty, spicy complexity. flavours and ripe, suppleand nut flavours, developing flushed colour. Rich, with with dense plum and spice Good concentration, with tannins. $47 (A, UK, US)good, bottle-aged strong, plummy, slightly flavours, notably warm and ripe, sweet fruit and firm Akarua Ruacomplexity. $30 earthy flavours and a finely concentrated. Powerful underlying tannins. $40 Central Otago PinotVilla Maria Single balanced, smooth finish. $25 style, still youthful. $56 (A) Spy Valley Marlborough Noir 2012 HHHHVineyard Keltern Church Road McDonald Akarua Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH As a drink-young style,Chardonnay 2012 HHHH Series Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2011 HHHHH Full-coloured, with sweet praised by two judges asFragrant wine with strong, Marzemino 2010 HHHH Attractively perfumed, fruit characters and “pretty”, this is hard to beat.citrusy, slightly biscuity From a variety cultivated in deeply coloured, still- generous, vibrant plum, Full-coloured, it is fragrantflavours, showing excellent northern Italy, this is a gutsy youthful red, with spice and nutty oak flavours. and buoyantly fruity, withbalance of fruit and oak, good red, boldly coloured and substantial body, generous, Weighty and concentrated, concentrated, ripe cherry,complexity, lively acidity and sweet-fruited, with deep, ripe plum/spice flavours with good balance and plum and spice flavours, anda tight, lingering finish. Well plummy, spicy flavours and and finely integrated French length. $32 (A, UK, US) a subtle seasoning of oak (10worth cellaring. $37 firm tannins. “Very Italian,” oak (33 per cent new). Nobilo Icon per cent new). $28 (A, UK) noted one judge. $34 Ageworthy, single-vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir Black Quail Estateother reds Elephant Hill red, rated highly by all 2011 HHHH Central Otago Pinot Hieronymus 2011 HHHH panellists. $46 (A, UK) Full-coloured, youthful Noir 2011 HHHH8 Ranges Central Otago Inky hued, Hawke’s Bay Two Degrees red, vibrantly fruity and Deeply coloured, withPinot Rosé 2012 HHHHH blend of malbec (75 per Central Otago Pinot tightly structured, with strong dried herbs and nutBright pink, raspberry- cent) and merlot (25 per Noir 2010 HHHH1/2 cherry, plum and dried herb flavours, a strong, toastyscented rosé from cent). Generous, with the Richly coloured, single- flavours, showing good oak influence and good acid/Alexandra, with a sliver of slightly “medicinal” notes vineyard Cromwell Basin ripeness and density. $25 tannin structure. One judgesweetness amidst its vibrant, typical of malbec, ripe red, with generous, finely Tohu Rore Limited scored it five stars. $38strawberry/spice flavours, blackcurrant, spice and plum textured plum and dried Edition Reserve Domain Roadwhich show excellent flavours, rich tannins and herb flavours. Floral and Marlborough Pinot Noir Vineyard Central Otagodelicacy and depth. Full of good length. $34 supple, with a sweet entry, 2010 HHHH Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHdrink-young charm. $25 rich fruit characters and Savoury and complex, with Savoury, complex red,Villa Maria pinot noir finely balanced oak. Enjoyed deep, ripe spice and dried grown at Bannockburn.Cellar Selection by all judges (one scored it herb flavours, seasoned Full-coloured, concentratedGimblett Gravels Lawson’s Dry Hills five stars). $38 (A) with toasty oak (French, and lively, with a slightlyGrenache 2010 HHHHH Marlborough Pinot Noir Villa Maria Single 33 per cent new). Worth earthy streak, a strong surgeRich and silky-textured, 2010 HHHHH Vineyard Taylors Pass cellaring. $49 of spice, dried herb and nutwith deep, youthful colour Deep ruby, purple-flushed Marlborough Pinot Noir Two Rivers Awatere flavours, and a fairly firmand concentrated, berryish, red with highly concentrated 2010 HHHH1/2 Selection Marlborough finish. $39 (A, UK)plummy, spicy flavours. cherry, plum and nut flavours. Generous, finely poised, Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH Pisa Range Estate BlackSweet-fruited, with real drive Powerful, with excellent fragrant red with lush, youthful Generous, savoury, sweet- Poplar Block Pinot Noirthrough the palate and lovely ripeness, harmony and length. plum, spice and dried herb fruited red with ripe, spicy, 2010 HHHHtexture and length. “Very Great value. $27 (A, UK, US) flavours, showing excellent nutty flavours, showing Deeply coloured, withsweet, fine and textural,” Villa Maria Cellar complexity, concentration and excellent complexity and concentrated, well-ripenednoted one judge. $32 Selection Marlborough length. $56 (US) richness. $35 cherry, plum and spiceCoopers Creek SV Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHH Craggy Range Wairau River Reserve flavours, showing goodHuapai Guido in Velvet Deeply coloured, very Te Muna Road Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir harmony. Fragrant andPants Montepulciano vibrant and elegant red with Martinborough Pinot 2010 HHHH youthful, in a bold but finely2011 HHHH1/2 rich cherry/plum flavours, Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 Deeply coloured, with strong, structured style, with richDark, very vibrant and finely integrated oak and Full-coloured, with fresh, ripe plum and spice flavours, fruit, toasty oak and a longyouthful, sweet-fruited red, real harmony. Weighty, with concentrated plum and hints of fruit cake and finish. $56 (A, UK, US)estate-grown in Auckland. spicy, savoury notes adding spice flavours, showing mocha, and good richness Rockburn Central OtagoStrong berry, plum and complexity, supple tannins good complexity, and a and complexity. (Two Pinot Noir 2012 HHHHspice flavours, with a slightly and a long, tight finish. Still fairly firm, long finish. judges noted a strong wood Built to last, this classyearthy streak, impressive youthful. $32 (A, UK, US) Weighty, rich and finely influence, but only 10 per young red was blended fromconcentration, and excellent Villa Maria Single balanced. $43 (A, UK, US) cent of the French oak barrels Parkburn, Cromwell Basin (85richness, harmony and Vineyard Seddon Russian Jack were new.) $45 (A, UK) per cent) and Gibbston (15drinkability. (14 per cent Marlborough Pinot Noir Martinborough Pinot Yealands Estate per cent) fruit, and maturedmalbec.) $31 2009 HHHHH Noir 2012 HHHH Marlborough Pinot Noir in French oak casks (35 per Dark, savoury red with a Highly attractive, drink-young 2011 HHHH cent new). Full ruby, it is strong surge of plum, spice style, full-coloured, with Deep ruby, mouthfilling mouthfilling, with ripe cherry, and dried herb flavours, ripe mouthfilling body, fresh, and vibrantly fruity, plum and spice flavours, and concentrated. Still fresh vibrant aromas and flavours with concentrated plum seasoned with toasty oak, and youthful, with a well- of strawberries, dried herbs and spice flavours, and and a fairly firm finish. Best rounded, lasting finish. $56 (A) and spices, and a smooth balanced toasty oak adding drinking 2015+. $40 finish. (From Martinborough complexity. $29.95 (A, UK) Vineyard.) $20 (A) Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 153

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new zealandFolding Hill Valli Gibbston Vineyard Church Road McDonald cabernet sauvignon Mills Reef ElspethCentral Otago Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH Series Hawke’s Bay & blends Cabernet SauvignonPinot Noir 2010 HHHH Deeply coloured, generous Merlot 2011 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH1/2Richly coloured Bendigo red, and supple, with vibrant Rich, refined red, boldly Goldie Waiheke Island Bold, bright colour. Fragrant,with good concentration of cherry, plum and spice coloured, with sweet-fruit Cabernet Merlot Franc fresh, vibrantly fruityplum, dried herb and spice flavours, woven with characters, deep, vibrant 2010 HHHHH Gimblett Gravels red withflavours, and finely balanced fresh acidity, and a strong plum, prune and spice Deeply coloured and fleshy, strong blackcurrant, olive,tannins. Floral, youthful wine seasoning of French oak (34 flavours, firm, ripe tannins with notably generous plum and mint flavours, andthat lingers well. $39 (A, UK) per cent new). Very skilfully and a long finish. Worth blackcurrant, plum, spice fine-grained tannins. GoodFreeland Central Otago crafted. $70 (A, UK, US) cellaring. $34 and nut flavours, showing cellaring potential. $45 (A, UK)Pinot Noir 2012 HHHH Valli Waitaki Vineyard Mills Reef Elspeth excellent concentration and Vidal Legacy SeriesConcentrated, tightly Pinot Noir 2012 HHHH Gimblett Gravels complexity, and fine-grained Hawke’s Baystructured red grown in the Dense, purple-flushed colour, Merlot 2009 HHHH tannins. Rated highly by all Cabernet SauvignonBendigo and Pisa districts of very bold for pinot noir. Drinking well now, this is judges. $50 Merlot 2010 HHHH1/2the Cromwell Basin. Deep Exuberantly fruity style, with a fleshy, generous, supple Deeply coloured, with denseruby, fruit-packed wine, with strong, ripe cherry and plum red with full, bright colour Mills Reef Elspeth blackcurrant, herb anda slightly minty streak and flavours, juicy and long, fresh and fresh, strong, plummy, Cabernet Merlot plum flavours, and a firm,impressive length. $36 (A) acidity, and obvious cellaring slightly spicy and nutty 2010 HHHHH long finish. Slightly moreLowburn Ferry Skeleton potential. $70 (A, UK) flavours. “Soft and cosy,” Powerful, sweet-fruited, herbal than the Villa MariaCreek Central Otago wrote one judge. $45 (A, UK) smooth Gimblett Gravels red (above), but currently morePinot Noir 2011 HHHH merlot & blends Esk Valley Winemakers with deep, purple-flushed approachable. $60Highly fragrant red, grown Reserve Merlot colour. Highly concentrated, Church Roadin the Cromwell Basin. Villa Maria Reserve Malbec Cabernet notably ripe blackcurrant, McDonald SeriesSavoury, with excellent Gimblett Gravels Sauvignon 2010 HHHH dried herb and plum flavours Hawke’s Bay Cabernetdepth of plum, spice and Hawke’s Bay Merlot Still unfolding, this weighty, in a generous style with a Sauvignon 2011 HHHHnut flavours, showing good 2010 HHHHH dark, rich Gimblett Gravels long life ahead. $45 (A, UK) Boldly coloured, with strong,complexity, and supple, fine- Bursting with very ripe fruit, red was blended from Villa Maria Reserve vibrant blackcurrant, herbgrained tannins. $39 (A) this densely coloured red is merlot (73 per cent), malbec Gimblett Gravels and plum flavours, still veryThornbury Central Otago fleshy, finely textured and (14 per cent) and cabernet Hawke’s Bay Cabernet youthful, and a fragrant, spicyPinot Noir 2011 HHHH still very youthful. Notably sauvignon (13 per cent). Sauvignon Merlot bouquet. Excellent density,Full-coloured, youthful rich and refined, crammed Fleshy, plummy and spicy, 2010 HHHHH structure and finesse. $34Bannockburn red, tightly with blackcurrant and plum with a ripe herbal note, Dense, youthful red,structured, with concentrated flavour, it’s delicious now it is concentrated, very blended from cabernet Pask Declarationplum and dried herb flavours but should be long-lived. $50 harmonious and smooth, sauvignon (70 per cent) and Cabernet Merlot Malbecand firm tannins. Described The Cabbage with a lengthy finish. $60 merlot (30% per cent), with 2009 HHHHby one judge as “big, Tree Vineyard Villa Maria Cellar deep, firm, brambly flavours, Full, fairly youthful colour.brooding”. $32 Martinborough Merlot Selection Hawke’s finely poised and full of Mouthfilling, with strongTerra Sancta Jackson’s 2009 HHHH1/2 Bay Merlot Cabernet potential. Best drinking blackcurrant, herb, spice andBlock Central Otago Weighty and rich, with Sauvignon 2011 HHHH 2015+. Praised by one judge plum flavours, and a strongPinot Noir 2010 HHHH concentrated blackcurrant, Sturdy, generous blend as “classic Bordeaux come oak influence (18 months inPowerful, youthful, single- red berry, herb and spice (73 per cent merlot) with Hawke’s Bay”. $50 new French oak barriques).vineyard Bannockburn flavours, balanced toasty oak excellent depth of ripe Still unfolding. Best 2015+.red. Deeply coloured, with (barrel-aged for two years) blackcurrant, plum and $50 (A, UK)concentrated plum and spice and ripe, supple tannins. spice flavours, savoury Te Awa Hawke’s Bayflavours, fine-grained tannins Delicious now. $32 and supple. Fresh and Cabernet Merlotand excellent vigour and Esk Valley Merlot sweet-fruited, with good 2010 HHHHpotential. One judge rated it Malbec Rosé 2013 HHHH complexity. $24 Full-coloured, youthfulfive stars. $48 (A, US) Bright, light red hue. Floral, Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels redTerra Sancta full-bodied and dryish, with Merlot Cabernet with vibrant blackcurrant,Mysterious Diggings vibrant berry, plum and spice Sauvignon 2007 HHHH plum and spice flavours,Pinot Noir 2012 HHHH flavours, showing excellent Surprisingly youthful, showing good backbone andFloral and finely balanced for freshness and depth. $24 densely coloured Gimblett concentration. $40early drinking, this youthful, Drylands Marlborough Gravels blend (50/50) with Vidal Legacy Seriessingle-vineyard Bannockburn Merlot 2011 HHHH1/2 mouthfilling body and deep, Cabernet Sauvignonred was matured in Dark, purple-flushed and ripe blackcurrant, spice and Merlot 2009 HHHHseasoned oak barrels bold, with highly impressive plum flavours. Very powerful Deeply coloured, warm and(between 3 and 6 uses). depth of blackcurrant, plum and concentrated, but held classy red with concentratedFull-coloured, it is invitingly and spice flavours, attractive back by slightly tough, blackcurrant, plum, spice andscented, fruity and supple, and long. One judge scored drying tannins. $50 nut flavours. Structured, longwith vibrant cherry and plum it five stars. $23 and still developing. $60flavours, ripe and rounded.Fine value at $24.95. (A, US)154 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new zealandsyrah Villa Maria Reserve Murdoch James Crossroads Winemakers sweet white Gimblett Gravels Martinborough Blue Collection Hawke’s BayMan O’ War Waiheke Hawke’s Bay Syrah Rock Single Vineyard Syrah 2010 HHHH Vidal Legacy SeriesIsland Dreadnought 2011 HHHHH Syrah 2011 HHHH Rich, dark and weighty, Noble Semillon 2011Syrah 2010 HHHHH Powerful, notably Full-coloured and fragrant, with a hint of herbs running (375ml) HHHHHThis classy red shot straight concentrated Gimblett Gravels with peppery, spicy aromas. through its very generous Honeyed bouquet, withto a five-star rating with all red with inky, almost black Savoury and supple, with plum and spice flavours. apricot and dried fruitjudges. Fragrant, dark and colour. Fragrant, with an well-integrated oak and fine- Good tannin structure and aromas. Weighty, rich,supple, with a rich surge array of ripe berry, cocoa, grained tannins. $35 (A) ageability. $44 (A, UK) complex palate in an opulent,of vibrant blackcurrant, blackcurrant and spice aromas, Goldie Waiheke Island Mills Reef Elspeth barrel-fermented style,plum and spice flavours, leading into a weighty, Syrah 2011 HHHH Syrah 2011 HHHH powerful, soft, luscious andit is a powerful, highly densely packed palate, tightly Dark and rich, with Lush, softly structured lingering. “Sauternes-style”,concentrated wine, finely structured, layered and long. mouthfilling body, ripe Gimblett Gravels red with noted one judge. $40structured, with a very long Still very youthful, it’s an blackcurrant, plum and pepper deep colour and fragrant, ripe Tohu Raiha Limitedfinish. $48 (A, UK, US) obvious candidate for long- flavours, seasoned with aromas of plum, spice, pepper Release Reserve term cellaring. $60 toasty oak, and a strong, firm, and licorice. Sweet-fruited, Noble Riesling 2011Milcrest Estate Nelson Villa Maria Reserve distinctly spicy finish. $36 with fresh, concentrated (375ml) HHHHHSyrah 2011 HHHHH Gimblett Gravels The Hay Paddock Jules flavours and a smooth, Leaping straight to a five-Boldly coloured, generous, Hawke’s Bay Syrah Silk Harvest Reserve lingering finish. $45 (A, UK) star rating by all judges,fruit-crammed red with 2010 HHHHH Syrah 2010 HHHH Vidal Legacy Series this is a lovely late harvestripe plum and black pepper Supercharged style, with Dark, concentrated Waiheke Gimblett Gravels Syrah style - lemon-scented,flavours, and good tannin dense, youthful colour, a Island wine with an earthy 2009 HHHH with deep, citrusy, slightlybackbone. Finely structured, richly perfumed bouquet streak running through strong Powerful, still youthful red honeyed flavours, vibrant,with impressive richness and lovely depth of ripe plum and spice flavours. with bold, bright colour, a sweet, rich and long. Veryand power through the blackcurrant, plum and spice Powerful, sturdy red. $52 (UK) fragrant bouquet and fresh, youthful, concentrated andpalate. $35 flavours. Very full-bodied Seifried Nelson concentrated blackcurrant, ageworthy. $28Church Road but finely textured red, Syrah 2011 HHHH plum, herb and spice Pegasus Bay FinaleMcDonald Series approachable now but built Vibrantly fruity red, with flavours. One judge scored it Noble Semillon 2010Hawke’s Bay Syrah for the long haul. Cellaring plummy, spicy, slightly nutty five stars. $70 (375ml) HHHHH2010 HHHHH recommended. $60 flavours, woven with fresh Vidal Reserve Series Golden, Sauternes styleMaturing well, with a long Vidal Legacy Series acidity. Slightly chewy, with Hawke’s Bay wine from Waipara, peachy,future ahead, this very Gimblett Gravels good structure and length. Syrah 2011 HHHH concentrated and lively,dark, highly concentrated Hawke’s Bay Syrah One judge praised it as “Cotes Generous, youthful red, with hints of ginger andred is richly fragrant, with 2010 HHHHH du Rhone-ish”. Fine value. $22 deeply coloured. Medium spice, good acid spine,black fruit, spice, cocoa and Benchmark stuff. Notably rich Terrace Edge Waipara to full-bodied style, with and a rich, honeyed, toastylicorice aromas. Dense and and ripe, it is boldly coloured, Valley Syrah 2011 HHHH excellent depth of ripe complexity. $37 (A, UK)complex, with fine-grained with dense plum, spice Rich and silky textured, blackcurrant, plum and Mondillo Nina Latetannins and a long finish, it and nut flavours, showing with deep colour and a pepper flavours, and a spicy, Harvest Riesling 2012was praised by one judge as excellent concentration and floral bouquet.Vibrant plum, fragrant bouquet. $30 (375ml) HHHHHa “great wine”. $34 complexity, and a lasting black pepper and slight herb Vidal Reserve Series Scented, deliciously intenseEsk Valley Winemakers finish. Top-rated by all flavours, threaded with fresh Hawke’s Bay wine, with a gently honeyedReserve Gimblett Gravels judges. $70 acidity, good intensity and a Syrah 2010 HHHH bouquet. Rich, very vibrant,Syrah 2010 HHHHH Villa Maria Cellar lengthy finish. $25 (A) Youthful, supple, Gimblett citrusy flavours, with a lovelyVery elegant and Selection Hawke’s Bay Coopers Creek Hawke’s Gravels red with deep, harmony of fruit, botrytis,concentrated, with purple/ Syrah 2011 HHHH1/2 Bay Syrah 2012 HHHH youthful colour and strong sweetness (198g/litre ofblack colour and fresh, Classy, supple red, deeply Deeply coloured, blackcurrant, herb and plum residual sugar) and mouth-vibrant, ripe flavours of dark coloured, with fresh, generous and supple, with flavours. Fragrant, with good watering acidity. $28fruits and spices. Sweet-fruit concentrated plum and concentrated, ripe plum and weight and length. $30 Johanneshof Cellarsentry, with lovely harmony black pepper flavours, and spice flavours, fresh acidity Villa Maria Cellar Nobel Late Harvestand length. $60 ripe, fine-grained tannins. and excellent texture and Selection Hawke’s Bay Riesling 2011 Still youthful, with excellent harmony. Attractive wine, Syrah 2010 HHHH (375ml) HHHH1/2 depth and drinkability. $32 priced sharply. $22 Still very youthful, fresh and Golden, with a richly honeyed Villa Maria Reserve supple, with bold colour bouquet. Strongly botrytised Gimblett Gravels and vibrant blackcurrant style, with honey, raisin and Hawke’s Bay Syrah and plum flavours, showing apricot flavours, concentrated 2009 HHHH1/2 excellent depth. Powerful, and oily. “Decadent”, Still youthful. Boldly rich red, with good enthused one judge. $41 (A) coloured, with a fragrant, complexity. $32 Ostler Audrey’s Waitaki ripe bouquet of spices, Valley Noble Pinot Gris cocoa, prunes, herbs and 2011 (375ml) HHHH chocolate, and impressively Rich, well-rounded, concentrated, plummy, clearly varietal wine, with slightly nutty flavours, silky- concentrated peach, baked textured and long. $60 pear and spice flavours, deliciously sweet and smooth. $35 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 155

