The following collection of ‘Black Label’ wines - are an ideal pairing with a diverse selection of seasonal, casual & festive cuisine *(plus 3 wines will pair well with Xmas-cake & mixed chocolates). Here are a few brief words to describe my first impressions and the essence of each wine. A versatile range of New Zealand & International wines ready to be sipped, savoured & shared this Friday and over the coming months.
*Remember - ‘when & where possible, all wine tastes better when served from the appropriate glass and at the ideal temperature’.
DRAPPIER
Blanc de Blancs - Grand Cru 2015
Region: Mesnil-sur-Oger - France
Owner / Chef de Cave: Michel Drappier
5 years of aging, this Champagne is lively with a purity of fruits, floral and a mineral touch. It is a very well balanced cuvée with a remarkable length, with brioche, candied citrus and green apples, resulting in a mouthfeel both generous and dynamic.
(12% Alc./vol. - Dosage 4g/L)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$129.99 : 4 Stars
RIMAPERE
‘Plot 101’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Region: Marlborough - NZ
*Winemaker / Director: Anne Escalle
This wine has an elegant texture, with its signature style of lemon and grapefruit flavours engaging your tastebuds. 50% of the wine was aged in oak barrels giving breadth and character to the palate and the natural core of acidity giving a bright finish.
(13.5% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$44.99 : 4 Stars
PLUME - ‘by Lake Chalice’
Chardonnay 2020
Region: Marlborough - NZ
Head Winemaker: Chloe Gabrielsen
Appealing palate with a luscious first impression, then in equal measure white peaches, grilled pineapple, with lemon cured acidity, a deft minerality and thoughtfully wrapped in vanilla oak. The wine has a beguiling elegance, with a classic dry finish.
(13.5% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$49.99 : 5 Stars
TRINITY HILL - ‘Gimblett Gravels’
Chardonnay 2022
Region: Hawke’s Bay - NZ
Chief Winemaker: Warren Gibson
Inviting aromas of white peaches, apples & citrus blossom are complemented by hints of vanilla, and roasted almonds. The wine is concentrated in the mouth yet remains fresh and vibrant, it has an approachable complexity and classic dry finish.
(14% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$49.99 : 5 Stars
MATAWHERO
‘IRWIN’ Chardonnay 2017
Region: Gisborne - NZ
Owner / Director: Kirsten Searle
On the palate generous, ripe and engaging peaches and melon flavours, entwined with creamy hazelnut and vanilla notes resulting in a smooth texture. A complex wine with finely entwined oak-spice, perfectly balanced and a lingering dry finish.
(14% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$58.99 : 5 Stars
TONY BISH
‘Heartwood’ Chardonnay 2021
Region: Hawke's Bay - NZ
Owner / Winemaker: Tony Bish
Ripe aromas of peaches, deft citrus & cedar, these flow onto a broad palate which is generous, a beautifully defined mineral seam & splash of acidity. Time in mixed French oak has given a dovetailed structure to a memorable textural finish.
(14% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$45.99 : 5 Stars
CHAKANA
‘Estate Selection’ Malbec 2019
Region: Mendoza - Argentina
Chief Winemaker: Gabriel Bloise
Inviting aromas expressing ripe dark berries, mixed with dried herbs and a touch of mocha coffee. The appealing palate has a generous fruit forward nature, along with well-balanced smooth tannins and a deft use of oak on an appealing lingering finish.
(14% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• No decanting & serve between 16°- 17°C
*Retail - NZ$32.99 : 4 Stars
GEOFF MERRILL
‘Reserve’ Cabernet 2014
Region: McLaren Vale & Coonawarra
Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich
A rich and generous palate, with incredible depth. Showcasing intense, dark berry flavours, defined fruit acidity, and an engaging texture. Signature balanced tension between natural tannins and 30 months in oak, providing structure to the solid finish.
(14.5% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Mild decanting & serve between 17°- 18°C
*Retail - NZ$59.99 : 5 Stars
DE BORTOLI
‘Show Liqueur’ Muscat
Region: Riverina - Australia
Senior Winemaker: Julie Mortlock
Engaging raisins, fig and spice with subtle floral notes. The palate is rich & luscious after ageing in oak barrels for 8 years, expressing complex flavours of sweet raisins, figs, dates, toffee & caramel resulting in a viscous finish. (100% Muscat)
(18% Alc./vol. - Residual Sugar 234g/L)
• Chill gently & serve between 7°- 8°C
*500ml Retail - NZ$32.99 : 5 Stars
KOPKE
‘Fine Ruby’ Port
Region: Douro Valley - Portugal
Head Winemaker: Carlos Alves
The Kopke Port House was established in 1683. This Ruby, was aged for 3 years in small casks before release. A deep ruby colour. An inviting aroma of ripe cherries and plums, that carry onto the engaging smooth palate and a berrylicious finish.
(19.5% Alc./vol. - Residual Sugar 102g/L)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*750ml Retail - NZ$31.99 : 4 Stars
CECILIA BERETTA
‘RISERVA’ Amarone DOCG 2013
Region: Valpolicella - Italy
Chief Winemaker: Giovanni Nordera
This cuvée is vinified from Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Croatina & Oseleta. Opulent aromatics which lead onto generous flavours of dark cherries, cassis, mocha-chocolate and dried spices wrapped in smooth tannins and a moreish finish.
(15.5% Alc./vol. - Residual Sugar 9.5g/L)
• Stand-Decanting & serve between 16°- 17°C
*Retail - NZ$98.99 : 4 Stars
FONSECA - ‘Bicentenary’
Guimaraens Vintage Port 2015
Region: Douro Valley - Portugal
Head Winemaker: David Guimaraens
This wine is all about generous dark fruits, but at the same time elegant complexity. Underneath all this fruit you have well balanced and supportive exotic oak, liquorice and black pepper and well-integrated tannins adding additional texture and rich character.
(20% Alc./vol. - Residual Sugar 101g/L)
• Chill slightly & serve between 14°- 15°C
*Retail - NZ$119.99 : 4 Stars
*(Please note the vintage & availability of these reviewed wines can change quickly)