Highly Recommended
(continued) 90–94pts
Rapaura Springs, Reserve Pinot Gris, Marlborough 2017
91 MB 90 RG 90 RJ 92 £15.99 Oddbins With juicy pear fruit, this is fresh, clean and focused, with a purity of touch to its creamy flavours. There’s a depth and sincerity that prevails here. A slight spritz, which is welcome.
Drink 2018-2020 Alc 13%
Tupari, Riesling, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2013
91 MB 92 RG 89 RJ 92 £16.95 Ester Wines Vim and vigour combine in this dry but mature Riesling. Powerful and sappy, with aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine and lemon cheesecake on the nose and flowing harmoniously to the palate. Drink 2019-2024 Alc 11%
Waimea Estates, Albariño, Nelson 2017 91 MB 90 RG 92 RJ 90
£13.99 North South Wines A succulent Albariño with lovely peach and red apple fruit. Rich yet fresh, well balanced and a touch of salinity on the conclusion. Deliciously drinkable. Drink 2019-2022 Alc 12.5%
Brancott Estate, Sauvignon Gris, Marlborough 2017
90 MB 89 RG 93 RJ 88 £11.59 Amazon, Ocado, Sainsbury’s,Tesco Bursting with grassy and nettle aromatics, this wine offers concentrated fruit on the attack. Dry, savoury and mouthfilling. This has a concentration that’s rarely found in the 2017 vintage. Drink 2018-2021 Alc 14%
Saint Clair, Bull Block 5 Pinot Gris, Omaka Valley, Marlborough 2016 91 MB 88 RG 89 RJ 95
POA Hallgarten, Majestic Wine A citrus-led Pinot Gris. Hints of stone fruit, but a focused and linear purity too. A spectrum of notes from delicate floral to juicy stone fruit, to perfumed rose bud and white flower. This is a lovely, classy wine. Drink 2018-2022 Alc 13%
Urlar, Organic Pinot Gris, Gladstone 2016 91 MB 92 RG 88 RJ 93
£13.65-£14.95 Carruthers & Kent, Exel, Great Western Wine Toasty flavours derived from French oak lie over the subtle characters of Pinot Gris. Perfect fruit has evolved beautifully, but could do with a touch more definition and poise.
Drink 2018-2021 Alc 14%
Wild Earth, Riesling, Bendigo, Central Otago 2017
91 MB 90 RG 92 RJ 91 £17.99 Carruthers & Kent, Liberty Wines Aromas of lime and citrus, with floral hints and pristine minerailty. Light-bodied but maintains a sense of purpose, with zingy green apple acidity on the finish. Drink 2019-2027 Alc 12%
Hunter’s, Gewürztraminer, Marlborough 2017
90 MB 92 RG 90 RJ 89 £15.95 Castang, Field & Fawcett, Jeroboams, Laithwaite’s, Wine Utopia Opulent flavours of Turkish Delight and roses are entwined with fresh lemon citrus acidity, texture and precision, resulting in a wine that is hugely appealing. Drink 2018-2026 Alc 14%
Tinpot Hut, McKee Vineyard Grüner Veltliner, Marlborough 2016 91 MB 92 RG 90 RJ 92
£15.70-£17.99 Carruthers & Kent, Exel, Liberty Wines Crunchy green apples and bright lemons. Rounded mid-palate, balanced with wonderful texture and richness. A lovely sweetness of fruit on the finish. Drink 2018-2021 Alc 13%
Villa Maria, Cellar Selection Albariño, Gisborne 2017
91 MB 95 RG 89 RJ 88 £14.90 Campbell’s of Leyburn, Hatch Mansfield, The New Zealand House of Wine Lots of varietal character, although the flavour concentration is dialled down. A weighty texture and subtle spice provide an elegant finish. Drink 2018-2020 Alc 14%
Alpha Domus, The Wingwalker Viognier, Hawkes Bay 2014
90 MB 90 RG 88 RJ 92 £17.50 Martinez Wines, The Cellar Tasting House & Wine Merchant, Whole Foods Market An ambitious oaked Viognier. Light toast meets stone fruit and a hint of lime citrus, with a fresh finish. Drink 2018-2024 Alc 14%
Jules Taylor, Pinot Gris, Marlborough 2017
90 MB 93 RG 88 RJ 89 £16.99 Decorum Vintners Bright, moreish and enticing. Lovely fresh acidity on the palate is complemented by subtle stone fruit notes and finishes with personality and an evolving phenolic grip. Drink 2018-2021 Alc 14% ➢