micchoaoepler BEST OF 2013 RELEASES

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealand Folding Hill Bendigo Moncellier Marlborough Carrick Central Otago Vidal Legacy Series Central Otago Pinot Sauvignon Blanc Riesling 2012 HHHHH Gimblett GravelsBrightwater Vineyards Noir 2010 HHHHH 2012 HHHHH Richly scented, medium Hawke’s Bay CabernetLord Rutherford Highly refined wine, Very classy and concentrated style with loads of Sauvignon MerlotNelson Sauvignon grown at Bendigo, French wine from a north-facing personality, estate-grown at 2010 HHHHHBlanc 2012 HHHHH oak-matured (30 per slope in the Awatere Valley. Bannockburn and certified Dark, concentrated, single-Weighty, finely textured cent new), and bottled Crisp and elegant, with organic. Already open and vineyard blend of cabernetwine, fleshy, rich and unfined and unfiltered. vibrant, ripe melon/capsicum expressive, with lovely sauvignon (51%) androunded, with melon, lime Full-coloured, with an flavours, finely poised, tight depth of vibrant lemon/lime merlot (49%), matured forand passionfruit flavours, attractively perfumed and long. $29 flavours, a hint of passionfruit 20 months in French oakshowing excellent depth bouquet. Mouthfilling and Spy Valley Envoy and a finely balanced, long barriques (60% new). Verythrough the palate, balanced supple, with youthful, finely Marlborough finish. $24 (A, UK, US) dense and complex, withacidity and a long, dry finish. balanced cherry, plum Gewürztraminer Doctors Flat Vineyard blackcurrant, plum, spice$25 (A, UK) and spice flavours, nutty, 2012 HHHHH Central Otago Pinot and nut flavours, fine- savoury and complex, and Very “complete” and Noir 2011 HHHHH grained tannins and obviousEsk Valley Winemakers excellent structure and harmonious wine, with “Serious” yet “sexy” cellaring potential. OpenReserve Gimblett harmony. $42 (A, UK) an invitingly fragrant and red, estate-grown at 2015+. $60Gravels Merlot Malbec Greystone Waipara complex bouquet. Full-bodied, Bannockburn and bottled Vidal Legacy SeriesCabernet Sauvignon Valley Gewürztraminer peachy and well-spiced, unfined and unfiltered. Gimblett Gravels2010 HHHHH 2012 HHHHH with excellent delicacy and Very finely perfumed, with Hawke’s Bay SyrahPowerful, concentrated blend, Delicious already. Sturdy richness. Already drinking deep, youthful colour. 2010 HHHHHmerlot-based (73 per cent), (14.5% per cent alc/ well. $29.90 (A, UK) Weighty, with dense, ripe A terrific wine, likely tomatured for 18 months in vol), with beautifully Spy Valley Envoy flavours, notably savoury flourish for a decade.French oak barriques (50 per rich stonefruit and spice Marlborough Sauvignon and complex, and a long, Densely coloured andcent new). Dark, deliciously flavours, a hint of ginger, Blanc 2011 HHHHH finely poised finish. Full of powerful, with layers ofrich and supple, with plum, and a slightly sweet, soft, Fleshy, rich style, estate- personality. $47 (A) blackcurrant, plum, spicespice, herb and slight coffee lasting finish. Benchmark grown in the Waihopai Valley Maude Mt Maude and licorice flavours, goodflavours, very savoury and stuff. $29.95 (A) and fermented and lees-aged Vineyard Wanaka tannin backbone andcomplex, and a long, flowing for nine months in barrels. Central Otago Pinot excellent complexity. Veryfinish. Approachable already, Man O’War Fragrant, complex bouquet Noir 2010 HHHHH classy and “complete”. $70but also plenty of cellaring Warspite 2010 HHHHH and real power and “drive” Beautifully perfumed, single-potential. $60 (UK) Very classy, generous on the palate, with deep vineyard red with deep, Villa Maria Reserve blend of cabernet franc tropical fruit and nut flavours, youthful colour. Rich and Gimblett GravelsEsk Valley Winemakers (62 per cent), merlot (23 tight, slightly minerally and flowing, with concentrated Hawke’s Bay SyrahReserve Gimblett Gravels per cent) and malbec (15 long. $29.90 (A, UK, US) cherry, plum and spice 2011 HHHHHSyrah 2010 HHHHH per cent), grown on Ponui Terra Sancta Miro’s flavours, showing lovely This stunning red shouldA star wine, notably rich and Island, near Waiheke Island. Block Bannockburn vibrancy, poise and depth. flourish for a decade.silky-textured, grown in the Deeply coloured, rich and Central Otago Dry Savoury and silky-textured. Estate-grown and maturedCornerstone Vineyard and supple, with blackcurrant, Riesling 2011 HHHHH $50 (A, UK, US) for 17 months in Frenchmatured for 17 months in plum, spice and slight Scented, weighty, tightly Osawa Prestige oak barriques (50% perFrench oak barriques (40 coffee flavours, seasoned structured wine with intense Collection Late Harvest cent new), it is a denselyper cent new). Powerful with nutty oak, impressive lemon, lime and slight Gewürztraminer 2011 coloured, powerful,and very sweet-fruited, weight, ripeness and spice flavours. Dryish (6g/ (375ml) HHHHH authoritative and verywith highly concentrated complexity, and a silky- litre of residual sugar) but Intensely varietal, golden “complete” wine with lushblackcurrant, plum, spice and smooth finish. A top-flight not austere, with excellent wine with a rich, gingery, blackcurrant, plum and spicelicorice flavours, showing debut. $52 (A) complexity and harmony, slightly honeyed bouquet. flavours, showing lovelyreal complexity, and a long, Matua Valley Paretai and loads of personality. Sweet but not super-sweet, richness and harmony. $60resounding finish. Best Marlborough Sauvignon Drink now or cellar. $27 (A) with balanced acidity,drinking 2015+. $60 Blanc 2012 HHHHH Terra Sancta Slapjack fresh, beautifully ripe, Richly scented, single Block Bannockburn concentrated flavours of block wine from the Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHH peaches, spices and ginger upper Waihopai Valley. From the oldest vines in to the fore, and a gentle Mouthfilling and finely Bannockburn, this very botrytis influence. $29 balanced, with sweet-fruit youthful red is finely scented Osawa Prestige characters, intense melon/ and boldly coloured. Dense Collection Noble capsicum flavours, showing and savoury, with substantial Gewurztraminer 2011 excellent freshness, delicacy body, concentrated plum, (375ml) HHHHH and purity, racy acidity and a spice and nut flavours Lush, golden wine from lasting finish. $29 and firm tannins, it should bunches with 80 per cent flourish for a decade. Open botrytis infection. Fleshy 2015+. $69.95 (A, US) and oily, with deep citrus fruit, honey, spice and ginger flavours, abundant sweetness (191g/litre of residual sugar), crisp acidity, and lovely harmony and length. $29 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 157

