Babich Winemakers Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011
Dark, brooding burgundy colour, just browning off at the edges; with a bouquet of dark cherry and baking spices. Mid-weighted body, with more plump and concentrated fruit flavours of plum jam, liquorice and tobacco tin. Velvet tannins and fading acidity, but rich and nectar-like, with vanilla and dark cocoa notes lying deeper in layers. Anise, espresso, and a savoury earthen note then trundle through as the finish brings in a little toasted nutty flavour and ends in a long silken harmony of sweetness.
Villa Maria Reserve Barrique Fermented Gisborne Chardonnay 2011
Vibrant lemon-straw colour with a huge nose of fresh peaches and cream, mingled with citrus zest and orange blossom. Full-bodied with a palate of grapefruit, pear and a note of sweet lemon-meringue pie. Full and open – biscuity and gently honeyed but a deep, candied concentration.
Noticeably oaky, but balanced by a bright acidity and heading up into voluminous layers. It’s a big wine and one to lose yourself in. There’s tropical fruit like ripe, drippy melon and then a musky fig; before you start to clock some chamomile and a hint of gingery spice creeps in. Finishes a mile long, with lime curd and a light mineral edge.
