TOP DROPS – SEPTEMBER

 

  1. AMISFIELD LOWBURN TERRACE RIESLING 2016

The 2016 Riesling from Amisfield’s Lowburn Terrace tastes like crisp granny smith apples with lemon and lime rind that dominate the nose. The palate has citrus fruits and apple pie notes that drives long with acidity and a medium sweet finish. The grapes were carefully selected by hand on the vines with only the golden bunches harvested.

  1. WAIPARA HILLS EQUINOX SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015

This Equinox Sauvignon Blanc has been handcrafted to capture the unique essence of the Waipara Valley. Aromas of crisp stone fruit and a touch of smoky oak leads into rich, mouth-filling flavours of nectarine and white peach, beautifully balanced with mineral acidity and a lingering finish. Fermented in French oak barriques (15 percent new) and then aged in the same vessels, it builds in a subtle texture and structure which works well with the riper, more sun exposed fruit used in this barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc. Delicious served with fresh shellfish.

  1. STONELEIGH LATITUDE PINOT NOIR 2015

A finely structured and textural wine, the palate is rich and fleshy with soft supple tannins. Smoky and spicy oak with black cherries and boysenberry notes on the nose lead into Black Doris plum, dark chocolate and berry fruit on the palate. Best enjoyed with rich gamey flavours and succulent red meats.

  1. JUDGE ROCK 2014 PINOT NOIR

Aromas of red and black berry fruit on the nose, together with cherry, dried herb, mushroom and leather. Sweet red and black cherry flavours on the palate with spice and leather. A medium bodied, elegant wine with fine grained tannin and a long mineral finish.

  1. SACRED HILL RESERVE HAWKE’S BAY SYRAH 2016

A juicy and refreshing wine that lingers on the palate and tantalises the tastebuds. With enticing aromas of nutmeg, red fruits and violets along with savoury notes of black olives and baked stony earth – this drop has layers of flavour wrapped in a silky texture, making it a delightful number for the cooler months.

  1. LOVEBLOCK MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016

This wine is a pale straw with a hint of green. Lifted aromatics with pineapple, passionfruit and intense citrus blossom. Elegant palate with white peach underscored with tropical fruits and linear acidity. It has a creamy mouthfeel and texture due to Loveblock’s organic winegrowing practices. Match with oysters, soft shell crab, lemongrass-based dishes, salads and Asian cuisine.

  1. LOVEBLOCK MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2014

The 2014 Loveblock Pinot Gris is pale with golden touches, with delicate aromas of rockmelon, green tea and lime that yield to additional layers of pear and prosciutto- wrapped melon. Beautiful fruit notes are underscored with lingering texture, mouthfeel and complexity. A wine to enjoy with delicate Asian flavours, seafood of all sorts or just simply with a friend.

  1. WAIPARA HILLS WAIPARA VALLEY RIESLING 2016

A bright and flavour-rich Riesling, showcasing classic Waipara characteristics. Pale green and straw, bursting with aromas of red apple, lime and juicy mandarin. Flavours of red apple and lime flow from the first sip, a bold and rich style of Riesling which delivers a crisp and lingering finish. Drink young to capture the fresh, crisp flavours, alongside barbecued pork marinated in lime juice.

  1. MUD HOUSE SUB REGION SERIES PINOT ROSÉ BURLEIGH 2017

This elegant and vibrant Pinot rosé boasts aromas of freshly picked strawberry and wild flowers. The 2017 vintage was slightly later than usual, allowing the Pinot Noir grapes to be picked at optimal ripeness, before being destemmed and pressed. A season of varied weather patterns including cool winds and warm sunshine created flavours of juicy cherry with savoury length. A lively accompaniment to a Mediterranean styled-platter.

  1. SHAKY BRIDGE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2015

An inviting bright pink colour leads in to wild strawberry and cream flavours with a candy floss edge that offers a delicious drinking Rosé from Pinot Noir grapes. A touch of residual sugar softens the acidity on the palate, providing a lush yet crisp finish. Perfect to drink on its own, this wine is delicious with brunch, lunch and a host of pre-dinner party appetizers.