The following selection of currently available ‘Black Friday / Black Label’ wines - are an ideal pairing with a diverse selection of seasonal casual & festive cuisine. Here are a few brief words to describe my first impressions and the essence of each wine. A versatile range of New Zealand & Australian wines ready to be sipped, savoured & shared over the coming summer months.
Remember - ‘when & where possible, all wine tastes better when served from the appropriate glass and at the ideal temperature’.
ALLAN SCOTT ‘Black Label’
Chardonnay 2020
Region: Marlborough - NZ
Head Winemaker: Bruce Abbott
This is a versatile, early drinking style of Marlborough Chardonnay, displaying ripe stone fruits, along with juicy apples, white peaches along with almond notes from time in oak barrels, along with subtle mineral notes all rounded off with a lingering dry finish.
(13% Alc./vol. - Residual Sugar <2g/L)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$24.99 : 4 Stars
LAKE CHALICE ‘Raptor’
B.F. Chardonnay 2020
Region: Marlborough - NZ
Head Winemaker: Chloe Gabrielsen
Engaging aromas of ripe stone-fruits, honey, citrus & almond notes. The complex palate is ever so appealing, with ripe peaches, melon, pineapple, balanced fruit acidity, and infused with vanilla oak, resulting in a rewarding wine with a classic dry finish.
(13% Alc./vol. - Residual Sugar <2g/L)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$24.99 : 5 Stars
JULES TAYLOR ‘OTQ’
S.V. Pinot Noir 2020
Region: Marlborough - NZ
Owner / Winemaker: Jules Taylor
Ripe cherries, plums, violets overlay darker notes of blackberries, plus vanilla and cinnamon from time in French oak barriques. Generous across the palate, with an elegant structure embracing a beautiful balance of berry fruits and a savoury dry finish.
(13.9% Alc./vol. - R.S. <1g/L)
• Mild decanting & serve between 15°- 17°C
*Retail - NZ$46.99 : 5 Stars
BROOKFIELDS ‘Sun-Dried’
Malbec 2020
Region: Hawke’s Bay - NZ
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
On the nose and palate you have ripe Black Doris plums, dried spice, liquorice, dark berry jam on toast, cinnamon and vanilla oak are harmoniously integrated. This wine has amazing depth - described as Malbec on steroids and one of the best to date.
(14% Alc./vol. - R.S. <2g/L)
• No decanting & serve between 16°- 18°C
*Retail - NZ$26.99 : 5 Stars
KAESLER ‘Stonehorse’
Grenache 2017
Region: Barossa Valley - Australia
Chief Winemaker: Reid Bosward
On the nose dark cherries, plums and dried spices. The flavoursome and textural palate showcases ripe blueberries, cherries, savoury spice notes, subtle vanillin oak, some earthy and umami notes and remains lushcious through to the lingering finish.
(15% Alc./vol. - R.S. <2g/L)
• No decanting & serve between 15°- 17°C
*Retail - NZ$29.99 : 4 Stars
GEOFF MERRILL ‘Reserve’
Shiraz 2013
Region: McLaren Vale - Australia
Owner / Winemaker: Geoff Merrill
Aromas of dried spice, cedar, coffee bean, clove and vanilla notes. The palate is assured and sumptuous with a perfect balance between the confident fruit, tannins, resulting is a richly layered wine, with well-integrated oak and a smooth long dry finish.
(14.5% Alc./vol. - R.S. 2.2g/L)
• Soft decanting & serve between 16°- 18°C
*Retail - NZ$56.99 : 5 Stars