Cloudy Bay

Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2021

9.2

Stone fruit aroma, lemon zest flavor, medium body, rich mouthfeel, paired beautifully with a slightly charred cod dish. — 12 days ago

Cloudy Bay

Te Wahi Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017

Big Wave Dave

9.4

Better than 2018, the 2017 is pure savoury meaty spice. This could pass as a serious burgundy. Light but powerful, mushroom funkiness, bright cherry. High acidity, med fine grained tannin, and very long. Fresh and alive. Reverberates….but also serious?? — 7 months ago

LM liked this

Mount Langi Ghiran

Langi Shiraz 2009

Bob McDonald

9.5

Meaty aromatics with spice, liquorice and a little pepper. An excellent medium plus bodied Shiraz which has always been one of my favourite Australian Reds. Medium plus intensity of flavour. Oak has been totally integrated. The next day comparing with a Te Mata Bullnose Shiraz from Hawkes Bay NZ. This is definitely more full bodied and less peppery than the Bullnose. Still an inner core of strength to the Langi which will see it last for another 5 + years. It’s fair to say the style of the Langi has changed over the past 20 years but it remains an Icon. — 9 months ago

David, Aaron and 26 others liked this

Ron R

I agree that this is also an Aussie icon. I recall in the days past that this was more of a softer, less punchy Shiraz. No idea how it presents now. It is available in the U.S., but it’s kinda steeply priced these days.

Bob McDonald

@Ron R It’s crazy how the price has increased in the past 4 or 5 years Ron. Now around $200AUD a bottle.

Te Mata Estate

Bullnose Hawkes Bay Syrah 2018

David White

9.3

Deep ruby with lighter rim and lovely floral and spiced nose.
Tannins are silky smooth and well integrated.
Dark fruits on palate with balance of alcohol and acidity, AbV at 13% much lower than typical Oz Shiraz @14.5%
At 8 years this is likely at its optimal drinking age
Excellent Syrah from NZ. — a month ago

Andrew, Vino and 6 others liked this

Te Mata Estate

Estate Vineayards Sauvignon Blanc 2023

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.0

In a blind test for Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand this was the second favorite, although blind, it seems less like a Sauvignon Blanc or perhaps less like a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It is more neutral citrus little bit spritz. It’s very nice but nothing incredible. Grapefruit and lemon — 7 months ago

"Odedi", Doug and 1 other liked this

Craggy Range

Aroha Te Muna Pinot Noir 2014

Bob McDonald

9.2

An excellent Martinborough Pinot Noir. Rich and luscious like an Otago Pinot but not as overt as Otago usually is. Red and Black cherry with restrained whole bunch influence. Balanced French oak. Craggy Range is based in Hawkes Bay (the winery is a great spot for lunch!) but they were smart enough to establish their Te Muna vineyard in Martinborough - a much better terroir for Pinot Noir. Bob Campbell MW nailed the brief by saying it “delivers power with consummate subtlety. “ A point or two off for a ridiculously heavy bottle. — a year ago

Somm, Doug and 19 others liked this