TOP OF THE TASTING
even crazier. “Such an outstanding wine,” announced Yvonne. “Perfumed with spiced popcorn and grilled grapefruit, it’s richly layered with stone fruit, struck match and caramelised oak elements. It unveils new flavours with every sip.” Corey agreed, applauding the fine lemon curd and toasty textures. It is absolutely a joy to drink and represents a juicy, intensely fresh walk on the wild side.
Auntsfield Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 ($45)
Holy moly! This is an aristocrat if ever there was one. “Dark, fleshy, bold and fruity,” said Cameron. Corey was equally impressed, adding dense cherry, black doris and spiced currant characters to the mix, while Ric salivated over its big, ripe, juicy mouthfeel and beyond lovely drinkability. The team at Auntsfield have created a seriously impressive wine with layers of dried herbs and firm, sweet tannins. Totally deserving of the top spot.
Akarua Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2017 ($45)
“Love!” noted Yvonne at the first sip.
“It’s dark, glossy and inky in the glass, seriously juicy and succulent.” Jane agreed: “Gorgeous colour and really lifted on the nose, it’s a floral, fruity, sensational wine that’s nicely integrated and harmonious, soft, velvety and incredibly ripe.” This pure and delightful pinot also impressed the pants off Colin. “Lustrous colour, lush, classy, fruit, good use of stems. Ripe but refined.”
Outlier Cartel Cloudburst Oat Cream Douple IPA 440ml ($10.90) 8.5% ABV 75 IBU
Wow. Wow. And triple wow. This incredibly balanced beauty from brewer Carlos de la Barra and his team pulls in huge hoppiness on the nose, hints of mānuka honey and is quietly persistent, according to Cameron. The hops hit Martin in the face with rocking resinosity (new word). “Light on its feet for such a big beer,” he marvelled. “Totally smashable,” Yvonne agreed, noting its rich yet refreshing texture and bitterness.
Tuatara XV Russian Imperial Stout 500ml ($19.99) 11% ABV 90 IBU
“I LOVE this deliciously rich, rumpty, brew with its espresso-hued foamy head and aromatic intensity on the nose that’s matched by a long, creamy finish – great stuff!” announced Yvonne on the first sip of this beer. Cameron felt it was as rich as a Turkish coffee mix, with creamy cocoa and dark smoky tones. “Other-worldly, powerful but benevolent,” sighed Martin, instructing future drinkers to pour over quality vanilla ice cream immediately.
Vidal Estate Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($20)
A unanimous winner. To quote the 90s Britpop sensations Jesus Jones: “Right here right now – there is no other place I want to be!” said Yvonne of this miraculously tasty Marlborough sauvignon, crafted by Hugh Crichton and his team at Vidal Estate. “It’s juicy, rich and erupts with huge herbaceousness, jalapeño and lime.” Ross agreed, saying that with its sweet floral and white nectarine notes, it gets better with every sip. Cameron applauded its solid, crisp, refreshing character and deliciously dry length of flavour. This is a true champion sauvignon blanc and the fact that you can buy it for $20 or less from your average supermarket is mind-blowing.
Waimea Estate Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($19.99)
“Such a pretty wine, showing classic herbs, nettles, florals and incredible concentration; this is a seriously attractively fruity wine,” noted Jane. While agreeing on the ‘nettle’ front, it was the length of flavour that impressed James. “Powerful,” said Colin. “Here’s a wine with intense depth of flavour and lovely balance.” The team at Waimea have Nelson sauvignon blanc nailed.