New Releases November 2010

Pegasus Bay Maestro 2006

This Merlot Malbec blend has been allowed to develop some good bottle age before release providing a welcome respite from young raw reds. Flavours of dark dense blackcurrants and cedary oak seamlessly wrapped in firm but fine tannins, smooth and rich perfect drinking now but should continue to develop for some time yet, about $47 in NZ.

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 21 Bell Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Gorgeous vibrant aroma of herbs and gooseberries literally leap out of the glass, fresh and crisp with intense lemony fruit and a long sweet finish, silver medal at the Air NZ Wine Awards, Tasted alongside Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon, which won gold I prefer the Bell Block style but both are excellent examples of  Marlborough Savvy, both about $25 in NZ.

Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008

An excellent example of affordable Pinot Noir, not a big wine but immensely drinkable, cherry plum and spicy fruit flavours are balanced with soft tannins and a long savoury finish, about $27 in NZ.

Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Viognier 2010

 Orange blossom aroma, rich stone fruit flavours, enriched by a portion being aged in older French oak barrels. A big full bodied wine with substantial alcohol a perfect match for our salmon fillets with asparagus and baby potato salad, about $24 in NZ.