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandVilla Maria Reserve Villa Maria Single Brancott Estate TerraVin Te AhuMarlborough Noble Vineyard Seddon Chosen Rows 2011 HHHHHRiesling Botrytis Marlborough Pinot Noir Marlborough Sauvignon Thought-provoking, unusuallySelection 2012 2011 HHHHH Blanc 2010 HHHHH complex Marlborough(375ml) HHHHH Finely poised, youthful wine Notably classy, intense sauvignon blanc, hand-pickedClassy, vibrantly fruity, from the south bank of the wine. Complex bouquet, at two hillside sites, fermentedgently honeyed wine, Awatere River. Deep ruby, with hints of indigenous with indigenous yeasts inhand-harvested in several with an invitingly perfumed yeasts and subtle oak. French oak puncheons and“passes” through the bouquet. Vibrantly fruity, Powerful palate, crisp barrel-aged for 16 months.Fletcher vineyard, in the with fresh, strong cherry, and poised, with deep Richly fragrant and weighty,central Wairau Valley. plum and spice flavours, grapefruit/lime flavours, dry, with deep tropical fruitConcentrated, with fresh, gentle tannins, well- savoury and searching. Still flavours and finely integratedcitrusy, peachy flavours and integrated oak (French, 30 youthful. (Released at three oak in a very harmonious anda long, sweet (198g/litre of per cent new), and lovely years old. Only 3500 bottles finely textured, generous,residual sugar), slightly spicy texture and richness. $56 produced.) $80 (A, UK) multi-faceted style,finish. Lovely richness, flow Villa Maria Single Cable Bay Reserve reminiscent of whiteand length. $36 Vineyard Southern Waiheke Island Syrah Bordeaux. $40 (A, UK, US)Villa Maria Reserve Clays Marlborough 2010 HHHHHMarlborough Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2011 HHHHH Lush, youthful, power- Clos Henri Marlborough Ostler Blue House2011 HHHHH Sturdy, generous red, from packed red, densely Sauvignon Blanc Vines Waitaki ValleyEnticingly perfumed blend north-facing slopes of the coloured and sturdy (14.5 2012 HHHHH Noble Riesling 2011of Awatere Valley and Rutherford Vineyard on the per cent alc/vol), with highly Finely textured, sweet- (375ml) HHHHHSouthern Valleys grapes, south side of the Wairau concentrated blackcurrant/ fruited wine, mouthfilling Delicious now. Pale yellow,matured for over a year in Valley. Deeply coloured, plum flavours, sweet-fruit and rounded, with great with a gently honeyedFrench oak barriques (26 with concentrated cherry, delights, hints of black drinkability. Rich melon/ bouquet, this concentrated,per cent new). Vibrantly plum and spice flavours, pepper, coffee and nuts, and lime flavours, showing sweet wine is citrusy, with afruity and supple, with excellent complexity and a firm, long finish. It should impressive freshness, subtle botrytis influence andfresh, strong cherry, good tannin backbone. flourish for a decade. $75 delicacy and depth, in a lovely interplay of sweetnessplum, spice, dried herb Powerful, ripe style; drink Cable Bay Five Hills subtle, non-herbaceous style and acidity. Poised, rich,and nut flavours, showing now or cellar. $56 Waiheke Island Merlot with leesy notes adding vibrant and long. $36excellent concentration and Villa Maria Single Malbec 2010 HHHHH complexity and a fine thread Auburn Bendigocomplexity, and a finely Vineyard Taylors Pass A top vintage, blended from of acidity. $31 (A, UK, US) Central Otago Rieslingtextured, long finish. $50 Marlborough Pinot Noir merlot (58 per cent) and John Forrest Collection 2012 HHHHH 2011 HHHHH malbec (42 per cent). Boldly Brancott Marlborough Revealing lovely depth, “Feminine” style from coloured, with dense, ripe Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHH delicacy and harmony, this is the Awatere Valley with blackcurrant, plum and spice Weighty, deeply coloured, a medium-sweet style (62g/ a floral bouquet, fresh, flavours, a hint of coffee, very sweet-fruited red, litre of residual sugar) with concentrated cherry, good tannin backbone and a seductively rich and ripe, vibrant, lemony flavours, strawberry and plum long finish. Finely textured with deep plum, spice and hints of apricot and spice, flavours, and hints of spices, red, revealing power and slight nut flavours, finely excellent sugar/acid balance dried herbs and nuts adding finesse. $40 textured and savoury. (From and a very long finish. $35 complexity. Buoyantly fruity, Cloudy Bay Te Wahi 25-year-old vines in the finely textured and rich. $56 Central Otago Pinot Southern Valleys.) $40 Noir 2010 HHHHH The famous Marlborough Obsidian Waiheke Island Brancott Estate Letter producer’s first wine from Syrah 2010 HHHHH Series ‘F’ Marlborough outside the region was Powerful, finely textured Pinot Gris 2012 HHHHH hand-harvested in the red, deeply coloured, Enticingly scented, Bannockburn, Bendigo and with highly concentrated mouthfilling wine, hand- Lowburn districts of the blackcurrant, plum and spice picked (mostly) and Cromwell Basin. Deeply flavours, showing excellent fermented in tanks, wooden coloured, it is highly scented, complexity. Still unfolding cuves and oak puncheons. with mouthfilling body and and potentially very long- Generous, vibrant pear, highly concentrated, vibrant lived. (Matured in French lychee and spice flavours, cherry, plum and spice oak, 40 per cent new; 2.5 per showing lovely varietal flavours that build to cent viognier.) $63 (A, UK) purity, delicacy and depth, a savoury, structured finish. Passage Rock and a soft, slightly sweet, Still youthful, it should Waiheke Island Magnus harmonious finish. Very be at its best 2015+. 2010 HHHHH classy and full of charm. $38 $59.90 (A, UK, US) Arrestingly powerful and concentrated, but harmonious wine, blended from syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and petit verdot. Dark, with a very fragrant and nutty bouquet. Weighty, sweet- fruited and lush, with lovely richness of blackcurrant, plum, spice and oak flavours, and gentle tannins. Drink now-2020. $70158 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new zealandFromm Clayvin Saint Clair Pioneer Rockburn Central Otago Cable Bay Waiheke Maude Mt MaudeVineyard Marlborough Block 4 Sawcut Pinot Noir 2012 HHHHH Island Chardonnay Vineyard WanakaChardonnay Marlborough Finely scented, deeply 2010 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay2010 HHHHH Chardonnay coloured regional blend, Full-bodied, tightly 2012 HHHH1/2Very beautiful, delicate, 2012 HHHHH grown mostly in the Cromwell structured wine, bright Classy wine from 18-year-refined wine from mature From the Ure Valley, this Basin. Dense yet supple, with lemon/green in hue, with old vines at Wanaka, invines in the upper Brancott very classy wine was hand- concentrated cherry, plum concentrated peach, Central Otago, fermentedValley. Matured in seasoned picked and fermented and and spice flavours, integrated grapefruit and slight lime and matured in seasonedFrench oak barriques, it is lees-aged for 10 months in oak and lovely richness and flavours, showing excellent French oak puncheons.youthful and sweet-fruited, French oak casks (20 per harmony. Should be long-lived. complexity, and a dry, Mouthfilling and minerally,with deep grapefruit/nut cent new). Full-bodied and $45 (A, UK, US) slightly toasty finish. It’s with complex grapefruitflavours in a minerally, finely textured, it has rich, Voss Reserve drinking well now. $40 and biscuity oak flavours, anotably elegant style, long vibrant, citrusy flavours, Martinborough Pinot Churton Marlborough slightly creamy texture, andand tight. It should flourish moderate acidity, a slightly Noir 2011 HHHHH Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 lovely freshness, drive andfor a decade. $68 (A, UK, US) nutty, toasty complexity and Finely perfumed, “feminine” Full-coloured, with a fragrant, harmony. Best drinking mid-Fromm Clayvin Vineyard a long finish. An elegant, style, very fragrant, sweet- spicy bouquet. Lithe, youthful 2014+. $28 (A)Marlborough Pinot Noir distinctly cool-climate style, fruited and supple, from wine with strong cherry, plum, Fromm La Strada2011 HHHHH it should mature well. $34 vines up to 24 years old on spice and dried herb notes, Marlborough Pinot NoirNotably classy, smooth- Unison Gimblett the Martinborough Terraces. showing excellent complexity. 2010 HHHH1/2flowing red, deeply coloured, Gravels Hawke’s Bay Youthful, warm and savoury, Dense and savoury, with Full-bodied, warm andwith highly concentrated Syrah 2010 HHHHH with ripe plum, cherry, spice good personality and obvious savoury red, showingcherry, plum and nut Set for a long life, this densely and nut flavours that build potential; open mid-2014+. good complexity, with richflavours. Bright and youthful, coloured, still purple-flushed well across the palate, and $44 (A, UK, US) cherry, strawberry and spicedeliciously savoury and red was barrel-aged for good tannin support. Highly Cloudy Bay Chardonnay flavours. Slightly “masculine”supple, it shows excellent 20 months. It is notably refined red, ageworthy but 2011 HHHH1/2 style, firm, weighty andharmony, with the depth and concentrated, with sweet-fruit already delicious. $39 Very fragrant, mealy generous, with goodstructure to age well. Open delights, fresh plum, spice and bouquet. Mouthfilling, vibrant potential. $38 (A, UK, US)2016+. $80 (A, UK, US) nut flavours, a hint of licorice, ½ Marlborough wine with ripe Fromm La StradaGiesen The Brothers Late and ripe, supple tannins. An grapefruit-like flavours to the MarlboroughHarvest Marlborough obvious candidate for cellaring; Bald Hills Single Vineyard fore, biscuity, barrel-ferment Syrah 2011 HHHH1/2Sauvignon Blanc 2012 open 2015+. $55 (A, US) Bannockburn Pinot Noir notes adding complexity, a Stylish cool-climate syrah,(375ml) HHHHH Deutz Marlborough 2012 HHHH1/2 hint of butterscotch and fresh blended from the FrommShowing lovely purity and Prestige Cuvee Enticingly perfumed, acid spine. Drink now or cellar. Vineyard on the valley floorrichness, this very sweet 2010 HHHHH powerful yet very graceful $34 (A, UK, US) and hillside Clayvin Vineyard.(223g/litre of residual sugar) Classy stuff - very refined, red. Rich cherry, plum and Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir Fresh, strong, pepperywine is from shrivelled, but elegant and tight-knit. Lovely, spice flavours, a hint of dried 2011 HHHH1/2 aromas, mingled with plumsnot botrytis-affected grapes, vibrant, citrusy and slightly herbs, and a real sense of Stylish, very youthful and spices, and good densityhand-harvested in July. nutty flavours, strong, fresh drive through the palate. Marlborough red, full- and texture. Full-bodied,Pale green/gold, it is syrupy and yeasty, that float smoothly Finely poised and still very coloured, with vibrant concentrated, savouryand oily, with fresh, highly to a very harmonious, lasting youthful. $55 cherry, plum and spice and structured, with goodconcentrated stonefruit and finish. $45 Bel Echo by Clos Henri flavours, slightly nutty ageing potential. (5 per centhoney flavours. Drink now Pegasus Bay Marlborough Sauvignon notes and good, savoury viognier). $38 (A, UK, US)onwards. $30 (A, UK) Prima Donna Pinot Noir Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 complexity. Concentrated Obsidian WaihekeTrinity Hill Homage 2010 HHHHH Fleshy, ripe and rounded and tight-knit, with ripe, Island The MayorSyrah 2010 HHHHH Set for a 10-year evolution, wine, grown in clay rather supple tannins and obvious 2011 HHHH1/2Densely coloured Gimblett this classy, youthful Waipara than stony soils, with potential. $44.90 (A, UK, US) Approachable, young, this is aGravels, Hawke’s Bay red, red is based on the oldest mouthfilling body and deep, John Forrest Collection rich, very vibrant and smoothmatured for over a year in vines and barrel-aged for 18 distinctly tropical fruit flavours. Wairau Sauvignon blend of cabernet franc (45French oak barriques (90 months. Deep and bright Dry and very harmonious, Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 per cent), petit verdot (33per cent new). Floral, rich, in colour, it is very rich and with a powerful presence. From the “oldest vines” per cent) and malbec (22very sweet-fruited and supple, with dense, ripe A top vintage, very enjoyable and “stoniest sites”, this is per cent). Matured in Frenchsupple, with beautifully ripe cherry, plum and slight licorice now. $24 (A, UK, US) a richly fragrant, very fleshy oak casks (33 per cent new),blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, fine-grained tannins, Cable Bay Sweet Gloria and generous wine, partly it is boldly coloured, withflavours, gentle tannins and a real sense of poise and Late Harvest Viognier barrel-fermented. A weighty, concentrated blackcurrant,and a long, velvety finish. power. Best drinking 2015+. 2011 (375ml) HHHH1/2 full-bodied style with deep, plum and nut flavours, finelyAlready highly approachable, $84 (A, UK, US) Gold, slightly amber- tropical fruit flavours, lees- textured and smooth. Bestbut best cellared to 2015+. hued dessert wine, ageing complexity and a tight, drinking 2015+. $54$120 (A, UK) perfumed, rich and soft, dry, long finish, it’s well worth with concentrated, sweet cellaring. $35 apricot and honey flavours, Invivo Marlborough showing a powerful botrytis Sauvignon Blanc influence. Lovely now. $40 2012 HHHH1/2 Richly scented, with excellent intensity of melon, passionfruit and lime flavours, good vigour and a generous, rounded, long finish. Delicious now. $19.95 (A, UK) Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 159

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandOstler Blue House Vines Staete Landt Brightwater Vineyards Church Road Kahurangi EstateWaitaki Valley Riesling Marlborough Viognier Lord Rutherford McDonald Series Mt Arthur Reserve2012 HHHH1/2 2011 HHHH1/2 Nelson Chardonnay Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris Nelson RieslingFull of personality, this Deliciously fleshy, sturdy 2010 HHHH1/2 2011 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH1/2is a “spatlese” style wine, barrel-fermented, with Elegant, tightly structured Delicious now but still From mature vines at Upperwith pure lemon/lime deep, peachy, slightly spicy wine, hand-picked and youthful, this richly flavoured Moutere, this rich, finelyflavours, showing excellent flavours, a gentle seasoning fully barrel-fermented (25 wine is a medium style balanced wine is drinkingfreshness, vigour and of oak (from old French per cent new oak). Sweet- (21g/litre of residual sugar), well now. It offers strong,intensity. Crisp, light (8 barrels), good complexity fruited and vibrantly fruity, grown in the elevated, inland citrusy, peachy, slightlyper cent alc/vol), tight and a well-rounded, creamy- with a mealy bouquet, Matapiro Vineyard and lees- toasty flavours, with a hintand punchy, with gentle smooth finish. $39 (UK) strong citrusy flavours, good aged for nearly a year before of apricot, and some bottlesweetness and firm acidity, Trinity Hill The Gimblett complexity, a minerally bottling. It offers very fresh development. Also worthit should be at its best 2011 HHHH1/2 streak and a long finish. Still stonefruit, lychee and spice cellaring. $20 (A, UK)2015+. $29.90 (A, UK, US) Powerful, very ageworthy unfolding. $35 flavours, gentle acidity, Kim Crawford SmallSoljans Barrique Reserve Hawke’s Bay red, blended Brightwater Vineyards and excellent delicacy and Parcels SpitfireHawke’s Bay Chardonnay from cabernet sauvignon Lord Rutherford depth. $33 Marlborough Sauvignon2010 HHHH1/2 (34 per cent), merlot (26 Nelson Pinot Noir 2010 Drumsara Central Otago Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2Classic regional style – per cent), cabernet franc HHHH1/2 Ventifacts Block Pinot Rich, sweet-fruited, Wairauweighty and sweet-fruited, (25 per cent), malbec (9 Weighty, ruby hued red with Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 Valley style with punchywith concentrated grapefruit per cent) and petit verdot fresh, concentrated cherry, Deep ruby, highly scented melon, passionfruit and limeand peach flavours, hints (6 per cent). Deeply plum, spice and dried herb and supple red from flavours, showing excellentof figs and spice, finely coloured, mouthfilling and flavours, fungal, savoury Alexandra. Very savoury and freshness, delicacy andintegrated French oak (70 rich, with smooth, youthful notes adding complexity, complex, with ripe plum, concentration, and firm acidper cent barrel-fermented, blackcurrant, plum, spice and the power and structure spice and dried herb flavours spine. $33 (A, UK, US)30 per cent tank-fermented), and nut flavours, buried to mature well. (Unfined and that build well across the Mud House Southbalanced acidity and a rich, tannins, and excellent unfiltered.) $40 palate, fine-grained tannins Island Pinot Grisrounded finish. Very finely density. Best drinking and good harmony. Drink 2012 HHHH1/2balanced wine, drinking well 2015+. $38 (A, UK) Church Road McDonald now or cellar. $44 (A) Dryish, with mouthfillingnow and bargain-priced. $25. Yealands Estate Single Series Hawke’s Bay Esk Valley Marlborough body and strong, peachy,Staete Landt Annabel Block R6 Awatere Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Riesling 2012 HHHH1/2 slightly spicy and gingeryMarlborough Sauvignon Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010 HHHH1/2 Powerful style of riesling, flavours, this is a terrificBlanc 2012 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH1/2 Dark, youthful red, grown sturdy and dryish. Fleshy, with “food” wine - vibrantly fruityPunchy, ripely herbaceous Stylish, mouthfilling wine, principally in the company’s strong, ripe peach, grapefruit, and finely poised, with realbouquet. Fleshy and rich, in medium-dry, with deep Redstone Vineyard, in the lime and spice flavours, finely immediacy. $21 (A, UK, US)the classic Rapaura style, peach, melon and spice Bridge Pa Triangle. Powerful, balanced acidity, and excellent Muddy Waterwith deep tropical fruit flavours, a hint of ginger, with a strong surge of harmony and richness. Already Growers Series Waiparaflavours, firm acid spine a slightly oily texture, and vibrant blackcurrant, spice drinking well. $24 (UK) Valley Sauvignon Blancand a subtle seasoning of excellent delicacy and and slight olive flavours, Folding Hill 2012 HHHH1/2oak (from 20% per cent richness. $30 finely integrated oak (French Orchard Block Single-vineyard wine, mostlybarrel fermentation) adding Brancott Estate and Hungarian, 30 per cent Central Otago Pinot (90 per cent) fermented withcomplexity. Best drinking Special Reserve new), and excellent cellaring Noir 2009 HHHH1/2 indigenous yeasts in old2014. $25 (A, UK, US) Marlborough Pinot Gris potential. $33 Fragrant, spicy red, French oak barriques. StrongStaete Landt 2012 HHHH1/2 Church Road Reserve hand-picked at Bendigo, presence in the mouth,Marlborough Pinot Gris Weighty, with a sliver of Hawke’s Bay Merlot fermented with indigenous with concentrated, sweet-2011 HHHH1/2 sweetness (9g/litre of residual Cabernet 2010 HHHH1/2 yeasts, barrel-aged for 18 fruit flavours of melons andDistinctive wine, powerful, sugar), moderate acidity Classy, powerful red from months (French, 33 per green capsicums, a slightlyrobust and dry, estate-grown and deep stonefruit, spice, the Gimblett Gravels and cent new), and bottled nutty oak influence, goodand hand-harvested at ginger and honey flavours. Bridge Pa Triangle, French unfined and unfiltered. Full complexity and a finelyRapaura, and fermented and Concentrated, finely textured oak-matured for 21 months, and still youthful in colour, textured finish. Best drinkingmatured for nine months and harmonious wine, and bottled unfined and with concentrated, very mid-2013+. $28 (A, UK)in old French puncheons. instantly appealing. $29 unfiltered. Deep and youthful ripe plum, spice and slightMouthfilling and slightly Brancott Estate in colour, with mouthfilling licorice flavours. Savoury, Saint Claircreamy, with concentrated, Special Reserve body, concentrated plum/ complex style, with fine- Marlborough Sauvignonripe stonefruit and spice Marlborough Sauvignon spice flavours, showing good grained tannins. $50 (UK) Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2flavours, and a well-rounded Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 savoury complexity, and Weighty, intensely varietalfinish. $25 (A, UK, US) Full-on style, mouthfilling fine-grained tannins. Best wine with punchy, finely and rich, with ripe, tropical drinking 2014+. $41 balanced passionfruit and fruit aromas and flavours, lime flavours, showing and a distinct hint of excellent freshness, ripeness “sweaty armpit”. Peach and and intensity, and a crisp, passionfruit notes to the zingy finish. $21 (A, UK, US) fore, with lovely richness and roundness. $29160 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandPeregrine Spy Valley Envoy Two Rivers Altitude Fromm Brancott Valley Hawkshead GibbstonCentral Otago Pinot Marlborough Riesling Marlborough Pinot Noir Marlborough Pinot Noir Central Otago PinotNoir 2011 HHHH1/2 2009 HHHH1/2 2011 HHHH1/2 2009 HHHH1/2 Gris 2012 HHHH1/2Deeply coloured blend Finely scented, lively wine, Deep ruby, deliciously Sturdy, youthful wine, grown Richly scented andfrom the Bendigo (47 still youthful. Light-bodied complex and supple red, in the Southern Valleys and mouthfilling, single-vineyardper cent), Pisa (36 per (8% per cent alc/vol), with picked at 25 brix and bottled barrel-aged for 17 months. wine with vibrant, peachy,cent) and Gibbston (17 good freshness and intensity unfined and unfiltered. Ruby hued and full-bodied, citrusy flavours, a sliver ofper cent) districts. Highly and a long, gently sweet Concentrated, savoury and ripe, spicy, nutty and savoury, sweetness, balanced acidity,concentrated, with bold (69g/litre of residual sugar), finely textured, with ripe with excellent density and a a touch of complexity andcherry, plum and spice mouth-wateringly crisp and cherry, plum, spice and fairly firm finish. Best 2014+. a lingering finish. Instantlyflavours, very generous racy finish. $29.90 (A) dried herb flavours, and $46 (A, UK, US) appealing. $26 (A, UK, US)and finely structured. Best Terra Sancta impressive complexity and Fromm La Strada Nautilus Marlboroughdrinking 2014+. $45 Bannockburn harmony. $55 (UK) Marlborough Sauvignon BlancSaint Clair Wairau Central Otago Pinot Villa Maria Reserve Chardonnay 2012 HHHH1/2Reserve Marlborough Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 Barrique Fermented 2010 HHHH1/2 Sophisticated, tightlySauvignon Blanc Showing excellent density, Gisborne Chardonnay Delicious now, this weighty, structured wine with a2012 HHHH1/2 this savoury and supple, 2011 HHHH1/2 bone-dry wine was barrel- very fresh, lively bouquet,Punchy, with fresh, vibrant deeply coloured red has a Elegant, complex wine, fermented with indigenous showing a touch ofpassionfruit and lime flavours, complex bouquet, mouthfilling fractionally leaner than in yeasts and oak-aged for 15 complexity. Poised andshowing excellent intensity. body, and strong, ripe cherry, the finest vintages, but months. Creamy and slightly intense, with good weight,Fleshy and finely balanced, plum and spice flavours. Built still impressively rich, ripe, nutty, with grapefruit-like ripe melon and capsicum-with racy acidity. $34 (A) to last, it should be at its best peachy and toasty. Finely flavours, it is rich and like flavours and a crisp, dry 2014+. $35 (A, US) structured, with a hint of finely textured, mealy and finish. $25 (A, UK, US)Schist Hills Terra Sancta butterscotch and a smoky, savoury, with gentle acidity Mud House The HomeOld Vineyard Central Bannockburn Central mealy, fragrant bouquet. and excellent depth and Block Vineyard WaiparaOtago Gewürztraminer Otago Pinot Noir Rosé Best drinking 2014+. $37 (A) complexity. $34 (A, UK) Valley Pinot Gris2011 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH1/2 Greystone Sand Dollar 2012 HHHH1/2Full-bodied, with Bright pink and attractively Coal Pit Tiwha Pinot Waipara Valley Pinot Mouthfilling and intenselyconcentrated flavours of scented, with rich, ripe Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 Gris 2012 HHHH1/2 varietal, with rich citrus fruit,lychees, ginger and spice, strawberry, watermelon and Classy, single-vineyard Made in an unusually dry pear and peach flavours,showing excellent freshness slight apricot flavours, and Gibbston red, matured for a (3g/litre of residual sugar) a hint of passionfruit, aand complexity. Intensely a slightly sweet, smooth, year in French oak barriques style, this is a fleshy gentle splash of sweetness,varietal, youthful wine, hand- lasting finish. Delicious (40 per cent new). Floral, wine with powerful body and lovely vibrancy andpicked from vines nearly 30 now. $27 (A, US) vibrantly fruity and supple, and fresh, concentrated harmony. Best drinkingyears old at Alexandra. $32 The Elder with deep, youthful plum, citrus fruit, pear and spice 2014+. $29 (A, UK, US) Martinborough Pinot spice and dried herb flavours, flavours, still unfolding. Osawa PrestigeSchist Hills Gris 2011 HHHH1/2 fine-grained tannins, and Open 2014+. $28 (A) Collection Hawke’s BaySingle Vineyard Central Weighty, rich style, excellent complexity and Greystone Waipara ChardonnayOtago Pinot Noir fermented in a 50/50 split harmony. $42 Valley Pinot Gris 2011 HHHH1/22010 HHHH1/2 of tanks and seasoned Brennan Gibbston 2012 HHHH1/2 Classic regional style –Richly coloured Alexandra French oak barriques. Central Otago Pinot Mouthfilling and gently sweet fleshy, with ripe, sweet-fruitred, fragrant and Powerful, sturdy wine Noir 2010 HHHH1/2 (13g/litre of residual sugar), flavours, citrusy and peachy,mouthfilling, with well- with concentrated, peachy Finely scented, rich, supple with fresh acidity woven a strong seasoning of toastyripened cherry, plum and flavours, a hint of apricot red from the cool, elevated through its youthful peach, oak, a hint of butterscotchspice flavours, generous, and a tight, long finish. Best Gibbston district. Deep pear and lychee flavours, and fresh acidity.savoury and complex, and a drinking 2014+. $37 and youthful in colour, with which show excellent Concentrated, youthful winelong finish. Finely balanced, The Elder vibrant plum, cherry, spice depth, purity, harmony and with an almost honeyedyouthful wine with cellaring Martinborough Pinot and dried herb flavours, immediacy. $28 (A) richness. Best 2014+. $39potential. A good buy. $34 Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 woven with fresh acidity, Hawkshead Spy Valley Ruby hued, single-vineyard and excellent concentration Bannockburn Central Envoy Outpost red, fermented with and complexity. Still Otago Pinot Noir Marlborough Pinot Noir indigenous yeasts and youthful. $45 2011 HHHH1/2 2011 HHHH1/2 French oak-matured (11 per Highly scented, savoury Refined, youthful red, estate- cent new). Very savoury and complex, in a less grown and hand-picked in the and supple, with deep, ripe, powerful style than most Omaka Valley and barrel- plum and spice flavours, Bannockburn reds, but full aged for 18 months. Strong, a silky texture and lovely of interest. Ruby hued, with vibrant, plummy, spicy harmony. Delicious drinking an array of cherry, plum, flavours, with well-integrated now onwards. $49 spice and nut flavours, a oak, fine-grained tannins and hint of dried herbs, good a sustained finish. Fresh and tannin backbone and strong concentrated, with obvious drink-young appeal. $45 (A, cellaring potential. $55 (A, US) UK, US) Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 161

