$35.00
Dark cherry red in colour, this wine has earthy and toasty aromas with cherries, plums and hint of dried herbs, mocha and leather. To the palate it is a complex, savoury, mouth filling and soft wine with spicy cherries, plums and sweet berries.
$28.00
$46.00
Gold Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Very elegant fruit flavours, spicy and perfumed, cherries and black Doris plums. Dried herbs and toasty notes with ripe tannins and a rich palate.
$22.00
Gold Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Very elegant fruit flavours, spicy and perfumed, cherries and black Doris plums. Dried herbs and toasty notes with ripe tannins and a rich palate.
$23.00
Pale straw in colour, this wine has a perfumed nose with pear, lemon, honey aromas, and a hint of stone fruit. The palate is mineral with flavours of lemon and honey. Textured and complex wine with balanced acidity and off-dry sweetness.
$23.00
Light pink in colour, this wine has the aroma of roses, strawberries and raspberries. To the palate it is luscious, soft, full-bodied but dry with flavours of strawberries, cranberries and watermelon.
$23.00
Pale straw in colour, this wine has fragrance with grapefruit, lemon, apple, gooseberries and passion fruit aromas. The palate is full-bodied and textured with flavours of citrus fruit and grapefruit, and a balanced crispy acidity.
$29.00
Late harvested with the further maturation of the vines showing with intense flavours. Robust with clearly defined 4 tiered flavours, this wine is definitely one to enjoy on its own merits. The strong fruit flavours are lasting, ending with a smooth finish. Perfect with spicier foods, or enjoy the flavours on its own.
$49.00
Late harvesting (combined with 3 years controlled cellaring) has produced for the first vintage a subtle and velvet driven Pinot Noir. Final flavours include pepper over cranberry and cherry. Subsequent tastings show continuing and expanded depth gaining with further bottle conditioning.
$23.50
A very light basket press of their premium Pinot, light pink rose colour, hints of strawberry, white peach and melons. Made in a dry style, full and rich on the palate; a reminder of Provence.
$70.00
It was legendary filmmaker Walt Disney who famously said: “Think; Believe; Dream; Dare.” This was precisely our mindset when we conceived the Reserve Pinot Noir label back in 2013. Made in only the finest of years, we mentor our best blocks and batches with exhaustive viticulture and respectful winemaking then dare to dream of the emergence of a few barrels of wine which truly personifies our soils, our vines and our passion. In 2015 we were rewarded once again, with a blend of 45% Clone 115, 35% Clone 114 and 15% Abel, from our oldest vines.
The colour is exemplary as the wine exhibits the alarming garnet hue of a blood-filled wishing well, yet retains just enough essential clarity so the one can tell the time on the ubiquitous analogue watch while squinting through it. Sublime and almost creamy in its attack, the bulbous nose oozes charm and expression. Steaming inky and plumy fruits arise amid notes of violets, sweet red pepper and the torn flesh of a rare roast beef. Elements of mocha, baked clay, grainy bran and washed wool add elusive complexity but do not distract from the fruit driven thrust of the wine. A little charry cedar is evident from the 30% new oak while hints of turmeric, pumpkin kernel and rock salt round out the offering of the nose.
The mouthfeel too is immediately impressive. Deep, dark and gargantuanly handsome, it muscles its way down court like a 7 foot moustachioed basketball centre, sweeping all in its path. Calcareous tannins run abundantly along the tongue then disappear into pools of husky dark berry fruits which linger with felonious intent. The wine weighs heavy on the pallet as flavours of Black Doris plum and hot toffee reveal themselves like a supersexed Lorde rolling down Main Street hanging out the window of a Uber Black. Hints of musk, cracked pepper and tarry mulberry appear to lurk just around the corner yet are brought to life with a swirl of the glass, suggesting the wine has plenty more secrets to reveal over time.
Bob Campbell says: "Charming wine with purity, delicacy and an almost ethereal texture. dark plum, cherry and a suggestion of violet with integrated spicy French oak. An accessible pinot noir with subtle power demonstrated by its lengthy finish. Strongly varietal with less obvious regional character."
$48.00
Read on for a wonderful description of this wine.
In the glass the wine shows deep garnet tenor and shimmers like hot lava running before the sea. The nose brims clear with star studded fruit yet is overlayed with an earth derived complexity. Initial impressions of warm berry compote with a touch of custard are rivalled by roasted kumara, pumpkin pie with cracked sesame seed then dried black current and sweet caramel corn. Growing and glowing over time, it releases musky winter violet florals, coarsely grated nutmeg and curly chiselled wood slivers while tarry liquorice twist and fine split suede leather lend a touch of burlesque drama.
Big, brooding and musky the wine wells up in the mouth and foams over with a steaming, streaming nihilistic propensity as racy tannins lasso the tongue and threaten to hold it to ransom. Big, bad and bootylicious it displays vivid red fruits, ground baby spice and fresh tobacco leaf which delivers a backhand so close to the line as to be questionable. The texture is as fine as warm foie gras and combines with the soft acidity to give all the appeal of a Sunday morning lie in. There is a spirited vortex around the cheeks which makes the taste buds swoon and calls into question the Lab reported 13% alcohol. Some 8 months out from bottling, it is starting to shake off the awkward trappings of youth and delight the senses like a born again Sandra Dee.
