2020 Awatere River Pinot Noir Marlborough

2020 Awatere River Pinot Noir Marlborough

with No Comment $30 and underNew ZealandPinot Noir

AWATERE RIVER

PINOT NOIR 2020
MARLBOROUGH

2020 Awatere River Pinot Noir Marlborough
The Awatere Valley within Marlborough, New Zealand, was created by ancient glaciers that left pockets of alluvial soils excellent for growing and producing wines with a distinct flinty minerality. This relatively cool climate is in one of the South Island’s sunniest locations, ideal for a long, slow ripening season, enhancing the fruit’s complexity and depth.
 
Awatere River Winery is a collection of 100% sustainably produced, premium wines from low-yielding vines that depict the originality of the valley’s rich, alluvial deposits from intensely aromatic fruit with nuanced flavor characteristics. 
 
The 2020 growing season in Marlborough saw idyllic weather from bud break to harvest, and the Pinot Noir from Awatere River highlights this flawless vintage with bright fruit, fresh acidity, and a long distinguished finish. 
 
PS: When we tasted this Pinot last week, everybody on our panel wanted to buy a case.
 
AWATERE RIVER
PINOT NOIR 2020
MARLBOROUGH
 
 
 
“The 2020 Awatere River Marlborough Pinot Noir begins with a bright and vibrant nose of wild raspberries, sweet baking spices, cola bean, elegant florals, and spearmint hints. The racy palate continues with focused tart red cherries, pomegranate, saline minerality, black tea, and sage. The finish is long and focused with bright acidity and integrated tannins that make it a delight to enjoy. It drinks so far beyond its price point that I was compelled to write about it even though there were professional reviews already published.”  Tasted July 2023
94 Points
2019 Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir North Canterbury

2019 Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir North Canterbury

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNew ZealandPinot Noir

MT. BEAUTIFUL

PINOT NOIR 2019
NORTH CANTERBURY

2019 Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir North Canterbury
New Zealand is known for producing pure, fresh, consistent, and delightful Sauvignon Blancs. However, Pinot Noir is now garnering the attention it deserves for the same reasons.
 
Mt. Beautiful founder David Teece established his winery with the help of his close friend and geologist Ron Sutherland, who has walked nearly every square inch of the northern part of the South Island and has discovered 23 different soil types in the region. The various strata and microclimates create abundant and optimal vine-growing opportunities, as a result of which Pinot Noir is becoming one of the most planted varietals in the country.
 
The 2019 Pinot Noir release has spicy, earthy notes that balance and complement the fruit, giving depth to this easily drinkable and delightful wine.
 
MT. BEAUTIFUL
PINOT NOIR 2019
NORTH CANTERBURY
 
 
 
“Refreshment is the name of the game at this North Canterbury winery, located in the Waipara Valley, just north of Christchurch. The nose is heady and perfumed: vivid cherries, strawberries and florals, with whispers of white pepper, river stones, and vanilla bean. The medium weight palate is similarly vibrant, leading with fresh, silky red berries framed in savory tannins. Not the world’s most complex Pinot but totally delicious nonetheless. Drink now slightly chilled.”
92 Points
2020 Trinity Hill The Gimblett Red Hawkes Bay New Zealand

2020 Trinity Hill The Gimblett Red Hawkes Bay New Zealand

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNew ZealandProprietary Red

TRINITY HILL

THE GIMBLETT RED 
GIMBLETT GRAVELS 2020
HAWKES BAY NEW ZEALAND

2020 Trinity Hill The Gimblett Red Hawkes Bay New Zealand
The soil composition of Gimblett Gravels, a Hawkes Bay, New Zealand subdistrict, is like a little slice of Bordeaux. As this region’s name suggests, the soil consists of gravel, which Cabernet Sauvignon vines love. Trinity Hill has been growing grapes in this area for over 25 years and is a certified Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand member. They’re committed to biodiversity and reducing their environmental impact.
 
Chief Winemaker Warren Gibson has been with Trinity Hill since 1997 and has won the New Zealand Winemaker of the Year title from Winestate Magazine. Since 2005, The Gimblett has been a Bordeaux-styled red wine with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The 2020 release is no exception. It’s a beautiful wine that captures the nuances of the growing season and reflects the region’s terroir.
 
