new zealand photo
 
 

New Zealand Red Wine

A wonderful country. I spent a year in New Zealand and toured both north and south islands. Wine making is a relatively new venture in the land of the long white cloud. There were virtually no grapes planted on south island until the 1970s! And already cool climate Marlborough has given the world a completely new style of wine with it's sensational sauvignon blanc. Love it or hate it, there's no other wine in the world like it. The cooler climate of the south island is also ideal for pinot noir and they make some stunning examples. As all the vineyards are virtually new, it's the pioneering spirit of couples and families that has been the back bone of New Zealand wine, while the rest of the world was being dominated by corporate brands. If you want a truly oustanding wine go for one that is family owned. The ones I'm recommending are superb.

The New Zealand wine industry has flourished and the number of wineries has virtually doubled in the last ten years from 600 or so to well over 1000, with the emergence of many boutique wineries. Anybody who has travelled to New Zealand knows that they are blessed with vast tracts of fertile land and usually great weather too, producing an abundance of fresh produce. They have a very healthy diet and lifestyle, and this passion for quality natural produce has influenced their winemaking. Steer clear of the mass produced brands, and particularly all the UK bottled "own label" Sauvignon Blanc that has flooded the UK since the credit crunch, and you will discover that there are many boutique wineries producing outstanding quality wines with minimal additives and manipulation.

The Gimblett Gravels area of Hawke's Bay has become world famous for quality reds, particularly Bordeaux varietals (such as Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec), and Syrah too. Hawke's Bay is also renowned for producing New Zealand's best Chardonnay. Waiheke Island is producing some outstanding reds, Martinborough is now recognised as a top region for Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, and Central Otago and Canterbury are producing world class Reisling as well as the Pinot Noir they're famous for. An abundance of riches!
 
 
Squawking Magpie photo
 
 

Squawking Magpie Winery

From day one I have passionately believed that quality fruit in our Gimblett Gravels vineyards in the Hawkes Bay would produce outstanding wine in our bottles.

While in the winery technical management and winemaking processes are necessarily complex, our aim has always been simple: to create quality wines worthy of fine food and great company.

That will always be our aim and I make a personal promise to diligently and unrelentingly keep on delivering just that. Life is short, so enjoy our wines today, but if you can trust yourself to cellar a bottle or two, you’ll be richly rewarded..

Gavin Yortt

Director, Squawking Magpie

 
 

Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2011 75cl

Gold Medal New World Wine Awards 2012

Squawking Magpie's tasting notes say:

" Dark and concentrated showing peppery and toasty oak characters, this wine has supple tannins with a firm, smooth and spicy finish. These grapes have been produced in the Gimblett Gravels growing region, and the quality and value has already drawn interest far and wide. This wine will not be in stock for long, secure your case today!"

Gavin makes his wines in a more classical old world style rather than the fruit driven style we're accustomed to from the new world. This Syrah needs some time to breathe and make sure it's at room temperature as it has quite delicate flavours. It's ruby in colour with good legs. On the palate there's red fruits with a creamy flavour and mouthfeel. It's medium bodied and soft. An ideal food wine.

Squawking Magpie Website

Further Information on Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2011 75cl

Price: £17.99


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Sulphite Content:
Awards:

NWWA
John's Rating

90 Points

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Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2011 75cl
 
 

Squawking Magpie The Nest Merlot 2006 75cl

Bronze Medal Royal Easter Show 2011

A rare wine indeed - a New Zealand red with some bottle age! This wine has been receiving great reviews and is extremely limited.

Squawking Magpie's tasting notes say:

" Only the best grapes were selectively hand-picked from single vineyard low yielding older vines, producing an exceptional wine with ample ripe tannins and a firm structure with a rich, supple texture. A wine with elegance and concentration not often encountered in New Zealand red wines. Deliciously drinkable now and will cellar superbly for up to 20 years. Enjoy!"