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandVilla Maria Reserve Walnut Block Saint Clair Deutz Marlborough Ostler Lakeside VinesMarlborough Marlborough Sauvignon Pioneer Block 10 Cuvee Rosé 2008 Waitaki Valley PinotChardonnay Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 Twin Hills Marlborough HHHH1/2 Gris 2012 HHHH1/22010 HHHH1/2 Classic Wairau Valley Chardonnay Pale pink, gently sweet Invitingly scented, mediumFleshy, sweet-fruited wine style, hand-picked from 2012 HHHH1/2 wine, with strong style from North Otago, withfrom Wairau Valley and a single vineyard. Fleshy “Full-on” style, estate-grown strawberry/spice flavours, strong personality. Bright lightSouthern Valleys fruit, barrel- and concentrated, with in the Omaka Valley and a hint of oranges and good lemon/green, with vibrant,aged for 14 months (French, mouthfilling body, strong fermented and lees-aged yeast autolysis. Crisp, with concentrated stonefruit25 per cent new). Fragrant tropical fruit flavours, a for 10 months in French oak excellent complexity and a flavours, hints of ginger andbouquet - with a whiff of touch of complexity and casks (50 per cent new). Still smooth, distinctly yeasty honey, appetising acidity andstruck match - leading into a a tightly structured, dry, very youthful, it is sturdy, finish. Delicious now. $45 a fresh, finely poised finish.full-bodied palate with rich, lingering finish. $24 (A, UK) with strong, ripe, peachy, Fairbourne Drink now or cellar for severalvibrant fruit flavours, Walnut Block toasty, buttery flavours, Marlborough Sauvignon years. $29.90 (A, UK, US)hints of butterscotch and Marlborough showing good complexity, Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 Pegasus Bay Merlotnuts, and a finely balanced, Chardonnay fresh acidity and obvious Mouthfilling wine, showing Cabernet 2010 HHHH1/2lingering finish. $32 2010 HHHH1/2 potential. $34 (UK) real finesse. Hand-picked, Classy, cool-climate WaiparaVilla Maria Cellar Tight, elegant, single- Saint Clair with some maturation in aged red, blended from merlotSelection Hawke’s Bay vineyard wine, priced Pioneer Block 12 French oak, it is weighty and (50 per cent), cabernetSyrah 2011 HHHH1/2 sharply. Fragrant bouquet, Lone Gum Marlborough sweet-fruited, with deep, sauvignon (30 per cent) andFloral, finely textured red, with barrel-ferment and Gewurztraminer ripely herbaceous flavours, lesser amounts of cabernetmostly estate-grown in the indigenous yeast notes. 2012 HHHH1/2 good complexity and a lengthy franc and malbec. Deep andGimblett Gravels and barrel- Weighty, slightly creamy Enticingly perfumed, softly finish. $35 (A, UK, US) youthful in colour, fleshy,aged for 17 months (French, palate, with strong, mouthfilling wine from the Esk Valley rich and smooth, with30% per cent new). Deeply grapefruit-like flavours, lower Omaka Valley. Delicious Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris concentrated blackcurrant,coloured, with concentrated, balanced acidity and finely already, with good weight and 2013 HHHH1/2 plum and herb flavours,ripe plum and black pepper integrated oak (French, 35 vibrant peach, pear, ginger Finely scented, complex silky-textured and generous.flavours, fresh, rich and per cent new). $29 (A) and spice flavours, showing bouquet, leading into a A top year. Drink now orsupple. It’s already delicious; Brancott Estate Letter excellent intensity and fleshy, mouthfilling wine cellar. $29drink now or cellar. $32 Series ‘P’ Marlborough harmony. $25 (UK) with pear, lychee and Seifried WinemakersVilla Maria Cellar Gewurztraminer Soho McQueen spice flavours, showing Collection NelsonSelection Hawke’s Bay 2012 HHHH1/2 Central Otago Pinot impressive delicacy Sauvignon BlancViognier 2011 HHHH1/2 Exotically perfumed, fleshy Noir 2012 HHHH1/2 and depth, and a finely 2013 HHHH1/2Fragrant, weighty wine, and soft, in an intensely Classic regional style, grown textured, sustained finish. Fleshy, very ripe andoffering great value. varietal, gently sweet style, at Gibbston and Bendigo and Hand-picked, partly barrel- rounded style, withFermented in barrels (80 with lovely depth of stonefruit matured in French oak casks fermented style, showing concentrated tropical fruitper cent) and tanks (20 and spice flavours, hints of (40 per cent new). excellent potential. $24 flavours. Mouthfilling body,per cent), it is mouthfilling ginger and apricot, and a well- Full-coloured, vibrant and Greystone Waipara with hints of peaches,and well-rounded, with rounded finish. Best drinking supple, with a strong surge Valley Chardonnay pineapple and passionfruit,ripe, sweet-fruit flavours, mid-2014+. $38 of cherry, plum and spice 2012 HHHH1/2 fresh acidity and a softlypeachy and savoury, good Folium Marlborough flavours, showing excellent Powerful, lush style, estate- textured finish. $30 (UK)complexity and a finely Sauvignon Blanc complexity, and a long, grown and barrel-fermented Seifried Winemakerstextured, bone-dry finish. 2012 HHHH1/2 savoury finish. $44 (A, UK, US) with indigenous yeasts, with Collection Sweet AgnesDelicious now. $24 This rich, racy wine was Deutz Marlborough 75 per cent of the blend also Nelson Riesling 2013Vidal Legacy Series grown in the Brancott Valley. Cuvee Blanc de Blancs given a softening malolactic (375ml) HHHH1/2Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Weighty and minerally, it’s 2009 HHHH1/2 fermentation. Pale yellow, Light yellow, with rich2011 HHHH1/2 an intensely varietal style, Powerful, citrusy, yeasty with highly concentrated, citrus fruit and peachElegant, very youthful wine, with vibrant, concentrated aromas and flavours, in peachy flavours, a hint of flavours, sweet and faintlyfragrant, with a distinct melon, gooseberry and a bigger style than past butterscotch, fresh acidity honeyed, and good acidsuggestion of “gunflint”. capsicum flavours, tight, vintages. Bold, complex and and loads of personality. drive. Already delicious,Vibrant peach, grapefruit and crisp and long. $28 (A) concentrated on the palate, Already drinking well. $34 (A) with lovely poise andspice flavours, showing barrel- Johanneshof Cellars with some toasty notes, Muddy Water Hare’s harmony. $30 (A, UK, US)ferment complexity, and a Blanc de Blancs lively acidity and a lingering, Breath Waipara Pinot Stoneleigh Rapaurafinely poised, lingering finish. 2007 HHHH1/2 dryish finish. $45 Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 Series MarlboroughBest drinking 2014+. $50 Classy Marlborough blend of Bannock Brae Goldfields Still unfolding, this deeply Chardonnay 2012Wild Earth Central barrel-fermented chardonnay Central Otago Pinot coloured, youthful red is HHHH1/2Otago Pinot Noir (mostly) and pinot blanc, Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 a single-vineyard wine, Elegant, single-vineyard2010 HHHH1/2 disgorged after at least Full-coloured Bannockburn hand-picked and matured wine. Cool-climate style,Bold, fruit-packed red, five years on its yeast lees. red, scented and supple, for over a year in French with deep, grapefruit-likegrown in estate vineyards Light lemon/green, with a with generous cherry, plum oak barrels (40 per cent flavours, slightly peachy andat Bannockburn and Pisa, in steady “bead”, it shows and dried herb flavours, new). Mouthfilling, with toasty, fresh acidity and verythe Cromwell Basin. Deeply excellent intensity, vigour oak complexity and a concentrated, ripe cherry, finely integrated oak. It’scoloured, mouthfilling and and complexity, with citrusy, solid foundation of tannin. plum and spice flavours, it is already delicious; drink nowattractively perfumed, with yeasty, nutty flavours, crisp Classic regional style, with savoury, nutty and complex, or cellar. $31concentrated, sweet-fruit and long. $38 fresh acidity and excellent with excellent harmony. Bestflavours of plums and density. Bottled unfined and drinking mid-2014+. $56spices, hints of licorice and unfiltered. $32 (A)nuts, and finely balancedtannins. Best drinking2014+. $42 (A, UK, US)162 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandThe Elder Villa Maria Reserve Brightwater Esk Valley Gimblett Kahurangi EstateMartinborough Pinot Barrique Fermented Vineyards Nelson Pinot Gravels Merlot Mt Arthur ReserveGris 2012 HHHH1/2 Gisborne Chardonnay Noir 2011 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon Nelson RieslingPowerful, tightly structured 2012 HHHH1/2 Fine value. Full-coloured, Malbec 2011 HHHH 2011 HHHHwine, hand-harvested at Full-bodied, peachy, toasty fragrant and generous, Attractively scented, Fresh and youthful, withTe Muna, tank-fermented and concentrated, with with deep, youthful cherry, mouthfilling and supple strong, vibrant, citrusy, limeyand matured in a 50/50 split ripe, sweet-fruit flavours plum and spice flavours. blend of merlot (42 per flavours and a hint of apricot.of tanks and old French seasoned with nutty oak Fruit-packed, with a subtle cent), cabernet sauvignon Punchy, slightly sweet wine,barriques. Still a baby, with (French, 37 per cent new), seasoning of French oak (32 per cent), malbec (22 full of potential. (Hand-pickedexcellent concentration of and excellent depth and and ripe, supple tannins. per cent) and cabernet franc from mature vines at Uppervibrant citrus fruit and pear complexity. Deliciously (Unfined and unfiltered.) $25 (4 per cent), barrique-aged Moutere.) $20 (A, UK)flavours, subtle mealy and harmonious wine, for Brightwater for a year. Full-coloured, Kahurangi Estatenutty notes adding complexity, drinking now or cellaring. $37 Vineyards Nelson with strong, plummy, spicy Nelson Dry Rieslingand a dry (3.5g/litre of residual Villa Maria Single Riesling 2012 HHHH flavours, hints of chocolate 2011 HHHHsugar), minerally finish. Open Vineyard Ihumatao Scented and light, youthful and nuts, and very good Full-bodied, dry style (4g/litremid-2014+. $45 Chardonnay 2012 wine with finely balanced, complexity and harmony. of residual sugar), lemon-Tiki Single Vineyard HHHH1/2 slightly sweet lemon and Worth cellaring, but already scented, with crisp, livelyMarlborough Sauvignon Highly complex, slightly lime flavours, showing enjoyable. $24 (UK, US) grapefruit and lime flavours,Blanc 2013 HHHH1/2 smoky bouquet. Tightly good freshness, delicacy Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay showing good vigour andPowerful, very youthful structured and very youthful, and intensity. Best drinking Verdelho 2012 HHHH concentration. $18 (A, UK)wine, weighty and dry, with with fresh, intense, peachy, 2014+. $25 Generous, full-bodied wine, Kahurangi Estatepenetrating, ripe, sweet- citrusy, mealy flavours, Brightwater Vineyards estate-grown in the Gimblett Nelson Dry Rieslingfruit flavours, finely poised nutty, savoury and long. Best Nelson Sauvignon Gravels. Strong, ripe flavours 2010 HHHHand slightly minerally, and drinking mid-2014+. (Estate- Blanc 2012 HHHH of tropical fruits and spices, Mouthfilling, with strong,a sustained finish. Likely to grown in south Auckland.) $37 Fresh, vibrant, tropical fruit- a hint of ginger, a touch of citrusy, limey flavours,open out really well during flavoured wine, full-bodied, barrel-ferment complexity, dryish and lingering. A good2014. From The Terraces  with a hint of “sweaty and excellent delicacy and “food” wine, with powerVineyard, in the upper Wairau armpit”. Ripe passionfruit depth. Good drinking this through the palate. DrinkingValley. $25 (A) Amisfield Central and lime characters to year. $24 (UK) well now, but worthTohu Mugwi Reserve Otago Sauvignon Blanc the fore, showing good Esk Valley Marlborough cellaring. $18 (A, UK)Marlborough Sauvignon 2012 HHHH richness, and an appetisingly Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH Kahurangi EstateBlanc 2012 HHHH1/2 Estate-grown and partly crisp finish. 20 (A, UK, US) Highly fragrant, ruby hued Nelson RieslingWeighty, well-rounded wine, barrel-fermented with Church Road McDonald red, grown mostly in the 2010 HHHHestate-grown in the upper indigenous yeasts, this is a Series Hawke’s Bay Awatere Valley. Vibrantly Still fresh and vibrant,Awatere Valley and fermented full-bodied, aromatic, strongly Merlot 2010 HHHH fruity and richly varietal, with lemony, slightly spicywith indigenous yeasts in varietal wine, sweet-fruited, Fragrant, dark red from the with cherry, plum and dried flavours, showing goodold barrels. Mouthfilling and crisp and punchy. It offers Gimblett Gravels and Bridge herb flavours, showing very poise, vigour and intensity.creamy-textured, it is sweet- ripe melon/lime flavours, Pa Triangle, matured for good depth, complexity Finely balanced, medium-dryfruited, with deep citrus fruit, with some nutty oak 21 months in French oak and harmony, and ripe, style with lively acidity andpassionfruit and lime flavours, complexity, and very good barriques (47% per cent new). supple tannins. Well worth good potential. $18 (A, UK)finely integrated oak, and vigour and length. $25 (A) Coffee and spice aromas, with cellaring. $32 (UK) Lil Rippa Awatereexcellent complexity and Aurum 18 Carat concentrated blackcurrant, Esk Valley Marlboroughharmony. Drink now-2014. Noble Pinot Gris 2012 herb and spice flavours, Marlborough Sauvignon Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH$30 (A, UK, US) (375ml) HHHH showing good complexity, and Blanc 2012 HHHH Stylish wine, offering goodTwo Rivers Already delicious. Estate- a firm finish. $33 Freshly scented, with value. Mouthfilling, withConvergence grown at Lowburn, in Drumsara Central Otago vibrant, ripe melon, lime and strong peach, pear and slightMarlborough Sauvignon Central Otago, and made Pinot Gris 2011 HHHH capsicum flavours, leesy notes spice flavours, a sliver ofBlanc 2013 HHHH1/2 from botrytised bunches, Weighty, Alexandra wine with adding a touch of complexity, sweetness, balanced acidity,Finely crafted, very youthful it has sweet flavours of good personality. Citrusy, and excellent delicacy and and excellent freshness,blend of Awatere Valley and stonefruit and honey, rich, peachy and slightly limey, length. $24 (UK, US) delicacy, harmony andWairau Valley fruit. Good ripe and rounded. Drink with a sliver of sweetness, Greystone Waipara richness. $19 (A)weight and vibrancy, with now or cellar. $36 fresh acidity, and excellent Valley Sauvignon Blanc Lil Rippa Waipararipe, sweet-fruit characters, Brightwater Vineyards vigour and concentration. It’s 2012 HHHH Glasnevin Gravels Rosérich grapefruit/lime Nelson Chardonnay unfolding well; drink now or Fleshy and sweet-fruited, 2012 HHHHflavours, showing a touch 2011 HHHH cellar. $29 (A) ripely herbaceous style with Bright pink, pinot noir-basedof complexity, and a long, Fresh, peachy, slightly Drumsara good poise and delicacy, a rosé, instantly appealing.minerally finish. $25 (UK) buttery and mealy wine, Central Otago VVS touch of complexity, fine Full-bodied, with gentleVilla Maria hand-picked and fully barrel- Pinot Rosé 2012 HHHH acidity and a lingering finish. strawberry and spice flavours,Cellar Selection fermented (20 per cent new Bright pink, pinot noir rosé Good, subtle “food” wine. a touch of complexity,Marlborough Pinot Gris oak). Youthful, with good from Alexandra, full of $24.95 (A) good delicacy and a dryish,2013 HHHH1/2 vigour and concentration. youthful charm. Invitingly lingering finish. $19 (A)Richly scented, with pure, Open 2014+. $25 scented, with vibrantconcentrated flavours of strawberry, spice and slightstonefruit and pears, hints ginger flavours, crisp, dry,of ginger and spice, gentle lively and lingering. $28 (A)sweetness and finelybalanced acidity. Alsace-style, delicious from thestart. Best mid-2014+. $24 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 163

