Availability:
Premium - $15 - $40
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- 94
2012 Astrolabe Valleys Kekerengu Coast Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2017-2018)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Nosing reveals ripe pear, tropical fruit and honeysuckle aromas with hints of musk and spice as end notes. Rich and lusciously textured in mouth the palate features flavours of ripe pears, honeysuckle and tropical fruits which overlay traces of musk and honeyed citrus. Medium dry finish. Aftertaste of tropical fruits, honeysuckle, pears and spice.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 13% -
- 93
2019 Ata Rangi Te Wa Sauvignon BlancMartinborough, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2021-2024)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a subtle tinge of green around the edges and a watery hue. A mixture of grapefruit, gun flint and citrus aromas rise out of the glass with some grassy herbaceous and mineral notes ensuing. Vibrant flavours of citrus, grapefruit and unripe gooseberries dance across the palate underpinned by racy acidity. Some grassy and flinty mineral characters chime in on the dry crunchy finish. Light, tangy aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
2018 Ata Rangi Raranga Sauvignon BlancMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2020-2022)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBoth tank and barrel fermented including an on skins component of approximately 15%. Bright pale straw colour with a slight tinge of green around the edges and a watery hue. Lime and herbaceous asparagus aromas combine followed by green gooseberry and grassy notes. Zingy citrus and herbaceous gooseberry flavours mix with grassy asparagus characters and a flinty minerality. Dry finish with crisp tangy acidity and a zesty aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
2014 Ata Rangi Petrie ChardonnayMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: 4 - 5 Years (2020-2021)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinThe Petrie Vineyard now has vines over 20 years old. Brilliant pale straw colour with a slight tinge of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. The nose displays aromas of nectarine and citrus melded into some dried honey characters followed by some light cashew and spicy nougat. The palate possesses good richness and concentration with a moderate creaminess counterpointed by a bright fresh finish. Mouthfilling flavours of fleshy white peaches, nectarines, dried honey and citrus are followed by nougat and a subtle minerality. Aftertaste of white peaches, nectarines, dried honey, spicy nougat and faint minerality.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc 13.5% -
- 96
2015 Ata Rangi Petrie ChardonnayMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: 4 - 5 Years (2021-2022)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Pronounced fresh nectarine and grapefruit aromas are married to hints of gun flint, citrusy honey nuances, lemon butter, nougat and spice. Medium to full bodied a rich creamy like mouthfeel is counterpointed by fresh citrus acidity which gives the wine a lively feel. Flavours of nectarine and grapefruit are married to subtle flinty matchstick characters, lemon butter, nougat and subtle dried honey. Dry vibrant finish with a long aftertaste of ripe nectarine, lemon butter, dried honey, citrusy nougat and gun flint.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
2015 Ata Rangi Sauvignon BlancMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2017-2018)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of zesty citrus and green apple are to the fore followed by some light grassiness, fresh herbs and faint mineral. Tangy lime, green apple and subtle passionfruit flavours elegantly move their way across the palate over a backdrop of fresh herb infusions and mineral. Dry finish with crunchy acidity. Long aftertaste of limes, green apple, a touch of passionfruit, fresh herbs and mineral. A light, snappy Sauvignon Blanc that has much more elegance than most of its Marlborough counterparts.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 13% -
- 95
2015 Auntsfield Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2017-2018)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the outskirts. Pronounced aromas of passionfruit intermixed with green apple and some herbaceous grassy characters are followed by citrus and light capsicum end notes. Refreshing and intensely flavoured the palate is driven by passionfruit and herbaceous gooseberry flavours over some citrus, grassy characters and spice. Snappy acidity on the finish with a long aftertaste of passionfruit, herbaceous gooseberries, citrus and light spicy grassy capsicum like characters.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 13% -
- 92
2013 Aurum Pinot GrisCentral Otago, NEW ZEALAND$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2016-2019)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with a faint greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. The nose displays aromas of spiced pears, subtle honeysuckle, apples and quince. The palate combines luscious fruit flavours of ripe pears, honeyed apples, musk infusions and spice with lively acidity on the fresh, off dry finish. Aftertaste of ripe pears, honeyed apples, citrus and spice.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 85
