Chardonnay from New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay  17/20
Light, even, golden-yellow colour, up-front and full aromas of ripe citrus and yellow stonefruits unfold to reveal hints of smoky oak, nuts and flint interest. Medium-full bodied, attractively ripe peach, apricot and citrus flavours are enlivened by bright acidity. There is good mouthfeel, roundness and body with a creamy suggestion to the textures. The palate has good linear drive and the finish features nutty oak and hints of butter. This is a readily accessible and flavoursome Chardonnay with lively and up-front fruit along with nutty oak notes. Serve with pasta, poultry and pork dishes over the next 3-4 years. Fruit from the Meeanee district, partially fermented in seasoned oak barrels to 13.5% alc., and aged 6-9 months before blending. 17.0+/20 Jul 2012 RRP $18.95
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Merlot from New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay16.5-/20
A blend of 51% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Malbec fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 9 months in oak barrels. Full, even, dark, ruby-red colour. This has a fresh, firm bouquet of bright raspberry and plum jam with lifted confectionary notes, suggesting whole berry fermentation. Medium-bodied, fruity flavours of sweet boysenberry and plum jam are lifted by lollyish notes. The mouthfeel is grainy and textured from dry tannins, and the soft acidity moderates the grip. The wine finishes with strong, bold fruit flavours and good length. This fruity wine shows plenty of primary flavours of boysenberries and plums, and features a dry textured palate that will make it a good match with pastas, pizza and barbecued foods over the next 3+ years. 16.5-/20 Jul 2012 RRP $18.95
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