Squawking Magpie Website

Further Information on Squawking Magpie The Nest Merlot 2006 75cl

Price: £18.95


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RES
John's Rating

91 Points

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Squawking Magpie The Nest Merlot 2006 75cl
 
 

Squawking Magpie The Stoned Crow Syrah 2009 75cl

2011 Air New Zealand Wine Awards - Gold

2011 Bragato Wine Awards - Gold

2011 Hawkes Bay A&P Wine Awards - Gold

2012 Winestate Hawkes Bay Region - No 1 Syrah

2012 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards - Silver

2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition - Silver

2011 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards - Bronze

2012 Boutique Wine Awards - Bronze

2011 New Zealand International Wine Show - Bronze

2012 95 Points - Huan Hooke, wine writer Sydney Morning Herald

This wine is severely limited and Gavin restricts his New Zealand customers to one case maximum!

Squawking Magpie's tasting notes say:

" Dark oak concentrated derived from aging in French Oak. Showing peppery and toasty characters, this wine has supple tannins with a firm, smooth and spicy finish.

A serious single vineyard wine."

Squawking Magpie Website

Further Information on Squawking Magpie The Stoned Crow Syrah 2009 75cl

Price: £24.95


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ANZ
John's Rating

92 Points

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Squawking Magpie The Stoned Crow Syrah 2009 75cl
 
 
Julicher photo
 
 

Julicher Estate Winery

Julicher is a boutique winery on the Te Muna Terraces on the outskirts of Martinborough, built by Wim Julicher himself. In fact when we were out there in September 2011 Wim was building himself and Sue a bigger house on the vineyard (he used to be a builder before buying a vineyard). It's a stunning location well worth a visit if you get chance. They specialise in producing distinctive hand crafted wines and released their first vintage in 2002.

Although they have a good sized vineyard (20 hectares) on the Te Muna Terraces (which has a unique microclimate), the winery itself is on a small scale. Wim built a couple of good sized temperature controlled steel framed buildings which house all his winemaking equipment. It was a delight after visiting some large scale operations to see a real hands on working environment like this.

The grapes are grown right next to the winery, picked into small trays, carried into the winery and immediately vinified - you don't get fresher than that! This eliminates the commercial practice of spraying picked grapes with potassium metabisulphite to keep them fresh while they wait around the vineyard in large trailers or wagons. And it also ensures the grapes don't get damaged being tipped into these trailers so Wim is working with perfect fruit. These factors enable him to make top quality wines with comparatively very low sulphite levels

Wim and Sue do all the work themselves with help from two vineyard hands. Wim recruited a talented winemaker, Outi Jakovirta, who is originally from Helsinki but settled in New Zealand after working in the wine industry in several European countries, Australia and California. She completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University.

And that's the whole team - when we say this is hand made wine, it really is!

Julicher wines are already renowned for excellent Gold Medal winning Pinot Noirs, and they're quickly gaining a reputation for top quality whites too. Their Resling has been very highly praised - I tasted it and was blown away, but unfortunately it was already sold out. Their Pinot Gris is just fantastic, as is their Chardonnay. And the Sauv Blanc is very good too, as is the Pinot Noir Rose.........I could go on and on.

Their wines are superb quality, made with real passion. Please give them a try and support Wim and Sue as they strive to make the best Pinot Noir (and other varietals) in New Zealand!

 
 

Julicher Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009 75cl

New Zealand International Wine Show 2011 - Gold Medal

This wine is a blend of different clones of Pinot Noir from different parts of the vineyard, giving Wim the opportunity to blend the wine to his exact requirements. The grapes were hand harvested on 7th April 2009 into small vats. After fermentation the wine was aged in 35% new French oak for 11 months. This is a superb Pinot, outclassing many of it's Central Otago rivals at twice the price.

Extremely limited.

Fresh stock has just arrived, although it will sell quickly!

Julicher Website

Further Information on Julicher Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009 75cl

Price: £24.95


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Sulphite Content:
Awards:

NZIWC
John's Rating

92 Points
Free Sulphur (Current)
26 mg/l

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Julicher Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009 75cl
 
 

Julicher Martinborough 99 Rows Pinot Noir 2009 75cl

New Zealand International Wine Show - Gold Medal, Hong Kong Wine Show - Gold Medal.