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandMan O’ War Muddy Water Waipara Schist Hills Thornbury Waipara HillsGravestone 2012 HHHH Pinotage 2011 HHHH Central Otago Marlborough Sauvignon Central Otago PinotTight, elegant, Waiheke Dark, youthful colour. Pinot Noir 2009 HHHH Blanc 2012 HHHH Noir 2011 HHHHIsland blend of tank- Powerful, strapping red Ruby hued Alexandra red, Weighty and dry, with Instantly appealing redfermented sauvignon blanc (harbouring over 15 per cent with cherry, spice and dried strong tropical fruit flavours, from Bendigo, ruby hued,(70 per cent) and barrel- alc/vol), with ripe, sweet- herb flavours, showing very some “tomato stalk” notes, with mouthfilling body andfermented semillon (30 fruit characters and highly good depth and complexity. lees-aging adding a touch strong, ripe cherry, plumper cent). Lively, citrusy concentrated, plummy Supple, “feminine” style of complexity, and excellent and spice flavours. Savouryand limey, with a subtle flavours, bold and chewy. with fresh acidity, drinking texture and length. $21 and complex, with goodseasoning of oak and good $33 (A, UK) well now. $32 Three Miners Chinaman harmony. Drink now orvigour and concentration. Rapaura Springs Reserve Shingle Peak Stone Gewürztraminer cellar. $29 (A, UK)Best drinking 2014+. $33 (A) Marlborough Sauvignon Reserve Release 2012 HHHH Waipara HillsMartinborough Blanc 2012 HHHH Marlborough Sauvignon Full-bodied, ripe, rounded Marlborough SauvignonVineyard Manu Riesling Mouthfilling and rich, with Blanc 2012 HHHH wine from the Earnscleugh Blanc 2012 HHHH2012 HHHH strong tropical fruit and Mouthfilling, generous wine, Valley, in Central Otago. Ripely scented and sweet-Highly approachable in its herbaceous flavours, crisp vibrantly fruity, with strong, Fleshy, with rich, peachy, fruited, with generousyouth but also likely to cellar and dry, and a fresh, tight, ripe passionfruit, pineapple spicy, slightly gingery passionfruit and lime flavours,well, this is a distinctly lingering finish. $21 (A) and lime flavours to the flavours, showing some finely balanced, lively andmedium style (27g/litre of fore and a fresh, herbal complexity (25 per cent lingering. $21 (A, UK)residual sugar) with fresh, Selaks Winemaker’s undercurrent. Finely balanced barrel-fermented). Soft and Woollaston Nelsonstrong lemon/lime flavours, Favourite Marlborough and full-flavoured. $22 lingering, with lots of drink- Riesling 2012 HHHHa slight suggestion of Sauvignon Blanc Sileni Pinnacle young charm. $20 Certified organic, this light-botrytis-derived honey, firm 2012 HHHH Marlborough Pinot Gris Vidal Reserve bodied (9 per cent alc/vol)acid spine and plenty of Full-on style, grown mostly 2012 HHHH Series Gimblett Gravels wine is already delicious.personality. $28 in the Wairau Valley. From a site on the south Syrah 2010 HHHH Finely scented, it is gentlyMatahiwi Holly Mouthfilling, with punchy, side of the Wairau Valley Firm, savoury Hawke’s Bay sweet, with strong,Wairarapa Chardonnay strongly varietal melon and and 50 per cent barrel- red, estate-grown in the citrusy, limey flavours,2011 HHHH green capsicum flavours, fermented, this Alsace- Omahu Gravels vineyard balanced acidity, and hintsRich, youthful wine with vibrant and tangy, and lots style wine is mouthfilling, and French oak-aged for 20 of passionfruit and honey.strong stonefruit flavours of youthful impact. $24 with stonefruit and spice months. Deep and youthful $25 (UK, US)seasoned with toasty oak Saint Clair Pioneer flavours, good complexity in colour, with strong Abbey Cellars Grace(French, 40% per cent new) Block 1 Foundation and a slightly sweet, finely blackcurrant, plum and nut Noble Riesling 2011and lively acidity. Fresh, Marlborough Sauvignon textured finish. $25 flavours, concentrated and (375ml) HHHHvibrant and ageworthy; open Blanc 2012 HHHH Terra Sancta Lola’s spicy, and the structure to Luscious Hawke’s Bay2014+. $26 (A, UK) Mouthfilling and vibrantly Block Bannockburn age well. $30 (UK) dessert wine, gold/amber,Mondillo Nina fruity, with tropical fruit and Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH Vidal Reserve Series with a honeyed, strongly2012 (375ml) HHHH herbaceous flavours, woven Youthful Central Otago Marlborough botrytis-affected bouquet. RichRich, steely, late harvest with appetising acidity. Very wine, estate-grown and Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH apricot and honey flavours,riesling from Bendigo, in fresh and punchy. $25 (A) hand-picked, fermented in Very graceful blend of with abundant sweetnessCentral Otago, picked with a Saint Clair Pioneer oak puncheons (mostly), Awatere Valley (76 per (230g/litre of residual sugar)70 per cent botrytis infection. Block 3 43 Degrees and then lees-aged in cent) and Wairau Valley (24 balanced by firm acidity.Lemony, concentrated and Marlborough Sauvignon tanks. Full-bodied, fresh per cent) grapes. Full ruby, Drinking well now. $30slightly honeyed, with very Blanc 2012 HHHH and sweet-fruited, with mouthfilling and supple, withhigh acidity balanced by Mouthfilling, punchy good concentration of ripe vibrant cherry, plum, spice Ataahua Waiparaabundant sweetness (198g/ medley of tropical fruit lychee and pear flavours, and dried herb flavours, Pinot Noir 2010 HHHHlitre of residual sugar). and herbaceous flavours, and a crisp, dryish (5g/litre of gently seasoned with nutty Fleshy, generous red fromOpen 2014+. $28 showing excellent vibrancy, residual sugar) finish. Best oak. A “feminine” style, 18-year-old vines, maturedMud House and a sliver of sweetness drinking 2014+. $27 (A) already delicious. $30 in seasoned French oakMarlborough Sauvignon (5g/litre of residual sugar) Thornbury Gisborne Villa Maria barrels. Ruby hued, withBlanc 2012 HHHH to balance its racy acidity. Chardonnay 2011 HHHH Private Bin East Coast mouthfilling body, strong,Punchy, clearly herbaceous Delicious now. $25 (A) Classic regional style - fresh, Gewürztraminer ripe plum/spice flavours,style, full-bodied, with finely Saint Clair Pioneer sweet-fruited and softly 2011 HHHH with a hint of licorice, andbalanced melon and green Block 18 Snap Block textured, with strong, ripe, Richly perfumed, mouthfilling fine-grained tannins. Savourycapsicum flavours, showing Marlborough Sauvignon peachy, slightly toasty and wine from Gisborne, Hawke’s and complex. $34excellent vibrancy, delicacy Blanc 2012 HHHH buttery flavours. Delicious Bay, Marlborough andand depth. $21 (A, UK, US) Fleshy and full-bodied, drinking now onwards. $21 Waipara grapes. Drinking well ripe style with tropical fruit Thornbury Waipara now, with strong lychee and flavours, showing excellent Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH spice flavours, slightly peachy depth, lively acidity and a Fleshy and vibrant, with and gingery, and an off-dry, smooth, finely balanced very pure pear, lychee and finely balanced finish. $22 (UK) finish. $25 (A) spice aromas and flavours, showing excellent varietal definition. Medium-dry style with a slightly oily texture and good richness. $21164 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandBird Big Barrel Fromm La Strada Opawa Marlborough Toi Toi Reserve Vidal Reserve SeriesMarlborough Pinot Noir Marlborough Syrah Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH Marlborough Sauvignon Marlborough Sauvignon2011 HHHH 2010 HHHH Full-bodied, finely textured Blanc 2012 HHHH Blanc 2012 HHHH“Feminine” style, grown at Full-coloured, with wine from Rapaura, in the Freshly aromatic, vibrantly Attractively scented,Rapaura and matured in 900 black pepper aromas. Wairau Valley. Fresh and fruity wine, grown in weighty, generous blendlitre oak barrels. Ruby hued, Mouthfilling, with vibrant youthful, with ripe stonefruit the Omaka Valley and from Awatere Valley (65 perfloral red with rich, ripe plum/spice flavours, and spice flavours, showing fermented in tanks (mostly) cent) and Wairau Valley (35cherry and plum flavours, showing excellent depth excellent varietal character, and barrels. Mouthfilling and per cent) grapes. Punchy,fresh, lively and harmonious, and complexity, and gentle delicacy and depth, and a punchy, with good intensity with rich melon, lime andand a silky texture. Full of tannins. Delicious drinking dryish finish. $23 (A, UK) of melon, green capsicum capsicum flavours, crisp,drink-young charm. $29.95 now onwards. (Viognier 3 Osawa Marlborough and lime flavours, crisp, dry lively, dry and zingy. $23Black Quail Estate per cent.) $38 (A, UK, US) Sauvignon Blanc and lingering. $22 (UK) Villa Maria CellarCentral Otago Pinot Grasshopper Rock 2012 HHHH Thornbury Central Selection GimblettNoir 2009 HHHH Central Otago Pinot Stylish wine, mouthfilling, Otago Pinot Noir Gravels Hawke’s BayMaturing well, this Noir 2011 HHHH tangy and dry, with fresh, 2011 HHHH Grenache 2011 HHHHBannockburn red is sweet- Bright, youthful ruby. Vibrantly ripe melon/lime flavours, a Elegant Bannockburn red, Firm, weighty, estate-grownfruited and supple, with fruity and supple, single- very subtle seasoning of oak deep ruby, mouthfilling red, hand-harvested fromcherry/plum flavours, a vineyard Alexandra red with adding complexity, and a and vibrantly fruity, 13-year-old vines and maturedhint of dried herbs, and fresh cherry and plum flavours crisp, lingering finish. Good with plummy, slightly for 17 months in barriques (38excellent delicacy and in a graceful, moderately value at $19.95. (A, UK) spicy flavours, showing per cent new). Full-coloured,complexity. Ruby hued, it’s concentrated style, finely O:TU Blend 102 considerable complexity, with peppery aromas leadinga graceful, smooth-flowing poised. Well worth cellaring. Marlborough Sauvignon finely integrated oak into a tightly structured winewine, delicious now but still $34 (A, UK, US) Blanc 2012 HHHH (French, 30 per cent new), with vibrant plum and spicedeveloping. $38 (A, UK) Kalex Central Otago Single-vineyard, Awatere gentle tannins and good flavours, showing excellentCarrick Central Otago Chardonnay 2011 HHHH Valley wine with ripe, substance. Best 2014+. $32 complexity and length. OpenPinot Gris 2012 HHHH Barrel-fermented with tropical fruit flavours, Trinity Hill Gimblett 2014+. $32Finely poised Bannockburn indigenous yeasts, this is a threaded with tangy acidity. Gravels Hawke’s Bay Villa Maria Singlewine, estate-grown and complex wine with strong, $28 (A, UK, US) Viognier 2011 HHHH Vineyard Seddoncertified organic. Attractively grapefruit-like flavours, Spy Valley Envoy Single Fleshy, ripe and rounded, Marlborough Pinot Grisscented, medium to full- fresh, vibrant, dry and Vineyard Marlborough with complexity from barrel 2012 HHHHbodied wine with peachy, lingering. Drink now or Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH fermentation (French, some Floral, vibrantly fruityslightly spicy flavours, cellar. $25 Powerful, ripe style, still new) and lengthy lees-aging. wine, fermented in tanksshowing excellent delicacy Kalex Central Otago very youthful, estate-grown Mouthfilling and creamy- and seasoned French oakand depth, gentle acidity Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH in the lower Waihopai textured, with excellent barriques. Fresh, pureand an off-dry, well-rounded Youthful red, fermented with Valley. Full-coloured and depth and a dry finish. Drink flavours of lychees, pearsfinish. $26 (A, UK, US) indigenous yeasts, barrel- sturdy, with strong plum now or cellar. $38 (UK) and spices, showingCraggy Range Calvert aged and bottled without and spice flavours, a hint of Two Rivers Clos des excellent delicacy, gentleVineyard Bannockburn fining or filtering. Deeply licorice, and a tight finish. Pierres Marlborough acidity and a dryish finish.Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH coloured, with mouthfilling Best 2015+. $55 (A, US) Chardonnay 2011 HHHH Open 2014+. $32Mouthfilling, supple and body, strong plum, cherry Terrace Edge Refined wine, hand-picked Woollastonmoderately rich, with and spice flavours, showing Waipara Valley in the Wairau Valley and fully Mahana Nelsonvibrant cherry, plum and good freshness and vigour, Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH barrel-fermented. Sweet- Pinot Gris 2012 HHHHspice flavours, a hint of and savoury notes adding Full-bodied, medium style fruited, with grapefruit-like Fleshy, rich, single-vineyarddried herbs, fresh acidity complexity. Well worth (15g/litre of residual sugar), flavours, a subtle seasoning of wine from Upper Moutere,and good complexity. Still cellaring. $37 hand-picked and fermented nutty oak, some savoury and hand-picked and barrel-very youthful; open 2014+. Maude Central Otago in old barrels. Sturdy (14.5 spicy notes, and good drive fermented. Weighty, with$59.95 (A, UK) Pinot Noir 2010 HHHH per cent alc/vol), with and immediacy. $30 (UK) strong peach, pear and spiceCraggy Range Generous, vibrantly fruity concentrated stonefruit flavours, slightly butteryTe Muna Road Vineyard regional blend, from four flavours and a hint of honey. notes, a hint of biscuity oakMartinborough sites at Wanaka, Gibbston Already drinking well. $23 (A) and a dry, rounded finish.Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH and in the Cromwell Certified organic. $28Generous, supple red with Basin. Richly coloured and Bald Hills 3 Acresripe cherry, plum and spice mouthfilling, with strong, ripe Bannockburnflavours, a hint of dried herbs, plum/spice flavours, gentle Central Otagoand good complexity and tannins, and some aging Pinot Noir 2012 HHHHharmony. Floral and finely potential. $32 (A, UK, US) Floral, buoyantly fruity redtextured, with drink-young Nautilus Marlborough with strong, ripe cherry/plumappeal. $43 (A, UK, US) Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH flavours and complexity Full-bodied, dryish style, from nine months’ grown mostly in the Awatere maturation in French oak Valley. Youthful, with strong, barriques (31 per cent new). ripe apple, pear and spice Supple, fine-grained tannins flavours, showing lees-aging give early approachability, complexity, fresh acidity and but still very youthful; open a finely balanced finish. Best mid-2014+. $38 drinking 2014+. $29 (A) Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 165

