Featured Reviews



12,000 Miles to Gladstone Vineyard

17 August,2011

It has been a long journey for Gladstone Vineyard proprietor and winemaker Christine Kernohan. This Gladstone Vineyard's second-tier '12,000 Miles' represents her journey from her native Scotland to her home now in Gladstone in the Wairarapa. It also represents her journeys in bringing her wines to the various markets in the world, which require constant travelling and promotional work. Christine is tireless in her efforts, and supports all of the Wairarapa wine industry and is one of New Zealand wines' most enthusiastic advocates. The '12,000 Miles' wines are designed to be fruit-driven and accessible to drink. I review three of the new releases. www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW


12,000 Miles Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Wairarapa & Wellington

16.5/20
Very pale-straw yellow with hues of green, pale on edge. This has a fresh, elegant nose with moderate depth and intensity, showing clear-cut English gooseberry and garden herb aromas. Dry to taste, this is tightly bound with a core of gooseberry, herb and green apple fruit flavours alongside crisp, zesty and slippery acidity. While a little restrained in expression at present, there is good weight and vinosity. Fruit from the estate ‘Carters' and ‘Boyd' vineyards cool-fermented to 13.8% alc. and dryness, the wine given some lees stirring. Serve with Mediterranean cuisine over the next 2+ years. 16.5/20 Aug 2011 RRP $20.00

12,000 Miles Gladstone Pinot Gris 2011
Pinot Gris from New Zealand – Wairarapa & Wellington

16/20
Very pale-straw yellow with youthful pale green hues to the colour. Quite delicate in aroma, this shows lifted pears, perfumes and fresh fermentation esters on the nose. Dry and medium-weighted on palate, the palate shows subtle lifted pear, white florals and elements of spice. The wine flows with good line and fine, smooth textures, but has good tension and freshness from the acidity. Match with Asian and Middle Eastern seafood and poultry dishes over the next 2-3 years. Fruit from the ‘Boyd', ‘Dakins Road' and ‘Winery' blocks stainless-steel fermented to 13.2% alc. and 3.53 g/L rs, the wine spending 2 months on lees. 16.0/20 Aug 2011 RRP $20.00

12,000 Miles Gladstone Pinot Noir 2010
Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Wairarapa & Wellington

17-/20
Multi-clone mix including 5, 115, Abel and 10/5 from ‘Dakins Road', ‘Boyd' and ‘Biddeford' blocks destemmed, but with around 40% whole berries, fermented to 13.4% alc., the wine aged 10 months in French oak. Light ruby-red with youthful purple hues to the colour. This has a fresh, intense and moderately concentrated nose of dark cherry and red berry aromas with notes of spices and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, this has vibrant primary fruit flavours of juicy dark cherries with nuances of spices that unfold. Supple tannins provide supporting balance and soft textures while allowing the fruit to feature. The oaking is subtle with a faint resinous aspect, and the wine has a moderately long finish. Drink this approachable, fruit-featured wine with tuna, duck and mushroom dishes over the next 3-4+ years. 17.0-/20 Aug 2011 RRP $26.00
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