The 99 Rows is a blend of 5 different clones of Pinot Noir from different rows of the vineyard, all hand harvested. The wine was blended then aged in French oak (15% new) for 10 months. Pale ruby in colour. Intense strawberry flavours on the palate, medium bodied with a really long finish. This is excellent wine.

Julicher Website

Further Information on Julicher Martinborough 99 Rows Pinot Noir 2009 75cl

Price: £19.96


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Sulphite Content:
Awards:

NZIWC
John's Rating

91 Points
Free Sulphur (Current)
26 mg/l

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Julicher Martinborough 99 Rows Pinot Noir 2009 75cl
 
 
 mills reef photo
 
 
Exclusive to us in the UK!

Mills Reef is widely recognised as one of the very best premium wineries in New Zealand. Their vineyards are in the unique Gimblett Gravels area of Hawke's Bay which has a unique microclimate thanks to the year round hot sunny weather, and the individual stoney soil structure from which the area gets it's name. Although New Zealand is better known for cool climate wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, there are a few pockets like Gimblett Gravels which are particularly suited to producing big powerful reds like Syrah and Bordeaux blends. No wonder then that Mills Reef have a reputation for producing New Zealand's best Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet as well as world class Bordeaux blends!

Their stunning purpose built winery is located further north in Bethlehem just outside Tauranga, on a 20 acre site with lovely views and a superb sun terrace for the restaurant. If you're ever travelling in New Zealand stop by and enjoy lunch on the terrace (much nicer than going into Tauranga itself!). They make their Reserve and Elspeth wines entirely on site here. As soon as the grapes are picked they're transported to the winery to be crushed and fermented. They have two temperature controlled cellars for ageing the wines, one for the whites, one for the reds. All their winemaking and ageing is done here, and the winery also has full laboratory facilities, a visitor centre, tasting rooms and restaurant catering for 150 people. It is nicely set up for visitors to relax and enjoy the experience while they sample some excellent wines.

We are delighted to be working with Mills Reef to bring their wines to wine lovers in the UK.

Please visit Mills Reef Website to read more about them.....
 
 

Mills Reef Reserve Syrah 2010 75cl

4.5 Stars - Sam Kim

The grapes for this wine were sourced from their superb 4 hectare "Trust" vineyard which produces outstanding Syrah from very low yielding vines. The harvest was completed in one day (May 6th 2010). The grape must was cold soaked for four days to extract colour, flavour and tannin then was fermented in stainless steel and subsequently aged in American and French oak for eleven months. It's bright ruby in colour. On the palate there's plenty of ripe fruit with a little spice and noticeable oak and vanilla on the finish. It's round and very smooth but not too heavy, being more medium bodied. Good stuff.

Last 3 bottles - no more in the UK till end of 2013

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Reserve Syrah 2010 75cl

Price: £17.99


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Sulphite Content:
Awards:

SK
John's Rating

90 Points
Sustainable Farming




OUT OF STOCK

Mills Reef Reserve Syrah 2010 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Reserve Merlot Malbec 2010 75cl

This 2010 has only just been released and has already been awarded Sam Kim 5 Stars and Wine Orbit 5 Stars 93 Points! The 09 was awarded - San Francisco International Wine Competition 2011 Gold Medal, Raymond Chan 5 Stars, Sam Kim 5 Stars, Bob Campbell 4 Stars, New Zealand International Wine Show 2011 - Bronze Medal.

I took a bottle of this 2010 to Carlo's Restaurant last night, the same as I did with the 2009. It was fantastic. Carlo has already added it to his impressive wine list - the first restaurant in the UK to list it. Please click the "more info" link for tasting notes of this 2010.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Reserve Merlot Malbec 2010 75cl

Price: £17.99


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Awards:

WO
John's Rating

92 Points
Sustainable Farming

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Mills Reef Reserve Merlot Malbec 2010 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Reserve Merlot 2009 75cl

4 Stars Bob Campbell, 4.5 Stars Cameron Douglas, 4 Stars Raymond Chan, New Zealand International Wine Show 2011 - Bronze Medal.

