A Hawke’s Bay wine – made in the Taransaud French oak ‘Ovum’ egg-shaped vessel in the Urban Winery in Napier, from Skeetfield vineyard fruit. A pale straw yellow in the glass, greening towards the edges. Restrained on the nose, with a salinity underlying the pure fruit aromas of yuzu, grapefruit and white fleshed nectarine with a touch of roast cashew nut and baking spice. An intensity to the palate – complex and layered. Straightaway you notice the texture – mealy and fine, with a soft creaminess. That texture is profound, unique, and so balanced into the heart of the wine. Medium acidity with great focus and line. Focussed, taut and beautifully structured.
There’s a lot to think about in this wine – it’s one of those where it evolves in the glass in front of you, and takes some consideration. It’s also a wine for now – whilst this would keep well, I think it’s already pristine and great drinking, today. 95pts.