2019 Babich Family Estates Organic Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2021)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinCertified organic. Pale apricot like colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pear, apple skin and quince are followed by some spice notes. Light in weight with a bone dry finish the palate is delicately flavoured with dried pear, red apple skin and quince over lively acidity. Spicy finish with faint traces of dried nut making an appearance on the aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 13% -
- 91
2014 Babich Headwaters Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2016-2017)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinOrganic wine. Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. The nose displays aromas of herbaceous gooseberries and citrus followed by some light asparagus and grassy characters. On the palate herbaceous gooseberry flavours are featured followed by some citrus and light grassiness on the crisp dry finish. Aftertaste of herbaceous gooseberry, citrus and grassiness.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
2017 Babich Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2018-2020)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Fragrant rosewater, pear and spicy honeysuckle aromas drift from the glass with traces of Turkish delight and musk also present. Possessing a luscious feel the palate is filled with ripe pear and honeysuckle flavours that are tinged with light musk. Finishes off dry with a dash of spice and well managed acidity. Aftertaste of lightly spiced ripe pears, musk, infusions of rosewater and honeysuckle.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 89
2017 Babich Family Estates Organic Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2019-2021)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pear and fresh red apple meld into dried honey, light musk and spice. Light and vibrant the palate sports a simple flavour profile of citrus, pear and apple finishing dry and spicy with crunchy acidity. Modest aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 91
2016 Babich Headwaters Organic Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2018-2020)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinCertified organic. Brilliant very pale, almost water like colour with a faint tinge of green around the outskirts. Herbaceous gooseberry and unripe passionfruit aromas intermix with some grapefruit followed by citrus and a subtle grassiness. Racy flavours of gooseberries, light passionfruit and grassy citrus zip across the palate with some minerality on the crisp dry finish. Aftertaste of gooseberries, grassy citrus, light passionfruit and flinty mineral.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 91
2016 Babich Headwaters AlbarinoMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2018-2020)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinCertified Organic. Brilliant very pale straw colour with a slight tinge of green around the edges and a watery hue. The nose displays aromas of ripe lime and pears tinged with a hint of honeysuckle followed by some citrus and flinty mineral end notes. Texturally full in the mouth with ripe lime and pear flavours dominate over infusions of honeysuckle, citrus and light mineral. Finishes dry with good fresh acidity and an aftertaste of ripe limes, fleshy pears, light honeysuckle, citrus and delicate mineral.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 89
2018 Babich Family Estates Organic Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2020-2021)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinCertified organic. Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Delicate citrusy green apple and herbaceous gooseberry notes emerge from the glass followed by mineral end notes. Light and refreshing the palate has flavours of citrus, green apple and herbaceous gooseberries. Finishes dry and minerally with zesty acidity. Medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
2019 Babo Pinot GrigioFriuli, ITALY$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2020-2022)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinFriuli, in the far northeast of Italy, has a reputation for making the country's best white wines. Winemaker Justin Bubb explains, "The key to this region is the difference in diurnal temperature. In the growing season the days are very warm but the nights freezing. This allows a nice, long ripening and wonderful aromatics for the white wines".
From a 30-year-old site in San Martino al Tagliamento, near Pordenone, the vineyard sits at the base of the Alps and the soils are a mix of clay and alpine gravel from alluvial deposits.
Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Fresh pear and red apple scents mix with hints of dried honey and wet stone. Supple and nicely rounded texturally, the palate is layered with pear and red apple fruits which overlay a back drop of subtle dried honey, wet stone and light spice. Finishes dry with a lick of fresh acidity and a lingering aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews….
Friuli, 28 year old vines.
