Around this time last year I took a look at the range of single vineyard wines from Church Road – their ‘1’ series. That article is here – www.winefolio.co.nz/?p=4488. And this year I was fortunate enough to have the new releases to dive into as well. This did coincide with the Top 10 Tasting of single varietal reds, so the reds naturally went into that tasting, with two of them making the Top 10 list – www.winefolio.co.nz/?p=6756. After that, I reviewed the rather delicious Chardonnay from the Terraces Vineyard in the Tukituki Valley – as well as the TOM version – here: www.winefolio.co.nz/?p=6919.
In short… I’m saying I’ve looked at these wines in separate places, but I actually wanted to collect those bits into one article and have the reader be able to find out about the range all in one place – and see some scores. That is this article, right here. Apologies if you have already read these! The Merlot review is unique to here though! That’s what you came for (and some scores), right?
Church Road 1 Chardonnay 2021 Perfumed with golden peach, hazelnut, clove, quince, lemon curd and orange blossom – bold and enticing. Full-bodied, ripe and power-packed. Brings a wave of bright acidity and a distinctive oyster shell, saline, minerality to play, underlining that vibrant tropical fruit. Some new wood influence is still a little edgy now – with slate and char notes that are complex but stick out a little in this young wine – look for these to recede and integrate with a few months in bottle. Plenty of spice, toasty brioche, dukkah notes, as well as a creamy texture that swaddles the back of the palate. A long, dry and balanced finish. 95pts
Church Road ‘1’ single vineyard Malbec 2020. A youthful, moody and brooding teenager of a wine. Some olive and cigar perfume to the nose that complements the black plum, blueberry and boysenberry fruit. Well-made and structured – with a force of huge tannins but real drive and intensity. Smooth and powerful with good weight and balance. Drinking well now, if decanted and allowed space to breathe; but this is built for cellaring and enjoying a decade down the line. 94pts
Church Road ‘1’ single vineyard Merlot 2020. Deep, dark bloody red in the glass. A bright pop of fruit – plum, cranberry, cherry, redcurrant and a delicious floral, violet note. Full bodied and concentrated – some chewy, firm tannin and great cedar expression of oak. A good bitterness, with morello cherry, plus a green herbalness. Plenty of layered nuance, earthy spices with cinnamon, lemon thyme and vanilla, and notes of liquorice and mocha, Silky, textural, into a long finish. 93pts
Church Road ‘1’ single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 A vivid claret red in the glass. And a dark, generous and compelling perfume. Enticing, with blackcurrant, cherry, thyme, smoked mushroom, sandalwood, mint and violet florals – a classic, well-defined expression of the varietal. Smooth, power-packed and full into the palate. Firm, svelte tannin and an integrated acidity are framed by a dusting of good oak. Plays with the full spectrum of flavours – delightfully complex and layered. Finished with a spicy, sweetening edge. 93pts
