Wine Reviews

Luscious berry aromas take the lead on this concentrated Pinot from one of New Zealand’s best-known red producers. The florals, vanilla and toasty spice notes are just whispers for the moment. The silky palate is rich and primary, with layers of flavor that are still tightly packed in. Drink now with a decanter at hand or hold for another few years

The Te Muna Road vineyard, sited 7km from Martinborough town, is planted on an ancient dried riverbed of stony clay soils, and fruit for this wine is sourced from a higher terrace than the parcel-selection Aroha. The winemaking – by Julian Grounds – is similar; however, this sees more (34%) whole-bunch fruit and less (27%) new oak. Anne Krebiehl MW: Juicy, flowing, with dense red cherry, freshness, nothing overdone. Lovely now, will also last the distance. Very balanced. Justin Knock MW: Deep blue and purple fruits, creamy aromas, plush and layered. Expansive and powerful but also very fine. A really wonderful wine. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Youthful, vibrant and elegantly scented. Ripe dark fruits, spice and elegant leafy notes. Great concentration, silky texture and savoury complexity.

Aromas of racy red fruits of cranberries and strawberries with rose petals, red licorice and tangerines. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and fine-grained juicy tannins. Tangy and appetizing wine with good drinkability. Slightly sweet and sour fruit at the end.

This is not a timid wine. It’s rich and round, wearing its brambly, medicinal, earthy, spicy and floral colors loud and proud. The silky mouthfeel is tugged into place by sappy tannins. There’s intensity, balance and structure, and a real sense of place.

Fermented with indigenous yeast, this French oak–aged red exudes aromas of wet leaves, pomegranate, and allspice. While strawberry and mulberry are tart and ripe, the taste of soil is evident. The acidity shows verve, contributing to an overall juicy character that makes for a desirable sipper.