Gee, they’ve done very well here. Green melon, pear, cut fennel. Cool feel, a subtle raw almond flavour, fine chalk dust texture, a smattering of perfumed green herb, and a long and lightly grippy finish. Top shelf. Drink 2020-2024.
93 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 94
2018 Babo Pinot GrigioFriuli, ITALY$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2019)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinAccording to winemaker Justin Bubb the Pinot Grigio from Friuli always has more more textural layers than say the Veneto (highly cropped Pinot Grigio) and Trentino (can be difficult to achieve optimum ripeness) - and a little more skin contact certainly accentuates this.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Showing good elevation are aromas of fresh pear, red apple and honeysuckle trailed by citrus and subtle pebble stone like notes. Light in body but very well rounded and possessing good intensity, the palate is flavoured with pear, apple and subtle dried honey over a citrus and wet stone back drop. Dry crisp finish with a medium to long supplely textured conclusion.
Drink now.
Alc. 13% - 2019 Baby Doll Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Stelvin
Nurtured from the ground up with sustainable practices and produced in a carboNZero certified winery, the pure and intense flavours of Babydoll reflect the winery’s innovative thinking in tune with the environment.
Individual parcels of Sauvignon Blanc were selected for this wine from Awatere and Wairau Valley vineyards. The parcels were harvested and fermented separately, using selected yeast strains for Sauvignon Blanc to enhance varietal character. A long, cool fermentation took place over four weeks, with the parcels then being blended and stabilised, prior to bottling. -
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2018 Baby Doll Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2019)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Fragrant pear and ripe apple aromas are trailed by citrus and faint musk notes. Crisp red apple and pear flavours dominate the palate with underlying citrus, light musk and spice. Finishes dry with brisk acidity and a moderate aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
2018 Baby Doll Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2019)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw, almost water like colour with a faint tinge of green to the outskirts. Passionfruit, granny smith apple and citrus aromas are overlaid by herbaceous grassy capsicum like notes. Vibrant herbaceous gooseberry flavours interplay with passionfruit, citrus and grassy asparagus like characters. Dry crisp finish with a good aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 92
2019 Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin BlancSwartland, SOUTH AFRICA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2020)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Lifted ripe apple and pear aromas intermix with dried honey, subtle tropical fruits and light spice. Intensely flavoured and texturally well rounded, the palate is filled with ripe pear, red apple, honeysuckle and spice. Despite the luscious nature of the fruit the finish is dry and fresh. Medium length aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
2018 Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Chenin BlancSwartland, SOUTH AFRICA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2019-2022)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant straw colour with a watery hue. Ripe pear and baked apple scents intermix with honeysuckle, citrus, light quince and spice. Excellent weight and concentration with intense spicy pear and ripe apple flavours flowing into honeysuckle and spicy quince within a texturally rich mouthfeel. Clean dry finish with excellent fresh acidity and a long spicy pear, apple and quince aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 89
2018 Baron Leopold Cuvee Tradition BlancBordeaux, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2021)ABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinA 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Bright pale straw colour with a watery hue. Herbaceous grassy top notes overlay passionfruit with some asparagus like notes tailing off. Light and refreshing the palate serves up a delicate flavour profile of passionfruit and green apple over subtle herbaceous grassy characters. Dry crisp finish with an elegant aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 11.5% -
- 88
2015 Barricas del Plata TorrontesMendoza, ARGENTINA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2016-2017)ABV: 12.4%Closure: Synthetic CorkBright straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of rosewater and lychees overlay some apricot, subtle musk and spice. Light and dry the palate has a rounded pebble stone like textural feel with a good dose of spice on the finish. Subtlety flavoured with lychee, apricot, rosewater infusions and spice. Well balanced acidity with a moderate aftertaste of delicate lychees, stony characters and spice. Has some similarities to a Gewurztraminer but is lighter, drier and not as texturally rich or powerful.
Drink now.
