I pointed out that it had become her favourite once she tried it for the first time and that we had a vast array of other wines that could become her favourite? It was a dogmatic no!
Should we ever stop experimenting, or once we have found a favourite should we stick to the tried and true? I’m firmly in the former camp and today’s lineup might just take you out of your comfort zone to explore some new flavours?
2023 Jules Taylor Marlborough Gruner Veltliner
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Fragrant nose of musk,
gum, white flowers
florality, spices and a
touch of apricot with
aeration. The palate
shifts into the
stonefruit spectrum,
nutty nuances and an
apricot kernel
bittersweet aspect. A
medium-weight style
with lovely freshness,
the flavours carrying
nicely on the close;
just crying out to be
enjoyed now.
2020 Carrick Organic Bannockburn Pinot Blanc
Rating Excellent
Schisty/mineral notes, a hint of funky
intrigue, pepper and
pear nodding to
peach. Rich and
viscous palate, filling
the mouth yet a clear
line of acidity gives
this zip. Nectarine and
stone fruits, cooked
apple, wisps of
pepper on the close, a
fruit-pithy chewiness
adds to the texture,
bottle development
perhaps? Nice
balance, flavours
hang in the mouth, a
winning combo.
Vergence MK2 by Pegasus Bay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Smoke, wild yeast funkiness, green
herbs, delightful
fragrance swells with
air, citrus zest.
Brimming with flavour,
lime cordial, sweet
fruit yet vibrant and
zesty picking up
licorice/anise hints,
spices and black tea.
Complex, vital, alive,
super integration and
enjoyment but I
suspect potential too.
Textural impact
without weight, a
deliciously salivatory
close. A winner.
2022 Ruru Central Otago Gewurztraminer
Rating Excellent
Delightfully aromatic, rose petal,
lychee, ginger spice
and fruit pastille.
Textural richness
without being over-
oily, not a "big" wine
as some Gewurz can
be but charms with its
balance and quiet
effortlessness. The
characters on the
nose are repeated on
the palate, developing
fresh crunchiness and
a long, textural close.
Draws you back for
another glass.
2022 Akitu Central Otago Pinot Noir Blanc
Rating Excellent
A fresh coolness to the nose, wisps of
oyster shell, stone
fruits and fruit pastille
for an engaging
subtlety. The stone
fruits are joined by
grilled nut characters
and growing spice
influences, a tangy
undercurrent adding
liveliness, closing dry.
Another wine more
about integration and
complexity rather than
a fruit bomb. It has
enjoy with good friends
and food writ large on
it.
2022 Te Kano Northburn Gamay
Rating Excellent
Wonderfully brambly fruit, lead pencil,
smoke, cracked
pepper, redcurrant and
leaf notes.
A light to medium-
bodied style totally
befitting the grape,
redcurrant, cranberry,
black tea, typically
crunchy vibrancy, fine
tannins add a grainy
and chewy close.
This first release hits a
point of difference,
nicely varietal and
eminently smashable.
