Aromatic grape varieties and the resulting wines should emit a fascinating and complex bouquet of scents – from exotic fruits, to a soft herbaceous and spice quality.
On the palate there should be a natural purity of fruit and lusciousness to the texture.
Achieving this harmony relies on the right balance of alcohol and acid line. Some outstanding examples can be discovered from all corners of New Zealand.
Cameron Douglas MS explores some of the options in this month’s tasting guide, here are some of his top picks…
Leefield Station ‘The Gatherer’ Gewürztraminer 2024, Marlborough
Fantastic bouquet with fragrances of spice and exotic fruits, frangipane, ginger, and cinnamon-poached pears. There are also plenty of floral notes and a firm clay-mineral quality. Silky mouthfeel with core flavours of white-fleshed stone fruits and citrus peel, along with hints of ginger and baking spice. Plenty of acidity and a fine, herbaceous tannin mouthfeel. Delicious with a touch of delicacy—fresh and ready to drink from the day of purchase through 2028+. Fantastic value!
Points: 95
RRP: $24.99
Distributor: Lion
Phone: (09) 347 2000
www.marisco.co.nz
Pegasus Bay Riesling 2024, North Canterbury
Delicious on the nose and palate, a wine of complexity and purity. Aromas of apples and limes, mineral and honeysuckle, perhaps a lick of botrytis. Delicious, fresh, and dry as the wine touches the palate, with flavours that mirror the bouquet, supported by a backbone of acidity, salivating freshness, and a long finish with lemon peel and mineral notes. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2035+.
Points: 95
RRP: $30.00
Distributor: EuroVintage
Phone: (0800) 338 766
www.pegasusbay.com
Mondillo Riesling 2024, Central Otago
Fragrant, aromatic, and enticing bouquet of white flowers and red apple, lemon and white spice, with hints of sand and white clay minerals. Taut, dry, intense, and engaging all at once as the wine touches the palate. Flavours of citrus, then apple, reflect the bouquet, followed by mandarin and lime flower. With a backbone of acidity and a lengthy, fine finish, this wine needs time to develop, settle, and reveal its best version. Best drinking from 2028 through to 2038+.
Points: 94
RRP: $35.00
Distributor: Mondillo
Phone: (0274) 282 214
www.mondillo.com
Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Pinot Gris 2023, Marlborough
Aromas and flavours of fresh pomaceous fruits, apples, and pears, with a suggestion of white nectarine. Crisp and dry on the palate, with fine tannins, a mealy quality, plenty of acidity, and flavours that reflect the bouquet. Balanced, well-made, food-friendly, and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2028+.
Points: 93
RRP: $32.00
Distributor: Astrolabe Wines
Phone: (03) 578 7674
www.astrolabewines.co.nz
Cameron Douglas is New Zealand’s first and only Master Sommelier. An experienced wine commentator, judge, reviewer, presenter and consultant, he is the Beverage Director & Group Sommelier for Rodd & Gunn and is the Patron of the New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association. Formerly academically in charge of the Wine & Beverage Programme at AUT in Auckland, Douglas has also consulted to a variety of establishments, taking care of their wine lists, wine and food pairings, and staff training matters, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas.
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