The following local selection of currently available ‘Black Friday / Black Label’ wines - are an ideal pairing with a diverse selection of seasoning 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 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’.
Jules Taylor ‘OTQ’ Chardonnay 2018
Region: Marlborough
Owner / Winemaker: Jules Taylor
The palate has excellent fruit intensity and a medium to full bodied weight. Those ripe stone and pip-fruits are combined with apple-pie notes from its time in French oak, and a butterscotch character from barrel fermentation. Well-structured combining lifted fruit flavours and acidity, with a classic dry finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 9°- 11°C
*Retail - NZ$38
Jules Taylor ‘OTQ’ Pinot Noir 2019
Region: Marlborough
Owner / Winemaker: Jules Taylor
This Pinot Noir is showcasing ripe plums and boysenberries, violets and earthy undertones. Spice from the French oak is layered with earthy notes and hints of chocolate. This is Pinot Noir has a generous mouth feel, with impressive berry flavours and balanced fruit tannins leading to a dry finish.
• Mild decanting & serve at 16°- 18°C
*Retail - NZ$45
Lake Chalice ‘The Raptor’ Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Region: Marlborough
Winemaker: Chloe Gabrielsen
On the nose lifted aromas of tomato leaf, along with passion-fruit and an underlying grapefruit note. On the palate these aromas carry though combining with blackcurrant and passion-fruit flavours along with a mineral note and balanced acidity that gives elegance and leading onto a memorable finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$26
Lake Chalice ‘The Raptor’ Pinot Noir 2019
Region: Marlborough
Winemaker: Chloe Gabrielsen
Inviting aromas of ripe red plums and cherries, which are joined by lifted herb and floral notes. On the palate, ripe plums and cherry fruits are joined by balanced tannins and well-integrated oak which add a hint of mocha-coffee onto the mid-palate, and all result in a smooth texture, and an elegant finish.
• Mild decanting & serve at 16°- 18°C
*Retail - NZ$28
Rockburn 'The Chosen' Pinot Noir 2018
Region: Central Otago
Winemaker: Malcolm Rees-Francis
On the developing nose you will be enticed by ripe cherries, plums, blackcurrants, wild flora and subtle cacao. These all pour onto the lush-textured palate showcasing good structure from ripe tannins and understated varietal acidity making it ideal for early enjoyment or can cellar if you choose.
• Mild decanting & serve at 16°- 18°C
*Retail - NZ$70
Brookfields 'Sun-Dried' Malbec 2019
Region: Hawke's Bay
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
This ‘Sun-Dried’ Malbec showcases dark fruits, ripe plums, dried herbs, spice, cigar box, and earthy tannins all perfectly supported by the deft use of French oak. This wine has an enticing mouthfeel due to the weight and fullness on the generous palate. This 2019 follows its illustrious predecessors.
• No decanting & serve at 17°- 18°C
*Retail - NZ$28
Matawhero ‘Church House’ S.V. Chenin Blanc 2018
Region: Gisborne
Owner / Director: Kirsten Searle
On the delicate but inviting nose you have aromas of citrus fruits, white blossom and nashi pear notes. On the lifted and bright palate, the wine expresses a defined citrus core, along with apples, pear and a hint of pineapple and honeysuckle flavours all nicely balanced by fruit acidity and off-dry finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$27
Matawhero ‘Church House’ B.F. Chardonnay 2019
Region: Gisborne
Owner / Director: Kirsten Searle
The palate has engaging breadth from the barrel fermentation, giving richness and good weight. This Chardonnay showcases ripe stone fruits flavours, like juicy peaches with integrated layers of nougat and dovetailed oak. The wine has good fruit acidity with good length and a classic dry finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 9°- 11°C
*Retail - NZ$32