Alc 12.4% -
- 91
2018 Bella Modella La Farfalla Pinot GrigioColline Teatine, ITALY$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2020)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pear and citrus meld into some dried honey with stony mineral notes ensuing. Delicious pear, citrus and light dried honey flavours are very well rounded gliding across the palate over a stony back drop. Finishes dry with brisk acidity and medium to long aftertaste that has a silky feel to it.
Drink now.
Alc. 12% -
- 93
2018 Benito Ferrara Terra d'Uva Greco di Tufo DOCGCampania, ITALY$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2019)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkThe Greco grape variety is thought to have been brought to Southern Italy from Greece more than 2500 years ago. Sitting in the high altitude district of San Paolo which is situated within the commune of Tufo is what is considered by many critics as one of Italy’s best white wine producers and the number one producer of Greco di Tufo – Benito Ferrara. Fourth generation viticulturalists Gabriella Ferrara and her husband Sergio run the estate with the assistance of oenologist Paolo Caciorgna who worked alongside Italy’s most famous consultant Giulio Gambelli for many years.
Fruit was sourced from vines aged between 5 to 60 years old. Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. The nose expels aromas of fresh pears, apples, limes and faint mint alongside other fresh herb infusions. Showing good intensity as well as freshness are vibrant flavours of pear, apple and lime over a back drop of light quince and subtle infusions of herbs. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and a medium to long aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 13% - 2015 Bernhard Ott Am Berg Gruner VeltlinerWachau, AUSTRIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenClosure: Stelvin
Other Reviews....
Ott's 2015 Grüner Veltliner Am Berg tries to balance a crisp freshness and a vinous character. The wine – a collection of younger vines and purchased grapes –opens with an intense but discreet bouquet of white pip and stone fruits along with lemon flavors. Intense, round and aromatic on the palate, this is a pure yet densely textured Veltliner with a lovely spiciness and salinity in the finish. Excellent quality for a so called entry-level wine. Crisp in the finish.
89 points
Stephan Reinhardt - eRobertParker.com #225 (Jun 2016)
Please note not all products are kept in store and deliveries may take longer than usual. - 2014 Bernhard Ott Fass 4 Gruner VeltlinerWachau, AUSTRIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenClosure: Cork
Other Reviews....
Grapefruit and tangy pineapple near the core lend a Riesling-like cast to this bright bottling, an impression strikingly complemented by hints of resin. As with the corresponding Am Berg, Grüner Veltliner-typical notes—notably celery root and cress—emerge as one works the wine around in the mouth. At the same time, there are mango-like tropical leanings. Lean though slightly oily in feel, this finishes with vibratory if tart and slightly rustically piquant intensity.
89 points
David Schildknecht - vinous.comPlease note not all products are kept in store and deliveries may take longer than usual.
