8. DEUTZ METHODE TRADITIONNELLE BRUT NV MARLBOROUGH CUVEE ($26.59)
Gold Medal
There’s so much going on in this wine. A smoky, funky nose, pillowy, marshmallow bead, a softly developing palate and a complex, truffle-infused style. “It’s like drinking a cloud,” announced Yvonne. Sachi referred to it as “flirty” and ever-so-slightly smoky. Both Colin and Andrew loved its fullness, complexity, fruit concentration and depth of flavour. Deutz has been a star on our sparkling shelves for decades, long may it continue.
9. AKARUA VINTAGE BRUT 2011 ($48) Silver Medal
This is Akarua’s second appearance in our top 12 and it’s easy to see why. “Light honey from the comb and ripe lemon on the palate,” noted Andrew, while Yvonne highlighted its creamy mouthfeel and nutty elements. “The palate is very dry, with yeast and mineral complexity,” added Colin. “It has excellent bead, balance and proportion.” Six years on from harvest and this wine is maturing very nicely indeed.
10. LINDAUER CLASSIC ROSÉ NV ($12.99) Silver Medal
There hasn’t been a Dish sparkling wine tasting where this wine did not feature prominently. It stood out among a very strong rosé class because it’s an incredibly well-made example, complete with a perfect pink salmon hue and soft palate of cherry, cranberry and toast. It’s youthful, rich, almost marmalade-like nose and fresh, snappy palate had all our judges nodding in agreement.
11. MORTON WHITE LABEL BRUT NV ($19.99) Silver Medal
“Nutty and rich on the nose with nougat notes, it’s creamy and fresh and beautifully structured,” commented Yvonne. But it was the attractively oxidative, biscuity caramel and apple characters that sealed the deal for our judging team. “The fruit profile is great and it shows lovely freshness on the palate and excellent length,” added Andrew. The Morton White Label definitely holds its place in the “fabulous fizz” class.
12. NO. 1 FAMILY ESTATE CUVÉE VIRGINIE 2009 ($85) Silver Medal
Deeply coloured and showing pretty lemon, apple and breadcrust aromas, this is a creamy, nougat-edged example from No. 1 Family Estate, which is full, balanced and maturing beautifully, according to Yvonne. “It’s a very pretty wine with persistent, finely tuned bead and pillowy mousse. It’s rich, golden, toasty and has elegant flirtatiousness on the finish and has years in it yet.”