Winery - Matariki
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Smells lush and opulent, almost like a barrel-fermented wine, and it’s astonishing that the wine never saw oak. The evocative fruity flavors are extravagant and juicy, ranging from fresh lime to ripe peaches. Drinks dry, yet with a honeyed ripeness, accompanied by a great burst of mouthwatering acidity.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Fine cool-climate Syrah, with characteristic cracked-black-pepper aromas and ample acidic backbone to support rich blackberry fruit. Tannins are firm, but ripe. Not a fat, jammy style at all, but based on structure and spicy nuance.
Tags:
Matariki Syrah - 1999
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A rich, lush blend of tropical and stone fruits, partially barrel-fermented to add a creamy texture and subtle spice notes. Seductive and supple in the mouth but with a solid backbone of acidity that keeps it from turning soft or mushy.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Matariki’s Reserve Cab boasts true varietal notes of mint and cassis upfront, then turns intense and chocolaty on the palate. There’s a hint of capsicum, but it’s largely hidden by bold lashings of oak. Could age decently, but there’s no real reason to defer gratification.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Hmmm. This has plenty of intensity, strident grapefruit flavors and crisp acids, but the aromas are marked by onion or garlic scents that make the wine perplexing to evaluate. From memory, a bottle tasted nonblind seemed much cleaner, so perhaps the sample was just off?
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This medium-weight red blend is very drinkable already, with soft tannins framing juicy flavors of plums, black cherries and vanilla. Notes of smoke, toast and dried herbs add a layer of complexity.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Matariki’s entry-level Sauvignon Blanc (they also make a Reserve) is a basic, grass-and-grapefruit version of New Zealand “Savvy.” It’s relatively light in body, with crisp acidity and a cleansing finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Avoids the overtly herbal-vegetal aspects of Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, instead opting for deep passion-fruit and nectarine flavors. Turns just a bit green on the finish, with a welcome hint of jalapeño.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A step down from the superbly concentrated 2004, Matariki’s Sauvignon features modest grapefruit flavors allied to racy acidity this vintage. Light and zippy on the palate, it’s tart and refreshing.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is from a part of New Zealand not known for its Pinot Noir, but don’t discount it for that—it offers plenty of Pinot character, from its earth, mushroom and cola-scented bouquet to its plump, silky texture and tart, sour-cherry finish. Drink now.
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