An excellent full bodied Merlot with power and elegance, perfectly suited to roast lamb and similar dishes. This wine has been selected for the New Zealand Governor General's Olympic Dinner at New Zealand House on the eve of the Olympics!

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Reserve Merlot 2009 75cl

Price: £17.99


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Mills Reef Reserve Merlot 2009 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Elspeth Merlot 2009 75cl

90 Points Bob Campbell. Wine Magazine New Zealand - Top Wine over $30 in the All New Zealand and Australia full bodied reds category, New Zealand International Wine Show 2011 - Bronze Medal, Sam Kim 5 Stars

Elspeth is Mills Reef's premium range of wines, and this Merlot is a big, big wine. Let it breathe for twenty minutes or so to open up then it's full of fruit, rich and full bodied. Very smooth with mouth coating tannins.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Elspeth Merlot 2009 75cl

Price: £29.95


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WMNZ
John's Rating

90 Points
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Mills Reef Elspeth Merlot 2009 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2010 75cl

Bragato New Zealand Wine Awards 2012 - Trophy "Champion Classical Red", 96 Points Bob Campbell, and IWC Silver Medal. The 2009 got 5 Stars from Sam Kim, Cameron Douglas and Raymond Chan!

This is one of their best and most popular wines. In fact after the 2009's amazing reviews it sold out instantly and we couldn't get any. So we've bought some of the 2010 immediately on release. Word at Mills Reef is that the 2010 wines are something special, so we eagerly await reviews on it. Their Elspeth Merlot 2010 just picked up a Gold at the IWC as did their Syrah 2010.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2010 75cl

Price: £29.95


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Brag
John's Rating

90 Points
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Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2010 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 75cl

5 Stars Sam Kim, 5 Stars Cameron Douglas, IWSC 5 Stars & Best in Class. Bob Campbell 94 Points & "No.4 Cab Sauv in New Zealand"

Elspeth is Mills Reef's premium tier of wines.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 75cl

Price: £29.95


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Sulphite Content:
Awards:

CD
John's Rating

90 Points
Sustainable Farming

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Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 75cl

International Wine Challenge 2012 - Gold Medal, 95 Points Bob Campbell

Elspeth is Mills Reef's premium tier of wines.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 75cl

Price: £29.95


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Sulphite Content:
Awards:

IWSC
John's Rating

90 Points
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Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Syrah 2010 75cl

93 Points Bob Campbell for this 2010. The 2009 was awarded 94 Points Bob Campbell, International Wine Challenge Gold Medal, Cameron Douglas 5 Stars, Raymond Chan 5 Stars, while the 2007 got 93 Points Bob Campbell, Cusine Magazine - New Zealand Syrah 5 Stars, Winestate 5 Stars, Michael Cooper 5 Stars, Bragato Wine Awards Gold.

The "Trust vineyard" wines are made by owner and founder of Mills Reef, Paddy Preston. His son Tim now makes the majority of their top end wines but Paddy likes to keep his hand in so they let him loose on this 4 hectare vineyard. His wines are excellent, and there is fierce (but friendly) rivalry between father and son! New Zealand wine reviewer Bob Campbell rated both the Trust Syrah 09 and Trust Cab Sauv 09 at 94 Points - the highest rating he has ever given to any Mills Reef wine, so you know Paddy's wines are something special. Mills Reef believe the 2010 vintage is exceptional so we eagerly await Bob's review on them!

Extremely limited availability.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Syrah 2010 75cl

Price: £29.95


Case discounts available
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Sulphite Content:
Awards:

BC
John's Rating

90 Points
Sustainable Farming

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Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Syrah 2010 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2010 75cl

IWC 2012 - Gold Medal and Trophy for Best New Zealand Syrah!

Bragato New Zealand Wine Awards 2012 - Trophy for "Champion Syrah"

Sam Kim 5 Stars

Made from grapes grown exclusively at their Mere Road vineyard, all hand picked. These "Mere Road" wines are made by Tim Preston, whereas their Trust vineyard wines are made by Tim's dad, Paddy. So there is plenty of rivalry between them as you can imagine!

