tasting notes HUIA ORGANIC MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2015 Complex, layered, fruity and earthy with aromas of dark cherry and forest berries, clove and 5other oak spices, dark roses and plum. Dry and equally fruity on the palate with complexities from oak, fruit, a savoury earthy complexity and long finish. Balanced, well made and delicious. Drink now and through 2024. Points 94 RRP $45.00 Distributor: Negociants New Zealand Phone: (03) 572 8326 www.huiavineyards.com
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RAPAURA SPRINGS RESERVE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 Enticing and sophisticated bouquet of Sauvignon Blanc with aromas and flavours of passionfruit and apple, a touch of gunflint and lemon, wet stone, lemongrass and hay. Juicy, fleshy and quite delicious on the palate. Flavours reflect the nose with a core of passionfruit, sweet Cape gooseberry and lemongrass, loads of crisp refreshing acidity and a long finish. Drink now and through 2021. Points 94 RRP $19.00 Distributor: Vintners NZ Phone: (0800) 687 9463 www.rapaurasprings.co.nz
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SMITH & SHETH CRU MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 Intense, fruity, quite pungent and varietal with aromas and flavours of fresh pineapple and basil, a sting of grapefruit, lemon and white peach. A touch of fruit spice, lees and hay. Loads of texture from plenty of acidity with a flinty salty layer. Well made, vibrant and ready, in fact delicious! Drink now and through 2022. Points 94 RRP $28.00 Distributor: Smith & Sheth Phone: (06) 650 5550 www.smithandsheth.com
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CLOS MARGUERITE MARLBOROUGH MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE 2013 Bold, attractive and Champagnelike bouquet of Rosé with aromas of brioche, strawberry and light red berry fruits. Developing and complex, with layers of charm,
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elegance and sophistication. Fine mousse on the palate, with a series of fresh and tart light-red fruit flavours, autolysis and rose. Quite a lengthy finish, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2023. Points 94 RRP $79.00 Distributor: Clos Marguerite Phone: (021) 415 692 www.closmarguerite.co.nz YEALANDS SINGLE BLOCK M2 ORGANIC MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 Powerful and distinctive bouquet with a savoury, sweet herb and fruity aroma package. Apple and citrus, sweet hay and dried herb, some gooseberry and yellow plum, a light sweet sweat layer and leesy undercurrent. High acid, crisp, dry and lengthy. Balanced and well made, a lovely example. Points 93 RRP $27.95 Distributor: Yealands Phone: (03) 575 7618 www.yealands.co.nz
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GIESEN ESTATE RIESLING 2019 Fantastic bouquet of Riesling with crisp green and red apple, freshly squeezed citrus juices, blossoms and wet stone mineral notes. The lower alcohol highlights some sweetness and the acid line adds a razor sharp texture through the palate. Flavours of green apple and honeysuckle emerge contrasted by a gentle sweetness. Drink now and through 2028. Points 93 RRP $14.99 Distributor: Giesen Group Phone: (03) 344 6270 www.giesenwines.co.nz
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OPAWA MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2018 Distinctive and immediately captivating with aromas of white smoke and toasty oak, red berries and cherry, red apple and crushed rose. Dry on the palate with lots of youthful tension contrasted by a core of red fruit flavours and plum. Baking spices, firm youthful tannins and plenty of acidity. Enjoy from early 2020 through 2024. Points 93 RRP $29.95 Distributor: Negociants New Zealand Phone: (09) 531 5222 www.opawawine.com
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WAIRAU RIVER MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 Unmistakable aromas of tropical fruits and citrus, sweet grass and wet stone. On the palate - flavours of pineapple and passionfruit, red apple and peach. Additional flavours of lemongrass and galangal, wet stones and minerals. Crisp and dry on the finish. Drink now and through 2022. Points 92 RRP $19.99 Distributor: Federal Merchants and Co. Phone: (03) 572 7950 www.wairauriverwines.com
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BLADEN EIGHT ROWS RIESLING MARLBOROUGH 2019 Very attractive aromas of white flowers and apple, blossoms and wet stone mineral core. Flavours on the palate are equally attractive with fresh green apple, lemon and white peach. Off-dry with plenty of acidity, minerals and fruit flavours that reflect the nose. Drink now and through 2025. Points 92 RRP $25.00 Distributor: Hop and Vine Distribution Phone: (027) 433 0687 www.bladen.co.nz
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STEVE BIRD BIG BARREL MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2017 Smoky, toasty and fragrant. No mistaking the bouquet of oak with toasted barrel and dark spices of oak. Fruit aromas of plums then dark cherry. Baking spices of cinnamon and cedar, vanilla and clove. A dry wine on the palate with flavours that reflect the bouquet, firm tannins and acidity to match, the core of oak and fruit add a contrasting sweetness. Bold, balanced and ready. Drink now and through 2023. Points 90 RRP $36.00 Distributor: Steve Bird Wines Phone: (027) 478 5298 www.stevebirdwines.com
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Wines are scored out of 100 points and are listed in no particular order. Numbers are not indicative of a ranking.
THE SHOUT NZ | FEBRUARY 2020 | 17