Winery - Wairau River
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
On the lean and mean side, with green-bean aromas and sour melon flavors that veer toward pickled jalapeño on the finish. Characterful and distinctive, but not my style.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The bouquet here is confounding. It has some green vegetable and cat-pee qualities as well as white stone fruits, sulfur and popcorn. In a word, it’s complicated. In the mouth, grapefruit and celery flavors mingle with green grapes, while on the back end it’s chalky and rather tart. The overall acidity is high, and there’s one important thing missing here: balance.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Melon, citrus and green-bean aromas get a lift from some smoky oak. The thick, meaty palate is also a tad oaky, but it comes through with plenty of ripe melon, citrus and a hint of butterscotch—presumably from the oak. The finish is full and evolves in layers, always a good sign of a wine’s overall quality.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Light ruby in color, this wine doesn’t appear to be terribly rich or concentrated. But it’s a charming, soft little Pinot, intended to caress the palate rather than stun it. Sous bois and cherries are framed by barrel-derived notes of caramel, cedar and vanilla. Ends slightly woody, but should smooth out in another few months.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Starts off with aromas of passion fruit and lime, then adds a hint of green pea to the tropical fruit and citrus flavors. Medium-bodied, with a zesty, fresh finish. Drink now.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A deft touch with oak leaves this wine’s green-apple and citrus flavors with only the barest hints of toast, woodsmoke and spice. Bears a resemblance to well-made Macons.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A medium-bodied, creamy-textured rendering of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with notes of tropical fruit and clementines balanced by hints of struck flint and red bell pepper. Finishes soft and easy. Drink now.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A disappointing effort from this respected producer, the 2001 reserve has turned out unusually heavy and ponderous, with sweet, passion fruit-laced flavors that turn slightly metallic on the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Asparagus and green-herb aromas run smoothly into grapefruit, passion-fruit and sweet green-pea flavors. More citrus fruits emerge on the tart, cleansing finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is an “easy” style of Sauvignon Blanc, with stone fruit flavors that never get overly herbaceous. It’s crisp enough to serve as an apéritif, yet not possessed of bracing acidity. In short, it’s easy to drink and easy to like.
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