Exceptionally limited of course. Mills Reef wines are exclusive to us in the UK and we only have a few cases on our allocation. This wine is about to be featured at the Taste of Gold event in London so will likely sell out within a few days. If you want some I suggest you order now.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2010 75cl

Price: £34.99


Case discounts available
Case Size



Sulphite Content:
Awards:

IWC
John's Rating

92 Points
Sustainable Farming

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Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2010 75cl
 
 

Mills Reef Elspeth ONE 2005 75cl

93 Points Bob Campbell. 5 Stars Michael Cooper

Elspeth ONE is Mills Reef's ultimate wine.

Mills Reef Website



Further Information on Mills Reef Elspeth ONE 2005 75cl

Price: £50.00


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MC
John's Rating

93 Points
Sustainable Farming

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Mills Reef Elspeth ONE 2005 75cl
 
 
We are delighted to be working with John Coney of Morton Estates to bring his wines once again to the UK consumer. They are frankly sensational. Morton Estates are one of New Zealand's very best wine producers and are proudly independent, producing some of the finest wines in the world, confirmed by their impressive collection of international awards. They own several of the best vineyards in Marlborough and Hawke's Bay, and they control every aspect of the wine making process from grape selection to bottle closure - a rare attribute these days. Their wines are listed at some of the finest hotels in the world including the Savoy and the Ritz in London, Tokyo American Club, Les Bookinistes in Paris, Montage in San Francisco and the Peak Cafe in Hong Kong. They have been invited to pour at the New York Wine Experience a remarkable three times - a feat reserved for the world's top 200 Chateaux. Yet John's very down to earth and is genuinely thrilled to see his wine appreciated on it's own merits. I've never before met a wine maker who makes so many consistently good wines. I cannot recommend them enough.

Click here for more info on Morton Estates

Morton Estates
 
 

Morton Estates Hawkes Bay Black Label Syrah 2007 75cl

International Wine Challenge 2011 - Silver Medal, Decanter 2011 - Bronze Medal plus many other awards. George Reidel has selected this wine to show off their Syrah glasses - out of all Syrahs worldwide as he normally selects French!

Please click the "more info" link for tasting notes.

Morton Estate Website

Further Information on Morton Estates Hawkes Bay Black Label Syrah 2007 75cl

Price: £17.95



Sulphite Content:
Awards:

IWC
John's Rating

88 Points

Quantity:  


Morton Estates Hawkes Bay Black Label Syrah 2007 75cl
 
 

Morton Estates The Regent Bordeaux Blend 2004 75cl

4 Stars - Sam Kim

This wine is a product of Morton Estate's dedicated vineyard planting programme, matching individual grape varieties to their ideal terroir. A blend of Merlot (68%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%) and Cabernet Franc (20%) matured separately in both French and American oak then blended to produce this supreme wine. Delicious fruit enhanced by a fine tannic structure to produce a wine of elegance and complexity.

Morton Estate Website

Further Information on Morton Estates The Regent Bordeaux Blend 2004 75cl

Price: £21.95


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Sulphite Content:
Free Sulphur
(at bottling)
21 mg/l
Awards:

SK
John's Rating

92 Points

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Morton Estates The Regent Bordeaux Blend 2004 75cl
 
 

Morton Estates The Mercure Bordeaux Blend 2009 75cl

A blend of predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Plenty of ripe fruit aged in both American and French oak, with a hint of pepper and soft tannins. Drinking well. Pair with red meats. I find myself drinking a lot of this one at the moment. Soft, smooth, very easy drinking. Not a big complex wine but ideal when you want something good which can be opened and consumed straight away, without breaking the bank.

Morton Estate Website

Further Information on Morton Estates The Mercure Bordeaux Blend 2009 75cl

Price: £8.88



Sulphite Content:
Free Sulphur
(at bottling)
28 mg/l
John's Rating


Quantity:  


Morton Estates The Mercure Bordeaux Blend 2009 75cl
 
 

Morton Estates Black Label Pinot Noir 2010 75cl

Decanter Bronze Medal, IWC Bronze Medal. 86 points Bob Campbell for the 07.

