Coopers Creek ‘Metals & Gravels’ Hawke’s Bay Malbec/Cabernet Franc/Syrah/Merlot 2013
From the vaunted 2013 vintage, this Bordeaux blend wine, from Hawke’s Bay is a gutsy blend of almost equal amounts of four grapes – mostly Bridge Pa fruit, but with Gimblett Gravels syrah. Seriously black with purpling edges. Initially very Bordeaux-like, with dense aromatics of ripe black fruits – peppery spiced damson in particular, and well balanced by plump rounded tannins. Rich and savoury, filled with toasty undertones that lead to a lingering sensation of chocolate box and cake spices. Towards the finish, a sense of Rhone-like finesse creeps in from the syrah, and ends in a dry and well-rounded finale.
Delta ‘Hatter’s Hill’ Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017
Grown in the Southern Valleys clay soils, that lend a distinct earthiness to the Delta Pinot Noir, this is a deep ruby coloured wine. Bursting with heady, youthful aromas of violets, plum and savoury herbs. A palate of black plums and cherry, toasted nuts and a lingering stalky tamarillo-like layer. Fine textured tannins and complexity from the French oak (33% new), lending a spiced concentration. A lovely velvet texture is completed with a very satisfying and refined sweet, vanilla finish.
Squawking Magpie ‘Counting Crows’ Chardonnay 2017
dropA single vineyard wine, from Hawke’s Bays Gimblett Gravels. A brilliant straw-yellow with flashes of greening at the edges. A lively and youthful nose of candied nuts and a flinty, struck-match smokiness, lead to a soft palate of citrus peel, melon and crème caramel. Enriched with spicey oak, some roasted cashew nuances are also interwoven with the pannacotta lees-influences that balance the lemony acidity. A lovely texture follows before a long, drying finish completes a smooth well-rounded drop.
