From Central Hawke’s Bay – a hillside site on limestone, near Waipawa. In a simply fabulous spot drinking and age-wise, with about eight years in the bottle. A brilliant mid-ruby in the glass, with just a slight sign of browning at the edges. Bright aromas of cherry, redcurrant, blood orange, rosehip and red liquorice. Medium-bodied and crisply acidic – tart and juicy, with deeper flavours developing as the wine gets some air. Red berries, bramble and damson dominate the fruit notes mid-palate, with a hearty dose of minerality and earthiness from that vineyard site / ‘terroir’ coming through as well. The tannin is very well integrated and softly ripe, the finish quite smooth and well balanced. It’s by no means a fruit bomb; but rather a subtle, softly spoken wine that whispers and beguiles. One to seek out. 95pts
Lime Rock Pinot Noir 2014
Underrated winery, that makes some nice textural wines. I just wish they’d upgrade their label!
I liked everything I taste when I visited. The Pinots were excellent, and they had the first Gruner that I’d enjoyed in NZ (at the time). Winery is sold now – check out their website for some good deals on stock.