The best fruit from their Stone Creek vineyard in Marlborough was harvested at the optimum time to produce this delicious wine. Fermented in stainless steel without wood ageing, to preserve the cherry fruit flavours and the slightly earthy notes from the terroir of the particular vineyard. A lovely full wine, smooth and lingering with soft tannins. Pair with light meats or poultry. I recently enjoyed a bottle in a very good local restaurant with John Coney. It was the ideal accompaniment to our duck leg starter and our Welsh lamb main course. This is a great food wine. Highly recommended.

Last 6 bottles until new stock arrives!

Morton Estate Website

Further Information on Morton Estates Black Label Pinot Noir 2010 75cl

Price: £15.95



Sulphite Content:
Free Sulphur
(at bottling)
28 mg/l
Awards:

DEC
John's Rating

90 Points

Quantity:  


Morton Estates Black Label Pinot Noir 2010 75cl
 
 
Jurassic Ridge photo
 
 

Jurassic Ridge Winery - Waiheke Island

Wineries anywhere don't come more "boutique" than Jurassic Ridge!

Waiheke Island is now New Zealand's most fashionable wine region, since it was discovered it had the ideal conditions to make world class red wines from traditional French and Italian grape varieties.

Jurassic Ridge, owned and run by Lance and Luciana Blumhardt, is a tiny operation of just 1.6 hectares where all the wines are made by hand - literally. The operation is just Lance and his wife Luciana who hails from the fabulous Taurasi district of Italy (famous for making some special red wines from the local Aglianico grape, and a particular favourite of mine!).

Lance is a retired neurologist, now a full time winemaker, vineyard hand, cellar door person and odd job man organising everything on the vineyard and in the winery. Luciana is a still active neurophysiologist, as well as full time vineyard hand and viticulturist. Lance had originally studied geology before switching to medicine which no doubt had a hand in him selecting a unique piece of land consisting of 155 million year old Jurassic rock to plant his vineyard.

While teaching medical students in the UK he found himself spending too much time in the Chateaux of Bordeaux, and decided it was time to take early retirement and set up his own vineyard and winery.

They planted their vineyard by hand in 2002. It takes several years before a vine is fit to yield a working crop so the actual winemaking started with the 2004 vintage. Since then they've gone on to win some top awards and huge critical praise. Their wines are made with real passion and attention to detail that often gets quickly lost in bigger operations. Not surprisingly given his time in France, Lance's wines have an old world influence focussing on elegance and structure over pure fruit.

Lance also has a unique vineyard in the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough, which is roughly midway between Blenheim and Awatere Valley. This produces wonderful fruit with mineral qualities, which Lance's good friend Alan McCorkindale (former head winemaker at Cloudy Bay back when they were making outstanding wines) vinifies for him. This Sauvignon Blanc is something special!

Stock arriving early November.
 
 

Jurassic Ridge Syrah 2009 75cl

Jurassic Ridge text states:

"New release - after barrel and bottle ageing in cellar until September 2012. The 2009 vintage is in my opinion underated. The wines are elegant, long and delicate with lovely soft tannins and subtle spice - very 'European' on the palate according to some tasters who should know! They are drinking well now but will cellar further - for 5 years or more."

Jurassic Ridge Website

Further Information on Jurassic Ridge Syrah 2009 75cl

Price: £29.95



Sulphite Content:
John's Rating

91 Points
Sustainable Farming

Quantity:  


Jurassic Ridge Syrah 2009 75cl
 
 

Jurassic Ridge Syrah 2008 75cl

Bragato Wine Awards Auckland 2011 - Gold Medal. 4.5 Stars Sam Kim. 4 Stars Michael Cooper

Jurassic Ridge text states:

"A single vineyard, hand-crafted, estate-grown and produced wine from one of our best ever vintages, made entirely (100%) from Syrah (Limmer clone) grapes. Characteristic black fruit, plums, liquorice, cassis (blackcurrant) with spicey black pepper and velvety smooth tannins. Drinking well now or cellar for another 4-5 years."

