Welcome to the end of the year round up where I look at my ten favourite wines of the year. This time I’m not letting budget constraints get in the way – this is just what I judge to be the best of the best. To be fair, some of these are towards the top end of what you could pay for current New Zealand fine wines. With that in mind, I’ll be adding in a “Best Buy” section where the wines are still in our best of the year, but have the added attraction of being outstanding prices – ‘Bang for your buck’ as my brother would say.
In no particular order – these are the best of the best for 2020
Radburnd Cellars – Syrah 2018. RRP $85. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=1705 ‘Somehow manages to be both full and open, and yet possessed of a tautness and tension’
Bilancia ‘Tiratore’ Chardonnay 2019. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=2586 ‘Rich and intense, but with a drive of acidity that is pure linear energy’
Urlar Gladstone Pinot Noir 2018. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=2650 ‘Remarkable length to the savoury, complex finish. A hidden gem’
Man O’ War Kulta Chardonnay 2019. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=1799 ‘Full-bodied, with weight, density and concentration’
Rockburn ‘Eight Barrels’ Pinot Noir 2019. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=2279 ‘On the palate are coltish, succulent cherry and raspberry fruits, underpinned with toasted spices.’
Trinity Hill ‘Homage’ Syrah 2018. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=2211 ‘Poised and ripe, with dark fruit flavours melded to a lovely spiciness’
No.1 Estate Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionelle NV. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=2038 ‘Voluminous bouquet of spring flowers, macadamia and lime zest.’
Best Buys..($25 and under)
Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2020. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=1956 ‘Brightly perfumed, with honeysuckle, elderflower, nectarines and orange zest’
Clearview ‘Beachhead’ Chardonnay 2019. NZIWS Champion of Show
Alexia ‘Happy Wife’ Chardonnay 2018. https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=2077 (our Top 10 Tasting, it came 4th) ‘One taster adding “I love this” to their tasting notes. Great personality to this wine.’
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