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandCable Bay Cloudy Bay Elephant Hill Hawke’s Jackson Estate Shelter Invivo OrganicWaiheke Island Viognier Pelorus NV HHHH Bay Gewürztraminer Belt Marlborough Marlborough Sauvignon2012 HHHH Fresh, citrusy, slightly 2012 HHHH Chardonnay 2011 HHHH Blanc 2012 HHHHFloral and full-bodied, biscuity bouquet. Aperitif Perfumed, intensely Mouthfilling and creamy, Good weight, with strong,with a slightly oily texture, style, moderately complex, varietal, finely balanced with very good depth of lively, well-ripened melonconcentrated, ripe-fruit blended from Marlborough wine, estate-grown and fresh, citrusy, slightly peachy and lime flavours, a gentleflavours of peaches and chardonnay (70 per cent) partly (35 per cent) barrel- and nutty flavours, showing seasoning of oak addingpears, and a savoury, and pinot noir (30 per cent). fermented. Full-bodied, off- good complexity and complexity and a dry finish.toasty complexity. Lemony, vivacious and racy, dry style with fresh, delicate harmony. $24.95 Subtle, satisfying, single-Already drinking well. $30 with a steady “bead”, gentle, lychee/spice flavours, a hint Jackson Estate Stich vineyard wine from theBlack Grape Society nutty, yeasty characters and of ginger and a well-spiced Marlborough Sauvignon Wairau Valley, 25% per centCentral Otago Pinot impressive freshness and finish. $29 (A, UK) Blanc 2012 HHHH barrel-fermented. CertifiedNoir 2011 HHHH vibrancy. $34 (A, UK) Elephant Hill Fresh, strong, clearly organic. $22 (A, UK)Invitingly scented, with Cloudy Bay Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris herbaceous style, intensely Rapaura Springsfresh, ripe cherry, plum and Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHH varietal, with crisp melon Limited Releasespice flavours in an intensely Alsace-style wine from Weighty, off-dry wine with and capsicum-like flavours, Marlborough Verdelhovarietal style, buoyantly Marlborough, full-bodied fresh, ripe, delicate peach, showing good intensity and a 2012 HHHHfruity and supple. Poised, and gently sweet, with pear and spice flavours. Gently tangy finish. $22 Fleshy, mouthfilling andyouthful wine with good generous, peachy, slightly oaked and finely textured, Huia Marlborough dry, with vibrant, citrusy,immediacy. Hand-picked spicy flavours, fresh acidity with balanced acidity and good Pinot Gris 2011 HHHH peachy, slightly spicyat sites in the Cromwell and very good depth. complexity and harmony. “Serious” style, full-bodied, flavours, showing a touchBasin. (From Treasury Wine Poised and tight, with good Enjoyable young. $29 (A, UK) with complexity from some of complexity and excellentEstates.) $55 (A, US) potential. $34 (A) Fromm La Strada lees-ageing in old oak casks vigour, poise and depth.Churton Marlborough Coopers Creek SV Marlborough for eight months. Mouthfilling, Youthful but already drinkingSauvignon Blanc Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2011 HHHH with strong pear and spice well. $232012 HHHH Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Mouthfilling, slightly creamy flavours, still fresh and lively, Staete Landt RieslingCrisp, tautly structured Sauvignon 2011 HHHH wine, grown in the Brancott and a lingering, dryish finish. Auslese 2010 HHHHwine, minerally and savoury, Deep, purple-flushed hue. Valley (including Clayvin $27 (A, UK, US) Distinctive, light-bodied, lowshowing complexity from Rich, vibrant blackcurrant, Vineyard). Citrusy, slightly Omihi Hills alcohol wine, stop-fermentedpartial barrel fermentation plum and spice flavours, fresh appley and spicy, with good Waipara Selection in a medium, rather than(12 per cent) and 10 acidity and oak complexity. complexity, a very gentle Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH sweet, style and matured formonths maturation on lees. Generous, supple wine, clearly seasoning of oak and a finely Deeply coloured, rich six months in old oak casks.Ageworthy style, with good varietal (10 per cent malbec). textured, lengthy finish. and supple, with cherry, Citrusy, with complexitydrive through the palate. Drink now or cellar. $30 Weighty, savoury wine, still plum and spice flavours from the wood handling and$26 (A, UK, US) Crossroads Milestone developing. $34 (A, UK, US) showing very good excellent vibrancy, drive andClearview Reserve Series Hawke’s Bay Glazebrook Hand ripeness, concentration and depth. $29 (UK)Hawke’s Bay Gewürztraminer Picked Gladstone Pinot complexity. Drink now or TerraVin MarlboroughChardonnay 2012 HHHH 2009 HHHH Noir 2009 HHHH cellar. Fine value. $29 Chardonnay 2011 HHHHFragrant, rich, oaky bouquet Fleshy, mouthfilling wine Full, slightly developed Ostler Audrey’s Waitaki Elegant, tightly structured,(fermented and matured in with good concentration of colour. Sturdy, sweet-fruited, Valley Noble Pinot Gris citrusy wine, fermented andFrench oak barriques, 45 per lychee, citrus fruit and spice savoury and complex, with 2011 (375ml) HHHH matured for 16 months incent new and 55 per cent flavours, finely textured, generous cherry, plum, spice Weighty, generous dessert French oak barriques. Freshone year old). Vibrantly fruity, slightly sweet and well- and nut flavours. Drinking wine with good concentration acidity, with grapefruit-likewith generous stonefruit rounded. Released at four well now. (From Ngatarawa of peachy, slightly spicy flavours showing very goodand toast flavours in a “full- years old, it’s maturing well Wines.) $34 flavours. Gently honeyed, depth, a gentle twist of oakon” style with excellent and delicious now. Fine Glazebrook Regional with good complexity. and a lengthy finish. $27 (UK)freshness and drive. Best value. $19 (A, UK) Reserve Hawke’s Bay Enjoyable now. $35 Tupari Awatere Valleydrinking 2015+. $38 (A, US) Elephant Hill Merlot 2011 HHHH Petit Clos by Clos Henri Marlborough DryCloudy Bay Hieronymus 2011 HHHH Fleshy and smooth, with Marlborough Sauvignon Riesling 2012 HHHHLate Harvest Riesling Brambly, deeply coloured strong, ripe blackcurrant, Blanc 2012 HHHH Scented, medium-bodied style2008 (375ml) HHHH Hawke’s Bay red, blended plum and spice flavours in From young vines, estate- (11.5 per cent alc/vol) withMature Marlborough wine, from malbec (75 per cent) a sturdy, fruit-driven style grown in the Wairau Valley, strong, citrusy, slightly spicyyellow/green, with grapefruit, and merlot (25 per cent), with hints of herbs and nuts, this fresh, lively wine is flavours, very good freshnesspeach and spice flavours, a grown in the Gimblett Gravels drinking well now. Priced mouthfilling, with strong, and drive through the palatehint of marmalade, slightly and at Te Awanga. Upfront sharply. (From Ngatarawa ripe, tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, long finish. Besttoasty bottle-aged notes and style with rich blackcurrant, Wines.) $20 of melons and limes, and a drinking 2015+. $26good complexity. Sweet plum, spice and nut flavours, Jackson Estate crisp, dry finish. Drink this Tupari Awatere Valleybut not super-sweet, with a vibrant and finely textured. Grey Ghost Barrique year. $19.90 (A, UK, US) Marlborough Pinot Grisrounded finish. Ready now. Stylish wine, with excellent Marlborough Sauvignon Passage Rock Waiheke 2012 HHHH$33.90 (A) drinkability. $34 (A, UK) Blanc 2011 HHHH Island Reserve Ripely scented, mouthfilling, Full-bodied, complex style, Chardonnay 2012 HHHH medium-dry style with hand-picked in the Grey Powerful wine with vibrant, strong pear, lychee and Ghost vineyard, partly barrel- concentrated stonefruit and slight ginger flavours, fermented and lees-aged for toasty oak flavours and a vibrant, youthful and finely nine months. Strong, ripe faintly honeyed richness. balanced. Already very open melon/lime flavours, with a Best drinking 2014+. $40 and expressive. $29 minerally streak and a crisp, bone-dry finish. $32166 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandYealands Estate Folium Reserve Giesen The Brothers Saint Clair Pioneer Saint Clair PioneerLand Made Series Marlborough Sauvignon Marlborough Syrah Block 5 Bull Block Block 9 Big JohnMarlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHHH 2011 HHHH Marlborough Pinot Gris Marlborough RieslingBlanc 2012 HHHH Slightly austere in its youth, Cool-climate and vibrantly 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHHFresh, intensely varietal, this Brancott Valley wine is fruity style from mature Full-bodied, Alsace style Vivacious “spatlese” styleherbaceous bouquet. Strong sweet-fruited and very crisp, vines in the upper Brancott with ripe pear/spice flavours, from the Brancott Valley, withmelon, gooseberry and with excellent intensity of Valley. Deep and youthful showing excellent depth, hints low alcohol (8.5 per cent),capsicum flavours, showing melon, gooseberry and green in colour, with impressive of peaches and ginger, fresh abundant sweetness (60g/good weight, dryness and capsicum flavours, tight and concentration of plum and acidity and a slightly sweet litre of residual sugar) andlength. $22 steely. Open 2014+. $33 (A) spice flavours, seasoned (12g/litre of residual sugar) strong lemon/apple flavours, Fromm with toasty oak, and a finish. Still youthful. $25 (UK) with a hint of sherbet. FinelyYealands Estate Fromm Vineyard long, supple finish. Very Saint Clair balanced, with good delicacyLand Made Series Marlborough Pinot Noir ageworthy. $40 (A, UK, US) Godfrey’s Creek and acid spine, it’s still a baby;Marlborough Riesling 2011 HHHH Greystone Waipara Reserve Marlborough open 2015+. $252012 HHHH Ruby hued, warm and Valley Chardonnay Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH Saint Clair PioneerPunchy, crisp and dryish, savoury red with cherry, 2012 HHHH Mouthfilling, dry style (4.5g/ Block 11 Cellwith youthful, citrusy, limey spice and nut flavours. Richly scented, barrel- litre of residual sugar), with Block Marlboroughflavours to the fore, hints of Slightly masculine fermented wine, citrusy and subtle pear, citrus fruit and Chardonnay 2012 HHHHpeach and passionfruit, and style, showing good sweet-fruited. Full-bodied spice characters. Weighty and This fleshy, rich wine wasvery good intensity and vigour. concentration, with a hint and vibrantly fruity, with youthful, with finely poised grown at two Dillons PointBest drinking 2014+. $22 of herbs and good tannin buttery, toasty notes adding flavours that linger well. Best sites, in the lower WairauBrancott Estate Letter support. $80 (A, UK, US) complexity and a finely drinking 2014+. $26 (A) Valley, and fermented andSeries ‘T’ Marlborough Fromm Fromm balanced, smooth finish. Saint Clair Marlborough lees-aged in all-new FrenchPinot Noir 2011 HHHH Vineyard Marlborough Stylish wine, drinking well Riesling 2012 HHHH oak casks. Full-bodied, itRuby hued and mouthfilling, Syrah 2010 HHHH from now onwards. $33 (A) Youthful, elegant, finely has fresh, concentrated,with fresh, youthful Still very youthful, this is a Main Divide poised wine, grown mostly stonefruit flavours, stronglycherry, strawberry and strongly varietal, distinctly Waipara Valley in the lower Brancott and seasoned with toasty oak.spice flavours, showing cool-climate style with Pinot Noir 2010 HHHH Awatere valleys. Very fresh Still slightly oak-dominated,good complexity. Savoury, a floral bouquet, strong, Sturdy, generous red from and vigorous, with lemon, it should be at its best mid-ageworthy wine; open mid- vibrant plum, pepper, spice Pegasus Bay, matured for apple, lime and spice flavours, 2014 onwards. $34 (UK)2014+. $45 and nut flavours, and gentle over a year in French oak a gentle splash of sweetness Soho HavanaChurch Road McDonald tannins. Best drinking barrels (20 per cent new). (12g/litre of residual sugar) Marlborough Pinot NoirSeries Hawke’s Bay 2015+. $63 (A, UK, US) Mouthfilling and sweet- and a lingering finish. Best 2012 HHHHChardonnay 2012 HHHH Georges Michel Golden fruited, with strong plum and drinking 2014-15. $22 (UK) Bold style of pinot noir,Complex style, hand- Mile Marlborough spice flavours, showing good Saint Clair Omaka dark, sturdy and ripelypicked and fermented with Chardonnay 2012 HHHH complexity, and balanced Reserve Marlborough scented. Fresh and supple,indigenous yeasts in “small Already enjoyable. tannins. Drink now or cellar. Chardonnay 2012 HHHH with exuberantly fruityand large format French oak”. Mouthfilling, it has Top value. $24.95 (A, UK, US) This is a bold style, cherry, plum, spice and herbBright, light lemon/green, generous, ripe, peachy, Riverby Estate Eliza fermented and lees-aged in flavours, showing excellentwith a fragrant bouquet and slightly buttery flavours, with Marlborough Riesling American oak casks (50 per depth. $38 (A, UK, US)fresh, peachy, toasty, biscuity a subtle seasoning of toasty 2012 HHHH cent new). Mouthfilling and Unison Selectionflavours, showing good oak and finely balanced Instantly appealing, single- fleshy, it has fresh acidity Gimblett Gravelsconcentration. Rich, rounded acidity. Good value. $23 vineyard wine with low and concentrated, ripe, Cabernet Sauvignonand already drinking well. $34 Man O’War Holystone alcohol (9.5 per cent) and citrusy, peachy flavours, Merlot 2009 HHHHChurch Road McDonald 2012 (375ml) HHHH abundant sweetness (63g/ seasoned with sweet oak. French oak-aged for twoSeries Hawke’s Bay Rich, sweet blend of litre of residual sugar). It’s still very youthful; open years, this is the first vintagePinot Gris 2012 HHHH sauvignon blanc and semillon, Strong, citrusy, peachy, mid-2014+. $34 (A) of Unison’s top label thatDistinctly medium style, grown on Waiheke Island honeyed flavours, with Saint Clair Pioneer doesn’t feature syrah inwith mouthfilling body and and matured in French oak fresh, vibrant fruit characters Block 5 Bull Block the blend. It has bold,complexity from some casks (all new). Gold/amber, overlaid with a gentle Marlborough Grüner moderately youthful colour,use of indigenous yeast medium-bodied style, with botrytis influence. $27 Veltliner 2012 HHHH with fresh, concentratedfermentation in an old peachy, honeyed flavours, Riverby Estate Full of youthful impact, this blackcurrant, plum andFrench oak cuve. Rich, concentrated and oily. It’s Marlborough mouthfilling wine was hand- spice flavours. Some green,stonefruit flavours to the already drinking well. $45 Chardonnay 2011 HHHH picked from second-crop leafy notes detract, butfore, with spicy, gingery, Giesen The Brothers Full-bodied, with generous, vines and partly barrel- this densely packed, firmlyfaintly honeyed notes Marlborough Sauvignon citrusy flavours, slightly fermented and lees-aged. It structured wine shouldand a well-rounded finish. Blanc 2012 HHHH toasty and buttery, finely has excellent delicacy and mature well. $65 (A)Delicious young. $34 Fleshy, sweet-fruited blend, integrated oak (French, 25 drive, with lively acidity, Woollaston grown mostly in the Dillons per cent new), and excellent vibrant, citrusy, peachy, Mahana Nelson Point district, in the lower complexity and length. slightly spicy flavours and a Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH Wairau Valley, and partly (6.5 Youthful and well worth dry, lingering finish. $25 (UK) Fleshy, rich, single-vineyard per cent) barrel-fermented. cellaring. $27 wine, hand-picked and Attractively scented, with fermented with indigenous firm acid spine, a touch of yeasts in old French complexity and punchy, puncheons. Weighty and ripely herbaceous flavours. youthful, with strong $25 (A, UK, US) stonefruit, pear and spice flavours, and a faintly toasty, buttery finish. Certified organic. $28 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 167