Excellent quality showing high level of concentration and balance. It's ripe and fragrant on the nose displaying red/black plum, spice, game and black pepper characters. The palate is succulent and generously flavoured with lovely mid palate weight and silky texture leading to a pleasantly drying finish. A well structured and varietally expressive Syrah. At its best: now to 2015. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit June 2011

'The 2008 vintage ...grown at Church Bay, on Waheke Island...is a distinctly savoury and earthy style with good density of blackcurrant and spice flavours and ripe, supple tannins'. Rated 'Excellent quality, Silver medal standard'. Michael Cooper , Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines 2011.

Jurassic Ridge Website

Further Information on Jurassic Ridge Syrah 2008 75cl

Price: £34.94



Sulphite Content:
Awards:

Brag
John's Rating

92 Points
Sustainable Farming

Quantity:  


Jurassic Ridge Syrah 2008 75cl
 
 

Jurassic Ridge Cabernet Franc 2009 75cl

Jurassic Ridge Website

Further Information on Jurassic Ridge Cabernet Franc 2009 75cl

Price: £24.95



Sulphite Content:
John's Rating

91 Points
Sustainable Farming

Quantity:  


Jurassic Ridge Cabernet Franc 2009 75cl
 
 

Jurassic Ridge Cabernet Franc 2008 75cl

Bragato Wine Awards - Silver Medal. 4 Stars Sam Kim. 4 Stars Michael Cooper.

A 100% pure varietal Cabernet Franc produced from two top quality clones grown sustainably in our estate vineyard above Church Bay on Waiheke Island. Intense red berry fruit (raspberries and cherries) on the bouquet and palate are mixed with characteristic varietal floral and spicey notes (’violets and lavender’) which linger into a long finish on smooth well structured tannins with dark chocolate nuances. Great by itself or with starters (say olives, foccacia and humus) and a perfect match with lamb, game and spicey Asian dishes.

...a sturdy, dark red wine, densely flavoured, spicy and chocolatey, with a backbone of ripe, firm tannins.”. Rated as 'silver medal standard' and 'excellent quality' Michael Cooper, New Zealand Listener, May 21 2011.

An elegantly expressed Cabernet Franc, displaying red plum and spice characters with hints of vanilla and floral notes. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, showing a juicy mouth feel and supple tannins. A nicely harmonised wine with immediate appeal. At its best: now to 2013. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit , June 2011

Jurassic Ridge turns out a stylish Cabernet franc (2008) – in an easy-drinking, fruit-driven style. Lots of raspberry, violets, lavender and chocolate. Very moreish.' John Hawksby, Canvas, NZ Herald, Sunday May 15 2010

Silver Medal - Bragato Wine Awards, Auckland, August 2011.

and ….our cabernet franc already has an established reputation and sells world wide.......

'Jurassic Ridge.....(has) a Cabernet Franc single varietal that would club any Chinon you have ever tasted into submission.' Robert Ryan, 'The Ultimate Cure for Jetlag', London Sunday Times, 1 November 2009.

Jurassic Ridge Website

Further Information on Jurassic Ridge Cabernet Franc 2008 75cl

Price: £26.95



Sulphite Content:
Awards:

Brag
John's Rating

91 Points
Sustainable Farming

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Jurassic Ridge Cabernet Franc 2008 75cl
 
 

Tarras Vineyards Pinot Noir Central Otago 2008 75cl

Decanter Gold, Top 10 New Zealand Pinor Noirs, 94 Points Sydney Morning Herald,

Tarras is a tiny operation making very limited quantities of world class wines. This Pinot Noir is fantastic.



Further Information on Tarras Vineyards Pinot Noir Central Otago 2008 75cl

Price: £19.85



Sulphite Content:
Awards:

DEC
John's Rating

92 Points




OUT OF STOCK

Tarras Vineyards Pinot Noir Central Otago 2008 75cl