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- 91
2021 Black Cottage Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2022)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBright pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of ripe pear, red apple and dried honey are followed by some spicy musk notes. Juicy pear and red apple fruits have a musk overlay with a dash of spice in the background. Dry to off dry finish with crisp acidity and a brisk yet textured aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 89
2020 Black Cottage Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2021-2023)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBright very pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of ripe pear and Jonathan apple have a light musk overlay with a whiff of quince also evident. Light and vibrant across the palate pear, citrus and red apple fruits have a zesty feel with faint infusions of musk also present. Dry finish with crisp acidity and a zippy aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 90
2020 Black Cottage ChardonnayMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2021-2024)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinRetasted 17/06/2021
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5%
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 91
2020 Black Cottage Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2021-2023)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with a faint glimmer of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. A mix of passionfruit, zesty citrus and gooseberry aromas are trailed by some grassy asparagus notes. Zippy passionfruit and gooseberry flavours are backed by crunchy acidity that has a citrus like zest to it. Subtle grassy asparagus characters are also present. Finishes dry with infusions of flinty minerals on the racy aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 90
2015 Black Cottage Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2017-2018)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a very faint greenish tinge around the outskirts and a watery hue. Aromas of passionfruit are followed by some green apple, fresh limes and faint mineral. Light and crisp the palate has flavours of passionfruit, zingy citrus and mineral. Dry finish with racy acidity and an aftertaste of passionfruit and citrusy mineral.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 13% -
- 93
2017 Black Cottage Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2017-2019)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a faint tinge of green around the outskirts. Pronounced herbaceous gooseberry and passionfruit aromas intermingle with green apple and grassy citrus like notes. Zesty passionfruit and citrus flavours fill the mouth followed by some ripe gooseberry and subtle herbaceous grassy characters. Finishes dry and crisp with a hint of minerality. Aftertaste of passionfruit, gooseberries, citrus and subtle herbaceous grassy characters.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
2018 Black Cottage Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2019)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a slight tinge of green around the edges. Pungent passionfruit, ripe gooseberry and zesty citrus aromas jump from the glass with grassy capsicum like end notes. Intense flavours of ripe gooseberries, passionfruit and citrus fill the mouth underscored by some herbaceous grassy characters. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and a long flavoursome aftertaste. Great Value.
Drink now.
Alc. 13% -
- 90
2017 Black Cottage Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2018-2020)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of ripe pears and red apples are overlaid by some honeysuckle and citrus. The freshly textured palate is flavoured with pears and ripe apples over subtle honeysuckle, citrus and light spice. Clean dry finish with vibrant acidity and an aftertaste of pears, red apples and citrusy honeysuckle characters.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 91
2018 Black Cottage Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2020-2021)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBright pale straw colour with a watery hue. The nose offers up pear and ripe red apple aromas which intermingle with honeysuckle, subtle musk and quince like notes. Fullish textural feel with generous honeysuckle laced flavours of ripe pear and apple over light quince and spice. Finishes dry with good fresh acidity and a medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
2016 Black Cottage Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2016)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a very faint tinge of green around the edges. Intense aromas of passionfruit, gooseberries and citrus with grassy capsicum end notes. Refreshing flavours of zesty passionfruit, citrus and gooseberry flavours dominate over some grassy capsicum infusions. Racy acidity with an aftertaste of passionfruit, citrus, herbaceous gooseberries and faint capsicum.
Drink now.
Alc 13% -
- 92
2014 Black Cottage Reserve ChardonnayMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: 2 - 3 Years (2018-2019)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinFermented and aged in 100% French oak barrels for 11 months. Bright straw colour with a watery hue. Ripe peach and honeycomb characters jump out of the glass followed by some butterscotch, biscuity oak and citrusy nougat. Light to medium weight with a creamy like textural feel the palate features flavours of ripe peaches melded to honeycomb and butterscotch characters with citrusy nougat and faint spice on the fresh finish. Aftertaste of light butterscotch, honeycomb, biscuity nougat, cashew and citrus.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc 13.5% -
- 93
2015 Bladen Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2017-2018)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a faint tinge of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. The nose yields aromas of passionfruit, green apples and herbaceous gooseberries with citrus and faint capsicum end notes. Zesty palate flavours of passionfruit, green apples and citrusy mineral. Clean crisp acidity with an aftertaste of passionfruit, citrus and mineral.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 13% -
- 94
2012 Bladen Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Screw CapIn 1989, Christine and Dave Macdonald left their city lives behind to realise their dream of establishing a vineyard and winery. With caravan in tow the family embarked on a national tour to find the ideal winegrowing region and vineyard location. Settling in Marlborough, they planted their vineyard by hand, initially growing grapes for local wineries before creating their own wines under the Bladen name.
Brilliant very pale straw almost water like colour with faint greenish tinge around the edges and watery hue. The nose shows good intensity with lifted passionfruit and citrus aromas followed by some green apple and a trace of mineral. Mouthfilling flavours of passionfruit are dominate followed by some lime, citrus and mineral. Clean crisp finish. Excellent concentration with long passionfruit, lime and mineral aftertaste.
