A Hawke’s Bay wine, from the Tantallon vineyard in Bridge Pa. A portion fermented in barrel and the remainder in tank. Invitingly aromatic, with a lifted jasmine, then lemon, oyster shell and vanilla shortbread notes. Generous and full bodied, with a palate of ripe apricot, nutmeg, crystallised ginger, sliced fennel and red apple. A crisp and fresh acidity is balanced with a nudge of sweetness and a tang of distinct, chalky minerality.
Texturally rounded and creamy and ends in a blanched almond and nougat sweetness and a light spiciness. The finish is lush and invitingly moreish. 92pts.
To think this wine, that also won a Gold medal at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards (where I judged) this year, cost me $11.99 – surely amongst the best under-$15 aromatic white wines in New Zealand?
