TASTING PANEL: THE BEST OF THE BEST
Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin rounds up the wines and beers that topped our tastings over the past year.
It’s the dish Champions League! Drinks Editor Yvonne Lorkin rounds up the wines and beers that topped our tastings over the past year
Nautilus Cuvée Marlborough Brut NV ($39)
If Nautilus winemaker Clive Jones’ initials were CG then we’d be cool with it because that’d stand for ‘complete genius’ – and that’s what his sparkling wine skills represent. “Lovely lees complexity, great presence and a texturally delicious mouthfeel,” announced Yvonne, while Cameron commented on the alluring roasted orchard fruits, toasty bouquet and long, rich finish that made this wine an easy winner. Made in the traditional method from 70 per cent pinot noir and 30 per cent chardonnay, it’s aged on its lees for three years before being disgorged to develop its famously delicious, biscuity, toasty flavours and, according to Rebecca, racy apple nuances. An absolute rock star that should be on your try-before-you-die list.
Daniel Le Brun Marlborough Vintage 2010 ($39.99)
Rebecca immediately noted its cleansing, fresh, marzipan notes, its elegant style and electricity on the palate. “I also love the biscuity nature of this wine,” commented Yvonne, “the almond meal, rising dough and serious mid-palate richness”. “It’s a very satisfying wine; long and flavoursome but with real finesse and delicacy,” added Cameron. Its cashew nut complexity and sophisticated, classy characters give this wine real generosity and drinkability. Stunning stuff.
Sawmill Brewery extra Pale Ale (XPA) 330ml ($21.99 x 6pk) 4.9% ABV
Yvonne loved the fresh acidity and hop layers in this exceptionally flavoursome beer. “Superb drinkability and balance, plus the astringency is complex and carries real personality.” Michael agreed, applauding its attractive aromas, its lean, clear, generous mouthfeel and its lovely bitterness. “Ultra-pale, fresh and fruity, clean and balanced, I could quite happily drink it all day,” announced Martin.
8 Wired Cucumber Hippy Berliner Weisse 440ml ($75 x 12pk) 4% ABV
“Wow! Wonderfully fresh cucumbers! Zingy and fruity and you SO should try this with a shot of Hendrick’s Gin,” urged Martin. Michael loved its gorgeous vinaigrette nose and sharp saltiness, “refreshing as an ice bath – yumbo!” Yvonne was suitably wowed by its nuances of white pepper and cucumber and its herbaceous, sour and seriously tangy mouthfeel.
te Pā Reserve Collection St Leonard’s Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 ($49.99)
This wine made an immediate impact on our judges. “Each sip is a wow moment,” said Yvonne, while Jane was impressed with its intense fruit purity, ripe fig notes, lovely, almondy oak and its “completeness”. It’s a harmonious, juicy, highly appealing example that’s hard to put down. Softly smoky, whipcrack fresh and bursting with stone fruit and citrus, winemaker Sam Bennett’s spectacular chardonnay will wow the crowds. That’s if you can bring yourself to share it.
Brancott Estate Letter Series ‘O’ Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 ($19.99- $29.99)
That this wine romps in at under $30 is a total headscratcher because it outclassed wines three times the price, and that it can be found discounted to $19.99 is »