The Best of the Best

                                     New Zealand is so much more than Sauv Blanc

WineKnows' trip to New Zealand just ended.  We visited the country's four major wine regions (Hawkes Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, and Central Otago).  Nearly 150 wines made from more than a dozen varieties were tasted.  Pinot Noir (PN) and Sauvignon Blanc (SB) led the pack in terms of the most tasted wines.

40% of the wines in my Top Ten are PN, but that's not surprising as New Zealand is rapidly evolving into one of the Pinot capitals of the world.  I'm not a fan of the classic Kiwi style of grassy SB, so it's no wonder that only one SB made it to my list (this one was made from warmer climate grapes and had the tropical profile I prefer).  The surprise was the Chardonnay which made a strong impression garnering two of the top ten spots.  Two aromatics also made my list:  Viognier and Pinot Gris.

TOP 10 (listed alphabetically)

• Ata Rangi PN (2017):  from the estate's prime vineyards, this one is complex layers of spice, earth & fruit.

• Decibel Viognier (2018):  intoxicating melange of luscious florals & citrus, it's one of the few bottles I brought home.  If you can find it, buy it (or save it for me to buy).

• Dry River Chardonnay (2014):  stunning rendition of tropical fruit & citrus.  

• Elephant Hill Salome Chardonnay (2017):  burnt pineapple mixed with limey mineral nuances.

• Greywacke SB (2019):  luscious nectarine + lemon/lime + good finish.

• Mt Difficulty Hanock Farm Single Vineyard PN (2016):  ethereal mix of raspberry, violet, spice & earth, all with a gorgeous finish.

• Palliser Estate PN (2018):  elegant mix of savory & fruit with a winning finish.

• Te Awanga Wild Ferment Pinot Gris (2018):  white & yellow peach mixed with grapefruit.  Lingering finish.

• Te Whare Ra Single Vineyard PN (2015):  voluptuous mix of cherry, chocolate & spice with a fab finish.

• Valli Bendigo PN (2018):  Grown in Otago's warmest region, this one is full bodied & screams black cherry & spice.  Silky tannins & an elegant finish.

Note that all the above wines should be available in the US.

A big "cheerio" for the Kiwis!

New Zealand Winemaker Dinner

                              Daniel Brennan of Unison Vineyards and Decibel Wines

On our reconnaissance trip earlier this year to New Zealand for our future 2014 tour, we were very impressed with the caliber of wines at Unison Vineyards. (http://www.unisonvineyard.co.nz).  Unison has received all kinds of accolades but one of the best comes from internationally renowned wine authority and Master of Wine  Janics Robison---Unision was the only New Zealand winery included in Robinson’s list of up-and-coming wine producers in the world.   Wine-Knows was fortunate to host Daniel Brennan from Unison Vineyards and a group of local wine-lovers for dinner recently.   

Daniel presented 6 wines, 2 of which were from Unison, as well as one from his own label, Decibel. (Daniel is now making wine under his own label.  Formerly in the music business, he has appropriately named his wine “Decibel.”)   To round out the program, he brought wines from 2 other producers, Cloudy Bay and Desert Heart…both of these producers we visited in New Zealand earlier this year.  Here’s a recap of all of the wines:

• 2008 Unison Vineyard Gimblett Gravels 'Classic Blend' (Merlot/CabSav/Syrah)
• 2009 Unison Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah
• 2009 Decibel Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc
• 2008 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
• 2008 Desert Heart 'Untamed Heart' Central Otago Pinot Noir
• 2008 Desert Heart 'McKenzie's Run' Single Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir

The evening began with a comparative tasting between the Sauv Blancs…an overwhelming majority preferred Decibel’s rendition which was more aromatic as well as more complex.  Desert Heart’s two Pinots were tasted as the next flight, followed by the two from Unison special vineyards on the extraordinary Gimblett Gravels.  All of these reds were so well constructed that there was not a consensus about which was the best.

While Cloudy Bay has been imported to the US for some time, Unison, Decibel and Desert Heart have only recently begun to be available.  Learn more about these wines (or purchase them) below.   Looks like they’re offering a 10% case discount to jump-start their inaugural importation:

http://www.buywineusa.com/Decibel-Wines.aspx

http://www.buywineusa.com/Unison-Vineyard.aspx

http://www.buywineusa.com/Desert-Heart.aspx