TRINITY HILL
THE GIMBLETT RED 
GIMBLETT GRAVELS 2020
HAWKES BAY NEW ZEALAND
 
 
 
“Very deep, bold and bright purple-colour and the aromas are wonderfully clear and pure, speaking loudly of cabernet sauvignon subtly backed with classy oak. The palate is supremely elegant and beautifully proportioned, with concentration but also elegance and style. A wine of real panache and great potential for cellaring. (50% cabernet franc, 33% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot).”
97 Points
2019 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah Hawkes Bay NZ

2019 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah Hawkes Bay NZ

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNew ZealandSyrah

TRINITY HILL

GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH
HAWKES BAY NZ 2019

2019 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah Hawkes Bay NZ
The Gimblett Gravels District lies within the winegrowing region of Hawke’s Bay and boasts poor, stony, gravelly soils ideal for New Zealand-grown Syrah. In 1993, Trinity Hill recognized the immense prospects for viticultural excellence in this small subregion formed by the ancient Ngaruroro River, becoming among the first to cultivate Syrah in Gimblett Gravels.
 
Trinity Hills takes pride in being a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, emphasizing biodiversity and reducing its environmental impact. Notably, New Zealand has the highest number of certified organic wineries globally. The 2019 Gimblett Gravels Syrah is an impressive blend of the three estate vineyards: Gimblett Estate, Tin Shed, and Gimblett Stones. The unique terroir is evident in this bright, spicy wine, offering a quintessential taste of the region.
 
TRINITY HILL
GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH
HAWKES BAY NZ 2019
 
 
 
“Wow. The white-pepper and black-fruit combination here is impressively fresh and vibrant. Really bursting from the glass. The palate has such fine-cut tannins that form a crisp outer shell around very juicy red and dark berries. Cascading, grainy finish. Superb. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
96 Points
2021 Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Marlbrorough

2021 Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Marlbrorough

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNew ZealandSauvignon Blanc

STONELEIGH

SAUVIGNON BLANC
MARLBOROUGH 2021

2021 Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Marlbrorough
Dedicated to sustainability, Stoneleigh winery produces classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that’s bright, vibrant, and fresh with the ideal mix of tropical fruit, minerality, and traditional herbaceous notes. Their team is steadfast in revealing Marlborough’s identity, derived from the shallow, well-drained Rapaura soils and temperate climate. 
 
Stoneleigh’s team sources from cooler-climate areas with high sunshine hours to deliver intense, crisp, and aromatically rich Sauvignon Blanc that’s true to its origin. This wine is crafted with minimum intervention in the winery and fermented slowly at cold temperatures to ensure the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit, resulting in a textbook example of the region.
 
STONELEIGH
SAUVIGNON BLANC
MARLBOROUGH 2021
Retails at: $20
 
Your Price: $17.99
 
 
“The Stoneleigh 2021 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has an incredible aromatic intensity with notes of elderflower, fresh cut grass, lime zest, passion fruit, white peach, and a steely minerality. On the palate, the wine has a racy acidity with flavors of grapefruit, green guava, melon, and mango. The mouthwatering finish is lengthy, zesty, and fresh after each sip ensuring you’ll be back for more.”
93 Points
2016 Ceres Central Otago Pinot Noir Inlet Vineyard

2016 Ceres Central Otago Pinot Noir Inlet Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNew ZealandPinot Noir

CERES

CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR
INLET VINEYARD 2016

2016 Ceres Central Otago Pinot Noir Inlet Vineyard
Ceres is the Roman Goddess of agriculture and rumored for saving humans from famine by teaching them to plant wheat, making her a principal figure in life, birth, and growth. Brothers James and Matt Dicey created this wine with Ceres in mind, combining eco-friendly farming and minimalistic techniques in the winery, resulting in remarkably balanced Pinot Noir that vividly depicts its origin.
 
Central Otago is the world’s most southerly region covering a wide range of complex soils, including schist, clay, loam, and sand, producing some of the New World’s most exciting Pinot Noirs. Pinots from this region are inspiring because they entertain the needs of Burgundy lovers while also tickling the interests of Russian River Valley enthusiasts with soft tannins, intense fruit density, and earthy complexity. Here’s a brilliant example of just how great they can be.
 