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandWoollaston Mahana Aurum (Lot 2) Greenhough Hope Muddy Water Waipara Obsidian WaihekeNelson Sauvignon Central Otago Vineyard Nelson Valley Sauvignon Blanc Island ChardonnayBlanc 2012 HHHH Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHHBarrique-fermented (25 Drinking well now, this Extremely youthful wine, Starting to show some Mouthfilling and sweet-per cent new oak), this single-vineyard Lowburn certified organic, from mature, bottle-aged notes, fruited, with vibrantmouthfilling, sweet- wine was hand-picked, tank- mature vines. Lifted, appley this single-vineyard wine grapefruit, peach and limefruited wine has fresh, fermented and lees-stirred. aromas, with good weight on was 90 per cent fermented flavours, buttery and biscuityconcentrated, tropical fruit Mouthfilling, it is off-dry, the palate and very delicate with indigenous yeasts in notes adding complexity, andflavours, balanced acidity and with good concentration flavours -lemony, appley and old French oak barriques. good texture and harmony.a tight, dry finish. Drink now- of pear, lychee and spice slightly spicy. Poised and Tight, dry, minerally and Already drinking well.2014. Certified organic. $28 flavours, leesy notes adding minerally, it’s crying out for nutty, with melon and green (Formerly sold under theAurum Mathilde richness, fresh acidity and more time; open 2015+. $23 capsicum flavours showing Weeping Sands brand.) $29Reserve Central Otago excellent harmony. (The (A, UK, US) good complexity, it’s a finely Obsidian Waiheke IslandPinot Noir 2011 HHHH designation “Lot 2” is in textured wine, for drinking Syrah 2012 HHHHRuby hued, savoury and small print on the back Martinborough Vineyard now-2014. $21 Floral, distinctly pepperysilky-textured red, estate- label.) $26 (A) Te Tera Sauvignon Maude Central Otago bouquet. A wine of substance,grown at Lowburn and Black Cottage Blanc 2013 HHHH Pinot Gris 2013 HHHH with deep, vibrant plum andmatured for 18 months Marlborough Sauvignon Priced sharply, this Complex, youthful wine, black pepper flavours, goodin French oak (25 per Blanc 2013 HHHH hand-harvested wine is grown at four sites - tannin support, fresh aciditycent new). Moderately Good value wine, sourced mouthfilling, very fresh, crisp including Mount Maude and a long, distinctly spicyconcentrated cherry, spice from the Wairau and and lively. Sweet-fruited, with Vineyard at Wanaka - and finish. Drink now or cellar.and nut flavours, showing Awatere valleys. Vibrant and passionfruit and lime flavours, fermented in tanks (60 per (Formerly sold under theexcellent complexity. Well incisive, with fresh melon, dry and lingering, it’s a top cent) and seasoned oak Weeping Sands brand.) $32worth cellaring. $55 (A) lime and slight passionfruit buy. $18 (A, UK, US) barrels (40 per cent). FreshBallasalla Central Otago flavours, showing excellent Maude Mt Maude and crisp, with strong, StoneleighPinot Noir 2011 HHHH ripeness, delicacy and Vineyard East Block peachy, spicy flavours, a Marlborough Pinot GrisFloral bouquet, with savoury, depth. (From Two Rivers of Wanaka Riesling gentle twist of oak and a 2013 HHHHspicy notes. Attractive, Marlborough.) $18 (A, UK) 2013 HHHH dry finish. Shows good Fresh and full-bodied,sweet-fruited and supple Greenhough Hope More expressive in potential; best drinking mid with strong citrus fruit,Bendigo red, barrel-aged Vineyard Nelson Pinot its infancy than its dry 2014+. $24 (A, UK, US) lychee and pear flavours,for 10 months (25 per cent Noir 2010 HHHH stablemate (below), this is a Nevis Bluff Reserve hints of ginger and spice,new), with cherry, plum Savoury and sweet-fruited, vibrant, tangy Central Otago Central Otago Pinot good delicacy and an off-and spice flavours, a hint of single-vineyard red, showing wine, in a distinctly medium Noir 2008 HHHH dry, crisp finish. Instantlyherbs, good complexity and some colour development. style, with strong lemon/ Generous, mellow red appealing wine, stillgentle tannins. Drink now- Finely textured, with cherry, lime flavours, showing good with full, developed colour. unfolding. $262015. (The second label of plum, spice and nut flavours, delicacy and harmony. Open Mouthfilling and savoury, Spy Valley MarlboroughFolding Hill Vineyard.) $29.95 showing good complexity, mid-2014+. $25 with strong cherry, plum, Chardonnay 2012 HHHHBird Marlborough fresh acidity and balanced Muddy Water Waipara spice and dried herb Elegant, youthful wine, hand-Sauvignon Blanc tannins. Drink now-2014. Pinot Noir 2012 HHHH flavours, seasoned with picked and barrel-fermented.2012 HHHH $43 (A, UK, US) Already enjoyable, this ruby- nutty oak (French, 33 per Fresh, peachy, citrusyFresh, lively, ripely Stoneleigh Rapaura hued red was hand-picked, cent new, for 18 months), flavours, slightly buttery andherbaceous aromas lead into Series Marlborough matured in French oak and good tannin support. toasty, with lively acidity anda full-bodied, single-vineyard Pinot Gris 2012 HHHH barrels (30 per cent new) Drinking very well now, it’s very good depth and drivewine, grown at Rapaura and Mouthfilling, vibrantly and bottled unfined. Sweet- probably at its peak. $85 (A) through the palate. Best mid-fermented in tanks (mostly) fruity, single-vineyard wine, fruited and finely textured, Obsidian Waiheke 2014+. $23 (A)and barrels. Attractive still youthful, with strong, it is ripe and savoury, with Island Cabernet Merlot Spy Valley Marlboroughpassionfruit, lime and green citrusy, slightly spicy and integrated oak, and very 2009 HHHH Pinot Noir 2012 HHHHcapsicum flavours, with a gingery flavours, gentle good depth and harmony. Attractively mature blend Deeply coloured red fromslightly leesy complexity and sweetness and lively acidity. Certified organic. $32 of cabernet sauvignon (45 sites in the Southerna smooth, lingering finish. Best drinking mid-2014 per cent) and merlot (42 Valleys, with a slightly$19.95 (A, US) onwards. $31 per cent), with splashes of “funky” bouquet. Still a petit verdot, cabernet franc baby, with mouthfilling body, STAR RATINGS  and malbec. Full-coloured, deep cherry, plum and slight with some development herb flavours, fresh acidityThree-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of showing, mouthfilling body, and good complexity. Openexcellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. generous blackcurrant, 2015+. $34 (A, UK, US)All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry spice, herb and nut flavours, Spy Valley Marlboroughprofessionals and are compared in peer and good tannin backbone. Sauvignon Blancclasses by three judges. Drink now-2015. (Formerly 2013 HHHHCM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, sold under the Weeping Tight, crisp, very youthfula major mail-order business. Sands brand.) $27 wine, grown in the WairauCD Cellar door price. Valley and made withCDO Cellar door only. “a portion” of barrelSO Sold out. fermentation. Light lemon/$N/A Price not available at time of printing. green, with ripe, sweet- fruit characters and vibrant Contact information pg 170. passionfruit/lime flavours, showing good intensity. Best RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). 2014+. $20 (A, UK, US)168 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

MICHAEL COOPER’S BEST OF 2013 RELEASES new zealandSeifried Nelson Thornbury Marlborough Terrace Edge Waipara Two Tails Marlborough Villa Maria CellarRiesling 2013 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Valley Syrah 2012 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Selection MarlboroughDelicious from the start. 2013 HHHH Fragrant, rich and supple 2012 HHHH Chardonnay 2012 HHHHPale yellow, full-bodied and Distinctly “tropical fruit” Waipara red, grown on a Racy, intensely varietal Fruit-driven style,generous wine, with a gentle style, fleshy and sweet- “45-degree north facing wine, grown in the Southern mouthfilling and vibrant, withsplash of sweetness, hints of fruited, with vibrant, ripe ‘roasted slope’.” Full- Valleys and partly hand- fresh, concentrated, citrusy,ginger and spice, and strong, passionfruit/lime flavours, coloured, with concentrated picked. The bouquet is slightly mealy flavours.ripe, citrusy, peachy flavours, showing very good delicacy plum, black pepper and freshly herbaceous; the Tightly structured, elegantvery finely balanced for wide and depth, lively acidity and a slight tamarillo flavours, oak palate mouthfilling, vibrant wine, still youthful; bestappeal. $20 (UK, US) well-rounded finish. Already complexity (French barriques, and tangy, with melon/lime opened mid-2014+. $24Seifried Winemakers drinking well. $21 25 per cent new, for over a flavours, showing good Villa Maria PrivateCollection Barrique Terrace Edge Classic year), and a long, harmonious, intensity, and a fully dry Bin Early ReleaseFermented Nelson Waipara Valley Riesling spicy finish. Still youthful; finish. (From Fairbourne Marlborough SauvignonChardonnay 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHH open mid-2014+. $27 Estate.) $22 (A, UK, US) Blanc 2013 HHHH“Full-on” style, with Priced sharply, this is a Tohu Rore Reserve Tiki Estate Marlborough Opening out well, this “earlysubstantial body, rich, highly attractive, medium- Marlborough Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc release” bottling accountspeachy, toasty and nutty dry style (12g/litre of 2012 HHHH 2013 HHHH for 20 per cent of the totalflavours, and a creamy residual sugar), with strong, Based on “the very best Fresh, very vibrant and output under the Private Bintexture. Deliciously weighty ripe, citrusy, slightly spicy twelve barrels”, this punchy, with ripe, tropical label. Mouthfilling, it hasand concentrated, with flavours, good freshness youthful, bright ruby fruit flavours to the fore and incisive melon, passionfruitexuberant use of oak. Drink and vigour, and a finely Awatere Valley red is a herbal undercurrent. Finely and lime flavours, cut withnow-2014. $30 (UK) balanced, lengthy finish. mouthfilling, warm and balanced wine, with good fresh acidity, and a lingeringSeifried Winemakers Drink now or cellar. $19.50 supple, with an array of vigour and richness, already finish. Lots of youthfulCollection Nelson cherry, plum, spice, dried drinking well. $20 (A, UK) impact. $22Gewurztraminer herb and nut flavours.2013 HHHH Savoury and complex,Exotically perfumed, with good tannin support,mouthfilling wine, with it’s well worth cellaring toa strong surge of spicy, 2015+. $39 (A, UK, US)gingery flavours and amedium-dry finish. Rich,intensely varietal and alreadyvery expressive, invitingearly consumption. $30 (UK) Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 169

Hahndorf Hill Winery Adelaide Hillswww.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au

‘… pioneering new varieties such asGruner Veltliner and Blaufrankisch …’ – Nigel Hopkins, The Sydney Morning Herald ‘Hats off to Hahndorf Hill in the Adelaide Hills. It has a penchant for growing and making excellent Austrian varieties …’ – Jane Faulkner, The Age To reserve your allocation of our next vintages of Gruner Veltliner and Blaufrankisch, visit our website or call our cellar door on (08) 8388 7512. . www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au

