Tasting notes GIESEN CLAYVIN SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR CLOUDY BAY PINOT NOIR
GREYWACKE WILD SAUVIGNON
2016 / $43
Kevin Judd made Cloudy Bay’s first sauvignon blanc in 1985, eventually going on to launch his own label, Greywacke, in 2009. Judd’s 2016 Wild Sauvignon takes an innovative turn with wild-yeast fermentation in oak casks and extended lees contact. Fresh quince, ginger and pink grapefruit define the nose. It has deep, savoury flavours that would go well with a chicken tagine.
2014 / $75
The three Giesen brothers are quiet achievers, basing their strong business on sauvignon blanc and upscaling their image with a range of single-vineyard wines. The organic Clayvin Vineyard dates back to 1993. Notes of dark plum and boysenberry and an earthy porcini mushroom bouquet lead to a sturdy frame and power-packed finish to the pinot noir, which would suit a duck pie.
FROMM LA STRADA CHARDONNAY
2016 / $40
Swiss winemaker Hätsch Kalberer has been at the helm of Fromm since 1992, his deep, thoughtful wines far removed from Marlborough’s simple savvies. Made in the Burgundian style, this chardonnay features an intense bouquet of preserved lemon, honeydew melon and cumquat. Ripe stone fruits and candied peel tones make it an ideal match for lobster.
2016 / $60
In 1985, Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc put the variety, the region and the brand on the world wine map. Under the LVMH banner, the portfolio now includes Pelorus sparkling, chardonnay and this juicy, redfruited pinot noir. Cherry and damson plum mingle with exotic spices and autumn leaves. The palate is lush and plush, with sufficient drive to complement teriyaki salmon.
TE WHARE RA SINGLE VINEYARD 5182 RIESLING “D”
2016 / $30
Australian winemaker Anna Flowerday and her New Zealand viticulturist husband, Jason, teamed up in 2003 to revitalise this now 40-year-old vineyard. Organic and biodynamic practices produce pristine fruit for their riesling. Jasmine and orange blossom aromas lead to a tight, bright, bone-dry palate. The lime flavours are made for freshly shucked oysters.