A rich but focused wine, this Pinot Noir will probably age well.
Fruit on the palate is fresh and bright. Tannins provide much needed structure. Medium long, red fruit finish. But there’s depth, too, with a hint of spice and earth to add complexity.
Simply put — we liked it a lot. Great value and, of course, goes very well with Lamb.
PINOT NOIR – MARISCO THE NED MARLBOROUGH
$24.99
14% alcohol
UPC: 00626990160847
Medium bodied. Light. Clear. Non-citrusy. Very nice minerality with a hint of lemongrass.
It is superbly structured and balanced . There is an excellent crisp acidity on the finish.
This delightful wine is entirely grown, crafted, and bottled in Marlborough and certified sustainable by the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand organization.
This would be great with snacks fare.
We should look for their Gewurtz and Chardonnays to see what they are like
SAUVIGNON BLANC – WHITEHAVEN MARLBOROUGH 2019
$16.99 regularly $18.99
13.0% alcohol
UPC: 09418579070019
It’s fresh. It’s light. It’s Fragrant. Nice, but not offensively fruit driven. Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay.
This one is ideal as an aperitif or, as we did, with an omelette with parboiled, then grilled, potato slices.
it was recently awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
ROSE – OYSTER BAY MARLBOROUGH 2020
$17.99 regularly $19.99
13% alcohol
UPC: 09415549805602
Taking the best of different regions on the South Island of New Zealand, we have the best characteristics all in one wine.
Soil mixes, rootstock mixes and clones – all blended for a unique profile.
Partially aged in French oak barrels, then aged in a mixture of French oak barrels and tank for five months.
It was superb with herb-crusted lamb chops. Next time, we’ll try it on it’s own.
PINOT NOIR – KIM CRAWFORD SOUTH ISLAND 2018
$21.99 regularly $23.99
13.5 % Alcohol
UPC: 09419227005193
Not often that we get to compare two of the same grape back to back.
Just because Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular wines, it doesn’t mean it is the most prominent in our wine rack. The Goddess makes sure that we try a lot of different grapes.
These two choices are great – but quite different in flavour and texture.
The Tom Gore had a longer finish whilst the Villa Maria highlighted what’s important as it works it’s way through the range of your taste buds.
Both are full, with creamy textures and have slight suggestions of oak.
The Tom Gore grapes are sourced from North and Central California Coast vineyards and have a 2% addition of Sauvignon Blanc.
Villa Maria has a blend of Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Waipara fruit.
We kept the food light with both. Next time, I think I’d try both with soft and mild cheeses or a light lunch just to let the winesspeak louder than the meal.
Tom Gore Chardonnay
$19.99
13.5%
AlcoholUPC: 00086003248014
Villa Maria East Chardonnay
$15.99
13.0% Alcohol
UPC: 09414416501876
Restrained? What the hell! Am I supposed to tie up the grapes and whip them instead of stomping on them to get out the juice?
Where do some of these wine reviewers get their terminology?
Another reviewer of this Sauv Blanc went on to say that the Vineyard is a story of passion. Now we’re getting kinky. Next thing you know we’re going to have to put a Restricted rating on the wine.
Villa Maria was also the first wine company in New Zealand to declare the winery a “cork-free zone,” sealing all wines from the 2001 vintage onwards with a screw cap to ensure quality in every bottle. They have used sustainable viticulture and wine making since the1990s. And they have been NZ’s most Admired Wine Brand from 2015-2019 for consistently outstanding focus on quality.
Southern Clays is a sub-region of the Wairau Valley in the eastern foothills of Marlborough New Zealand.
Definitely a fruit driven style with natural acidity.
Very much enjoyed with quick seared scallops (lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika) and the house Special couscous made with the usual bad boys of cumin, cardamon, and turmeric.
SAUVIGNON BLANC – VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS MARLBOROUGH 18
$24.97 regularly $33.99
13% Alcohol
UPC: 09414416105470