contact detailsBEST OF STYLE Epsilon Wines McLaren Vale III Associates Taltarni Vineyards Stephen John Wines Ph:+61 0417 871 951 Ph: (08) 8323 7940 Ph: (03) 5459 7915 Ph: (08) 8843 0105Aldi Stores E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.aldi.com.au Web: www.epsilonwines.com.au Web: www.associates.com.au Web: www.taltarni.com.au Web: www.stephenjohnwines.comAmadio Wines Farmers Market Wine Co Millbrook Estate (Est.1996) The Colonial Wine Company Wines by Geoff HardyPh: (08) 8365 5988 Ph:+64 9 373 3574 E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8524 5030 Ph: (08) 8388 3700E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: info@colonialwinecompany. E-mail: [email protected]: www.amadiowines.com.au Web: www.fmwc.co.nz Mollydooker Wines com.au com.au Ph: (08) 8323 7706 Web: www.colonialwinecompany.com.au Web: www.handcraftedbygeoffhardy.Artwine Pty Ltd Gartelmann Hunter Estate E-mail: [email protected] com.auPh: 0411 422 450 Ph: (02) 4930 7113 Web: www.mollydookerwines.com.au Toolangi VineyardsE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (03) 9827 9977 BEST BUYS UNDER $20Web: www.artwine.com.au Web: www.gartelmann.com.au Mr Riggs Wine Company E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8556 4460 Web: www.toolangi.comBarwick Wines Pty Ltd Gibbston Valley Wines E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 9417 5633 Ph:+64 27 2216 123 Web: www.mrriggs.com.au Wines by Geoff Hardy 919 WinesE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8388 3700 Ph: 0417 997 414Web: www.barwickwines.com Web: www.gvwines.co.nz Negociants Australia E-mail: richard@winesbygeoffhardy. E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8112 4200 com.au Web: www.919wines.com.auBrangayne Of Orange Greedy Sheep Web: www.negociantsaustralia.com Web: www.handcraftedbygeoffhardy.Ph: (02) 6365 3229 Ph: (08) 9755 7428 www.redbankwines.com com.au Babich WinesE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ph:+64 9 833 7859Web: www.brangayne.com Web: www.greedysheep.com.au Normans Wine Company Woody Nook E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8524 5030 Ph: (08) 9755 7547 Web: www.babichwines.co.nzBrygon Reserve Wines Hahn Barossa Vineyards E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: 0419 865 556 Ph: (08) 8562 3002 Web: www.normanswines.com Web: www.woodynook.com.au Bimbadgen EstateE-mail: dean@brygonreservewines. E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (02) 4998 4600com.au Web: www.hahnbarossa.com Patrick of Coonawarra Yarra Vale Wines E-mail: [email protected]: www.brygonreservewines.com.au Ph: (08) 8737 3687 Ph: (03) 9735 1819 Web: www.bimbadgen.com.au Herbert Vineyard E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Vale Ph: 0404 849 080 Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra.com Web: www.yarravalewines.com.au Brygon Reserve WinesPh: 0428 991 980 E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 0419 865 556E-mail: [email protected] Pertaringa Wines BEST OF NEW RELEASES E-mail: [email protected]: www.capelvale.com Hill River Estate Wines Ph: (08) 8383 2700 com.au Ph:+61 8 8362 7008 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.brygonreservewines.com.auClayfield Wines E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.pertaringa.com.auPh: (03) 5354 2689 Web: www.ramcowinegroup.com Aldi Stores Cape Naturaliste VineyardE-mail: clayfieldwines@netconnect. Pipers Brook Vineyard Web:www.aldi.com.au Ph: (08) 9755 2538com.au Howling Wolves Ph: (03) 6332 4444 E-mail: [email protected]: www.clayfieldwines.com.au Ph: (08) 9303 4688 E-mail: [email protected] Anvers Wines Web: www.capenaturalistevineyard. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.pipersbrook.com Ph: (08) 8323 9603 com.auCourabyra Wines Web: www.howlingwolveswines.com E-mail: [email protected]: 0429 482 462 Robertson of Clare Wines Web: www.anvers.com.au Coonawarra Jack WineryE-mail: [email protected] Hugo Wines Ph: 0422497 646 Ph: (08) 8736 3130Web: www.courabyrawines.com Ph: (08) 8383 0098 E-mail: biagio_famularo@rocwines. Champagne Drappier E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: hugowinecellardoor@bigpond. com.au Ph:3.30325E+11Craggy Range Vineyards Ltd com Web: www.rocwines.com.au E-mail:[email protected] DogRidge VineyardPh:+64 6 833 8200 Web: www.hugowines.com.au Ph: (08) 8383 0140E-mail: [email protected] Serafino Wines Coonawarra Jack Winery E-mail: [email protected]: www.craggyrange.com Kakapo Ph: (08) 8323 0157 Ph: (08) 8736 3130 Web: www.dogridge.com.au Ph: (09) 636 3390 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Woods Estate E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.serafinowines.com.au Hill River Estate WinesPh: (08) 9756 6066 Fox Creek Wines Ph:+61 8 8362 7008E-mail: [email protected] Kirrihill Wines Pty Ltd Shingleback Ph: (08) 8557 0000 E-mail: [email protected]: www.deepwoods.com.au Ph: (08) 8842 1233 Ph: (08) 8323 7388 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ramcowinegroup.com E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.foxcreekwines.comDogRidge Vineyard Web: www.kirrihillwines.com.au Web: www.shingleback.com.au Kirrihill Wines Pty LtdPh: (08) 8383 0140 Gilbert by Simon Gilbert Ph: (08) 8842 1233E-mail: [email protected] Kneedeep Wines Sidewood Estate Pty Lty/Ashwood Ph:(02) 6373 1371 E-mail: [email protected]: www.dogridge.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Estate E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.kirrihillwines.com.au Ph: (08) 8388 7084 Web: www.gilbertfamilywines.com.auDomaine Wine Shippers Lowburn Ferry Wines E-mail: [email protected] Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ RichardPh: (03) 9878 7848 / 1300397397 Ph:+64 3 445 0846 Web: www.sidewood.com.au McLaren Vale III Associates HamiltonE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8323 7940 Ph: (08) 8323 8830 Web:www.lowburnferry.co.nz Smithbrook Wines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Vineyards Ph: (08) 9772 3557 Web: www.associates.com.au Web: www.leconfieldwines.comPh: (08) 8842 3086 McLaren Vale III Associates E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8323 7940 Web: www.smithbrook.com Sirromet Wines Oakover WinesWeb: www.eldredge.com.au Web: www.associates.com.au Ph: (07) 3822 0648 Ph: (08) 9374 8000 Stephen John Wines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8843 0105 Web: www.sirromet.com Web: www.oakoverwines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.stephenjohnwines.com172 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

contact detailsPatrick of Coonawarra BEST OF STATE VICTORIA TASMANIA MICHAEL COOPER’SPh: (08) 8737 3687 BEST OF 2013 RELEASESE-mail: [email protected] SOUTH AUSTRALIA Montara Winery Pipers Brook VineyardWeb: www.patrickofcoonawarra.com Ph: (03) 5352 3868 Ph: (03) 6332 4444 Ataahua Wines 919 Wines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail:[email protected] Ph:+64 21 222 2354Prestige World Wine Ph: 0417 997 414 Web: www.montara.com.au Web:www.pipersbrook.com E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8524 5030 E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Web: www.919wines.com.au Taltarni Vineyards Taltarni Vineyards Clos Henri Vineyard Ph: (03) 5459 7915 Ph: (03) 5459 7915 Ph:+64 3 572 7923Reschke Dog Day Wines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8239 0500 Ph: 0402 050 820 Web: www.taltarni.com.au Web: www.taltarni.com.au Web: www.closhenri.comE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.reschke.com.au Web: www.rustymutt.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND Coal Pit Vineyard Ph:+64 272 691 389River Terrace Wine Company Fox Creek Wines Angullong Wines Jester Hill Wines E-mail: [email protected]:+64 3 572 8200 Ph: (08) 8557 0000 Ph: (02) 6366 4300 Ph: (07) 4683 4380 Web: www.coalpitwine.comE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.foxcreekwines.com Web: www.angullong.com.au Web: www.jesterhillwines.com.au Constellation Brands New ZealandSaint Clair Family Vineyards Ph:+64 9 412 6840Ph:+64 3 578 8695 Harbord Wines Robyn Drayton Wines Sirromet Wines E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8562 2598 Ph: (02) 4998 7523 Ph: (07) 3822 0648Web: www.saintclair.co.nz E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Hawkshead Vineyard Web: www.harbordwines.com.au Web: www.robyndrayton.com.au Web: www.sirromet.com Ph:+64 3 409 0210Simon Hackett Wines Pty Ltd E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8323 7713 Longview Vineyard WESTERN AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Web: www.hawksheadwine.comE-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8388 9694 E-mail: [email protected] Brygon Reserve Wines Constellation Brands New Zealand Man O’ War VineyardsSpy Valley Wines Web: www.longviewvineyard.com.au Ph: 0419 865 556 Ph: +64 9 412 6840 Ph:+64 9 303 9677Ph:+64 3 572 9840 E-mail: dean@brygonreservewines. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Mollydooker Wines com.au Web: www.manowarvineyards.co.nzWeb: www.spyvalleywine.co.nz Ph: (08) 8323 7706 Web: www.brygonreservewines.com.au Milcrest Estate Wines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Martinborough VineyardStephen John Wines Web: www.mollydookerwines.com.au Deep Woods Estate Web: www.milcrestestate.co.nz Ph:+64 6 306 9955Ph: (08) 8843 0105 Ph: (08) 9756 6066 E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Norfolk Rise Vineyard E-mail: [email protected] Mills Reef Winery co.nzWeb: www.stephenjohnwines.com Ph: (08) 8768 5080 Web: www.deepwoods.com.au Ph: +64 7 576 8800 Web: www.martinborough-vineyard.co.nz E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] House Wine Company Web: www.norfolkrise.com.au Ducketts Mill Wines Web: www.millsreef.co.nz Pernod Ricard New ZealandPh:+64 3 570 2251 Ph: (08) 9840 9844 Ph:+64 9 336 8368E-mail: [email protected] Patrick of Coonawarra E-mail:[email protected] Mission Estate Winery E-mail: kylie.robertson@pernod-ricard. Ph: (08) 8737 3687 Web:www.duckettsmillwines.com.au Ph: +64 6 845 9350 comThe Gilbert Family Wine Co. Pty Ltd E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.Pernod-Ricard-nz.comPh: (02) 6373 1371 Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra.com Greedy SheepE-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 9755 7428 Murdoch James Estate Wines Ltd Rockburn Wines Ltd Peter Lehmann Wines Limited E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +64 6 306 9165 Ph:+64 3 445 0555Virgara Wines Ph: (08) 8565 9555 Web: www.greedysheep.com.au E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8284 7688 E-mail: linda.parbs@peterlehmannwines. Web: www.murdoch-james.co.nz Web: www.rockburn.co.nzE-mail: [email protected] com Harvey River Bridge EstateWeb: www.virgarawines.com.au Web: www.peterlehmannwines.com.au Ph: (08) 9729 2085 Pask Winery Saint Clair Family Vineyards E-mail: rebecca@harveyriverbridgeestate. Ph: +64 6 879 7906 Ph:+64 3 578 8695Wineinc Serafino Wines com.au E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: (02) 9999 1284 Ph: (08) 8323 0157 Web: www.harveyfresh.com.au Web: www.cjpaskwinery.co.nz Web: www.saintclair.co.nzE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.wineinc.com.au Web: www.serafinowines.com.au Juniper Estate Pegasus Bay Winery Schist Hills Wine Co Ltd Ph: (08) 9755 9000 Ph: +64 3 314 6869 Ph:+64 21 738 411Woollaston Estates Stephen John Wines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]:+64 3 543 2817 Ph: (08) 8843 0105 Web: www.juniperestate.com.au Web: www.pegasusbay.com Web: www.schisthills.co.nzE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]: www.woolaston.co.nz Web: www.stephenjohnwines.com Millbrook Estate (Est.1996) Schist Hills Wine Co Ltd Toi Toi Wines E-mail:[email protected] Ph: +64 21 738 411 E-mail: [email protected] Estate Wines Ltd Treasury Wine Estates Limited E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.toitoiwines.co.nzPh:+64 3 575 7618 Ph: (08) 8568 7318 Woody Nook Web: www.schisthills.co.nzE-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 9755 7547 Villa Maria Estate LtdWeb: www.yealands.co.nz Web: www.tweglobal.com E-mail: [email protected] Ph:+64 9 255 1754 Web: www.woodynook.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Wine Pty Ltd Wolf Blass Wines Web: www.villamaria.co.nzPh: 0422 802 220 Ph: (08) 8568 7311E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Yealands Estate Wines LtdWeb: www.zwine.com.au Ph:+64 3 575 7618 E-mail: [email protected] Wines Web: www.yealands.co.nzPh: 0419 819 414E-mail: [email protected]: www.zitta.com.au Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 173

aftertasteELISABETH KINGBooze Brother on a Mission to Promote VodkaI’VE interviewed a lot of celebrities over the years, attributes for close to a decade now and, if dad worked for the government but we alwaysfrom Mariah Carey to James Franco but I’ve never anything, sounds more committed than ever. drank wine when most Canadians drank only beerrocked up to a meeting as a card-carrying fan “The water in any vodka is crucial. We use water and spirits. But my tastes really moved up a notchuntil recently. Dan Aykroyd, the Canadian actor, from a glacial aquifer in Newfoundland, some of the during the Saturday Night Live and Blues Brothersscreenwriter and funnyman, has made a few purest on the planet, and peaches and cream corn period, when Steve Cropper, the guitarist fromflops but his star turns in seminal movies such from Ontario. It’s quadruple distilled, then triple- Booker T. and the M.G.’s, introduced me to premieras Ghostbusters, Trading Places and The Blues filtered through Herkimer diamonds (a quartz-like cru Bordeaux wines. I’m a big fan of Super Tuscans,Brothers has earned him a prized place in the crystal with supposed healing powers),” he says. too,” he says.hearts of millions. Throw in his LOL characters fromSaturday Night Live such as Betar the Conehead, A painstaking effort that consumers and spirit The Patron hook-up led to another fruitful allianceone half of the Wild and Crazy Guys duo and Fred judges around the world appreciate. Crystal with Diamond Estates, a leading wine producer inGarvin, Male Prostitute, and even the journalists Skull has scored a clutch of prestigious awards, the Niagara peninsula, Canada’s leading wine-lined up to meet him during his recent Australian including a double gold medal at the San Francisco growing region, in 2007. Dan Aykroyd Wines wasvisit were star-struck, including me. World Spirits Competition, a 2012 Australian Liquor launched - four reds, two whites and the Vidal Industry Award for Best Luxury Spirit and a gold Icewine Reserve. Two years earlier, Aykoyd had It’s a worrying position to be in. What if an idol has medal at Moscow ProdExpo 15th International also invested $1 million in four Ontario wineries.the proverbial feet of clay? Fortunately, Aykroyd is Tasting Contest 2013. Another major milestone was He’s also a keen fan of Californian wines andas affable, piercingly intelligent and on-the-ball the brand’s appointment as the official vodka of The teamed with DeLoach Wines in Sonoma for aas his on-screen personas, especially when he’s Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Tour. one-off release of a cabernet sauvignon and aon a mission of thanks rather than one from God. chardonnay. A gregarious yet considered man,Aykroyd is heavily into the liquor business these Aykroyd spends more than 90 days a year on the Aykroyd is renowned for entertaining family, friendsdays. In mid-2012 his premium brand vodka, road promoting Crystal Skull. “People love its purity and fans at his Canadian farm. “I have a stairCrystal Head Vodka, launched in Australia. “I knew of taste and can really taste the difference,” says tower of 100 Crystal Skull bottles and people alsoAussies would get where we were coming from,” Aykroyd. “It’s a luxury spirit but we have just as comment a lot about my cellar,” he says. “I usuallysays Aykroyd. “They embraced the skull bottle and, many younger drinkers as older ones. I love getting reel off a list of wines I’d like to be there. The greatmore importantly, the spirit inside. Although Crystal to know the retailers everywhere we go and learn a Burgundies, the best Niagara wines, Oregon andSkull is sold in 32 countries, Australia became one lot during store appearances about what our fans Washington State wines and my favourite Bordeauxof our top five markets within a year.” love about Crystal Skull.” wines - Pichon-Lalande and Chateaux Margaux. The truth is that often there’s not much there so A proud spiritualist and consultant for MUFON Even though he was a founding member of the I have to go out and buy a few thousand dollars(Mutual UFO Network), Aykroyd and artist John Saturday Night Live cast and the idea for Crystal worth of wine for the next 20 people we invite over.”Alexander came up with the idea of an alcoholic Skull was conceived in the Big Apple, Aykroyd And you believe him, especially when he flashesspirit in a skull bottle in the midst of a New York admits that New York has been tough to crack. “The his trademark wry smile.blizzard. Alexander sketched the design in US states where we do best are Ohio, Pennsylvania,seconds and Aykroyd thought of the legend of Indiana and California,” says Aykroyd. “Ontario isthe 13 crystal heads, a pre-Colombian myth that our major provincial market in Canada. And, apartalso inspired an Indiana Jones movie. “Thankfully, from Australia, our other top markets are Germany,it’s a positive legend and kicked off the idea of the UK and Spain.”eliminating the oils - glycol, citrus oil and sugar -found in cheaper vodkas,” says Aykroyd. If life is all about knowing the right people for regular folks, good connections also provide a It’s a back story that’s paid off at the cash register, major springboard for celebrities. Aykroyd got intotoo. Officially launched in North America in 2008, the liquor business through John Paul DeJoria, theCrystal Head Vodka reached the one-million bottle billionaire founder of Paul Mitchell hair productsmark faster than leading competitors Grey Goose and The Patron Spirits Company, an early investorand Belvedere. “We’ve now moved passed the 4.5 in the actor’s House of Blues clubs. “I discoveredmillion bottle sales barrier and in many markets, the smoky taste of Patron tequila and asked for aincluding Australia, we are the fastest-growing case. But DeJoria had another idea and grantedpremium vodka,” says Aykroyd. me the importing license to retail the product in Canada through a local liquor distributor. It was a Celebrity gets your foot in the door says Aykroyd huge success,” Aykroyd says.but the product has to be good to keep it open.He has been reeling off Crystal Skull’s litany of A development that wasn’t entirely random when you factor in Aykroyd’s lifelong love of wine. “Mynext issue: The beautiful Barossa & Eden Valley kicks off the New Year with a detour through Central & Western Victoria and Marlborough (NZ). Plus, a fantastic tasting of Italian & Spanish varietals with plenty of European entries, and also tastings featuring rose, chardonnay & blends and new releases.174 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

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