Drink now (2012).
Alc 13.0% - 2017 Bodega Castro Martin Sobre Lias AlbarinoRias Baixas, SPAIN$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Synthetic CorkCastro Martin is a benchmark Albarino producer that exemplifies the cool, damp coastal granite of Val do Salnes, the birthplace and sub-region of the purest of Albariños in Rias Baixas, just north of Portugal on the Atlantic coast. For the 2017 bottling, the Australian importer requested the Bodegas select their finest tank to be unfiltered to preserve all the textural enjoyment. Expect flavours of pears and tangy citrus over traces of green apple and moderate acidity. 12.5% Alc./Vol.
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- 91
2016 Bodega Castro Martin Sobre Lias AlbarinoRias Baixas, SPAIN$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2018-2020)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Synthetic CorkBrilliant pale straw colour with a distinctive tinge of green to the outskirts and a watery hue. Lifted ripe pear aromas intermix with hints of cantaloupe and quince followed by honeysuckle and light spice end notes. Fresh and lively the palate has flavours of pears and tangy citrus over traces of green apple finishing with zesty mineral infused acidity. Dry conclusion with an aftertaste of pears, green apple, zesty citrus and mineral.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 89
2020 Bodegas Cota 45 Ube MirafloresListan, SPAIN$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2021-2023)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkMade in a ‘sherry-like’ style from Palomino grapes, this wine ages under flor but is not fortified, with a focus of fruit character. Aged for 8 months in old sherry oak barrels. Bright pale straw to straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of citrus pine, waxy notes, almond and spicy pear. Fresh pear and citrus pine like flavours line the light yet nicely rounded mid palate with some lime, salted almond and a subtle waxiness lingering on the back half. Finishes dry with brisk acidity and a salted almond laced aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 93
2019 Bodegas Cota 45 Ube MirafloresListan, SPAIN$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2021-2024)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkMade in a ‘sherry-like’ style from Palomino grapes, this wine ages under flor but is not fortified, with a focus of fruit character. Aged for 8 months in old sherry oak barrels. Bright straw colour with a watery hue. Pronounced pear and dried apple scents mix with nutty bees wax like notes and cinnamon spice. Very dry yet textural, the palate has a Manzanilla sherry like flavour profile of pear and citrus over hazelnut, flor lees and spice. Saline finish with bright acidity and a lingering dried nut aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 91
2014 Bodegas Eidosela Charquino AlbarinoRias Baixas, SPAIN$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: 1 - 2 Years (2017-2018)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBright straw colour with a watery hue. Pear and ripe apple aromas intermix with honeysuckle, hints of lychee and lime. The palate possesses good richness and a full rounded textural feel but finishes fresh. Flavours of pears, apples, subtle lime and honeysuckle. Clean dry finish with bright acidity. Aftertaste of ripe pears, apples, lime and faint honeysuckle.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 12.5% -
- 89
2015 Bodegas Eidosela Arbastrum CosechaRias Baixas, SPAIN$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2017-2018)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinMade from a blend of Albarino, Loureiro and Treixadura grapes. Deep straw colour with a pale straw hue. Aromas of ripe pear, cantaloupe and lemon butter are followed by honeysuckle and spice. The palate has a broad rounded textural feel with flavours of pears, cantaloupe, a touch of honeysuckle, lemon butter, traces of dried nuts and spice, finishing dry with fresh acidity. Aftertaste of spicy pears, cantaloupe, lemon butter, light honeysuckle and traces of nut.
Drink now.
Alc. 12% -
- 91
2019 Borgo Viscone Pinot GrigioFriuli, ITALY$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2021)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBright pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pear, green apple and lime are trailed by subtle flinty mineral notes. Light and zippy the palate features pear and lime fruits over red apple and stony mineral accents. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and a lively flint infused aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 12.5%