The following collection of ‘Black Label’ wines - are an ideal pairing with a diverse selection of seasonal, casual & festive cuisine *(plus 2 wines will pair nicely with Xmas-cake, steamed-pudding & mixed dark 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$130.00 : 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 dexterous finish.
(13.5% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$45.00 : 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. - Classic Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$50.00 : 5 Stars
STONYRIDGE
‘La Bodega’ Pinot Gris 2024
Region: Waiheke Island - NZ
Senior Winemaker: Martin Pickering
Aromas of flowers, herbs, nashi pear skin, green peppers & cinnamon dusted peaches. An engaging, generous style with a fleshy texture and luscious nature, with outbreaks of ripe peaches and pears that command your attention and give structure & length to a memorable finish.
(14% Alc./vol. - Generous, Smooth Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 9°C
*Retail - NZ$55.00 : 4 Stars
MATAWHERO
‘IRWIN’ Chardonnay 2021
Region: Gisborne - NZ
Owner / Director: Kirsten Searle
On the palate generous, ripe and engaging peaches and melon flavours, entwined with blanched almonds and subtle vanilla nuances resulting in a smooth texture. A complex wine with finely entwined oak, with perfectly balanced fruit acidity and a refined dry finish.
(13.7% Alc./vol. - Classic Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$60.00 : 5 Stars
TONY BISH
‘Heartwood’ Chardonnay 2022
Region: Hawke's Bay - NZ
Owner / Winemaker: Tony Bish
Ripe aromas of peaches, deft citrus & cedar, which flow onto a broad palate which is generous, a beautifully defined by a mineral seam & note of acidity. Diligent time in mixed French oak has resulted in an articulate character and a memorable textural finish.
(14% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C
*Retail - NZ$45.00 : 5 Stars
CHAKANA
‘Estate Selection’ Malbec 2021
Region: Mendoza - Argentina
Chief Winemaker: Gabriel Bloise
Inviting aromas expressing ripe dark berries, mixed with dried herbs and a note of mocha coffee. The appealing palate has a generous fruit forward nature, along with well-balanced smooth tannins and an infused use of oak creating a charming lingering finish.
(14% Alc./vol. - Dry Style)
• No decanting & serve between 16°- 17°C
*Retail - NZ$32.00 : 4 Stars
GEOFF MERRILL
‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 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$60.00 : 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$36.00 : 5 Stars
CECILIA BERETTA
‘RISERVA’ Amarone DOCG 2015
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 nicely in smooth tannins and a moreish finish.
(15.5% Alc./vol. - Residual Sugar 8.9g/L)
• Mild Decanting & serve between 16°- 17°C
*Retail - NZ$100.00 : 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$120.00 : 4 Stars
ALLAN SCOTT - ‘Eli’
Pinot Noir 2022
Region: Central Otago - NZ
Owner / Winemaker: Josh Scott
Hypnotic aromas of dark cherries, vanilla, violets and a deft note of allspice. These generously flow onto the engaging palate showcasing those luscious dark cherries & ripe plum flavours supported by a good varietal acidity, signing off with a distinguished dismount.
(14% Alc./vol. - Classic Dry Style)
• Mild Decanting & serve between 16°- 17°C
*Retail - NZ$150.00 : 5 Stars
*(Please note the vintage & availability of these reviewed wines can change quickly)