CERES
CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR
INLET VINEYARD 2016
Retails at: $50
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Fragrant notions of redcurrant and thyme on the nose continue with a streamlined, channeled energy along the palate. Freshness and drive are the hallmarks. The pure nature of the fruit shines through with brightness and verve, unburdened by any new oak. Drinking Window 2020 – 2035.”
93 Points
2018 Aimsfield Sauvignon Blanc Central Otago New Zealand

2018 Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNew ZealandSauvignon Blanc

AMISFIELD 

2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
CENTRAL OTAGO | NEW ZEALAND 

2018 Aimsfield Sauvignon Blanc Central Otago New Zealand

Many countries have a signature grape varietal that separates them from the rest, and in New Zealand, that varietal is Sauvignon Blanc. It’s the Country’s most widely planted grape and accounts for around 70% of its total production. Wine lovers revere it for its bracing acidity, vibrant grapefruit, and herbaceous/floral aromas. The very name means “Wild White,” which perfectly coincides with the immense power of this noble variety. 
 
Amisfield is a brilliant example of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with racy acidity, pink grapefruit, fresh lime, and herbaceous characteristics. Winery founder John Darby chose to plant his vineyard in Central Otago, after an exhaustive search for the best cool-climate terroir in New Zealand. 
 
The wine team harvested the fruit at the pinnacle of perfection to capture fully developed flavors and aromas. Each parcel was fermented separately, at cool temperatures, and in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. If you’re looking for a vibrant and compelling white to have on your table this summer, this is it.
 
AMISFIELD 
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
CENTRAL OTAGO | NEW ZEALAND
Retails at: $25
 
Your Price:  $22
Click to Order
 
 
 
“Dry, bright, fresh and appealing sauvignon blanc with grapefruit, pineapple, chalky mineral and lime blossom flavours. An accessible wine with attractive purity and an ethereal texture… Drink 2019 – 2022”  93 Points
 
 
 
“This has ample lemon and grassy elements that deliver a very fleshy impression on the palate with bold, lime and lemon notes, as well as apples. Drink now. Screw cap.”  90 Points
2015 Mt Beautiful 10 Barrels New Zealand Pinot Noir

2015 Mt Beautiful 10 Barrels New Zealand Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNew ZealandPinot NoirUncategorized

MT. BEAUTIFUL 2015 Mt Beautiful 10 Barrels New Zealand Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
10 BARRELS
NEW ZEALAND

 
For many of the same reasons New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is so revered, their Pinot Noirs are gaining more momentum every year…  Their Sauvignon Blancs have bright acidity and laser like clarity, which you will also find in their Pinot Noirs. The New World styled fruit, wild complexity, and superb focus makes Mt. Beautiful’s 2015 10 Barrels Pinot Noir one of the best that I’ve tasted in years.  2015 marks the inaugural release of their 10 Barrels Pinot, and with a mere 229 cases produced, there is very little of this available in the US…  Our panel was floored by the vivid detail, spiraling depth and intriguing meaty undertones of this special cuvée.  At under forty dollars, the quality is truly palpable.
 
In New Zealand, Pinot Noir reigns supreme and is their most widely planted varietal ahead of Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.  The area’s cool climate and complex soils produce charming Pinots with seductive fruit, profound complexity and intense aromas.  The Wine Spectator describes the 2015 vintage in New Zealand as producing “excellent quality and concentration.”  If you haven’t experienced a Pinot Noir from a top New Zealand producer, here’s a chance to try one of the best…
 
MT. BEAUTIFUL
2015 PINOT NOIR
10 BARREL SELECT
NEW ZEALAND
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

Click to Order

YOU SAVE 11%
 
Winery Notes: “Our first ever Barrel Select Pinot Noir begins with sophisticated floral fragrances of violets and blackberries, underpinned by subtle power and savory bacon-like aromas. On the palate this elegant wine reveals a veiled depth of intense bramble-like fruit, earthiness and subtle chalky tannins that run right through the mouth. The wine finishes with an echo of that toasty crisp bacon fat, and with a clarity of fruit and good persistent flavor.“
 
Customers that enjoy Mt. Beautiful 10 Barrel Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2016 Sonnet Tondre's Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2015 Cloudy Bay New Zealand Pinot Noir
SONNET
2016 PINOT NOIR
TONDRE’S GRAPEFIELD
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

Click to Order

Winery Notes: “The 2016 vintage pinot noir shows an array of cherry fruit, red berries, nutmeg, and that recognizable Santa Lucia Highlands AVA spiciness, that resembles dried herbs, potpourri and briar patch. The palate is soft and plush with balanced acidity and moderate tannin.”
CLOUDY BAY
2015 PINOT NOIR
NEW ZEALAND
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

Click to Order

From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot  Noir has pretty violet, red cherry and warm raspberry scents with a hint of cinnamon and dusty earth. Soft, elegant and medium-bodied, it gives lovely purity and a more understated expression.” 90 Points