$47.00
Using a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay, this Methode Traditionelle has undergone 2.5 years lees aging to produce a wine rich in complex bready aromas, which has been finished in a brut savage style.
Chill to toast any worthy occasion.
$28.00
BOB CAMPBELL gives it 93/100.
"Bright, fresh, high energy pinot noir with red cherry, violet, red rose, anise and spice flavours. The wine shows lovely purity and has an ethereal texture. A distinctive style that's a pleasure to drink. Great value."
$30.00
We may stand accused of shamelessly chasing the ever-moving goalposts of the Chardonnay style bandwagon. So be it. Our clean, lean fruit driven examples of many years have been superseded by somewhat more rounded wines which show a little more oak, a lot more MLF influence and when circumstances permit, spend more time in barrel. We are rather pleased with the results.
The colour is a rich royal gold so it is no surprise that the nose is bold and complex. Bright grapefruit, soft ripe avocados, kiwi crush and butterscotch are bandied about by more mealy notes of grilled chestnut, grated nutmeg, flowering briar and wild oats. Further down the long corridors of power the old world charm kicks in: a thin scraping of vegemite, some black truffle oil and a tantalising hint of the bilge water from a clinker built dingy. Finally a sting of fine Kauri dust flying free from a hot belt sander.
The palate is defined by its power; subtle yet absolute. Under the cover of night this clandestine wine will sidle up with a nonchalant approachability while nimble fingers draw you in deeper and deeper. The fruit is peacherine and baked pear followed by spiced apple and glacé cherry. The texture is rich and creamy while the structure broad and bare chested. The mildly assertive yet seamless acidity snakes its way back into the deepest recesses where the agile backbone gives an urbane assurance. Imagine chewing strips of wildebeest biltong between sips of this versatile Chardonnay.
$26.00
$26.00
"The nose of this wine confidently announces its depth of character with a generous splash of lemon-straw colour. In the glass it opens with a hit of smashed honeydew cantaloupe and ripe Queensland pineapple alongside white fleshed nectarine, grapefruit zest and soothing notes of camomile tea. The aroma is upswept and inline yet it speaks of many things; like snips and snails and puppy dogs tails or long sticky apron strings. Dusty talcum powder and smoking gun oil add further interest and are rounded out by fresh fennel bulb, mashed butternut squash and a hint of pickled walnut.
The wine epitomises the tantalising crossover where sweetness and charm meets stroppiness and tang. Surprisingly full across the palate with green peach and crushed pineapple flavours, it slithers sideways before flowing onward courtesy of its juicy and turbulent acidity, to achieve an edgy balance like a size 4 model in baggy dungarees. Powerful and zesty, it has a breadth of flavour that could only be controlled by a roadside guardrail while the flesh and muscle sinews which are obvious beneath the taut skin are guaranteed to rock the DJ. In the finish a flinty edge and somewhat oily texture spread smoothness and calm to the ruffled back palate. Almost the perfect aperitif, this wine will definitely get your juices flowing!" - Strat Canning - Winemaker
$55.00
The Martinborough Vineyard Chardonnay is often described as a Chardonnay lover’s Chardonnay. Aromas of tropical fruit intertwine with notes of citrus, toast and popcorn that bring to mind the characteristics of great Chardonnay. Careful use of new oak has created a wine that is finely grained and focused, yet shows power, depth of flavour and a lovely mineral core.
$27.00
$75.00
A complex Martinborough Pinot Noir with aromas of soft red and dark cherry and plum, complemented by hints of exotic spice and earthiness. On the palate, the wine is tight and structured, laced with spicy, savoury notes and a lingering, herbal acidity.
$23.00
$28.00
Martinborough Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc shows perfumed aromas of passionfruit and guava with hints of lemon blossom and dried herbs on the nose. On the palate the ripe fruit character is beautifully balanced against creamy notes from the barrel fermentation portion creating a harmonious and balanced wine with great length and texture.
$50.00
$23.00
Lifted aromatic characters of ripe pear and spice together with ginger and floral notes in the background. On the palate the textural elements come to the fore, imparting pithy rich fruit that is beautifully balanced against a small amount of residual sugar. The result is a luscious, utterly drinkable, soft style Pinot Gris that would pair perfectly with Asian foods or as a stand-alone beverage.
$33.00
Wonderful aromatics of dark cherries and dried herbs and spices instantly grab your attention on the nose of this elegant Pinot Noir. On the first sip, your palate is greeted with soft, rich fruit flavours with a hint of spice. The moreish tannins and a velvety texture make for an impressive finish.
$23.00
An inviting mix of guava and tropical fruits round out the bouquet leading to a zesty citrus flavor. The crispness on the tongue lend a hand to the dry, mineral finish that leaves you wanting more.
$42.00
A nice blackberry and currant finish with a slight white pepper spice.
$34.00
This Pinot Noir has strength on the palate of ripe cherries and red fruits, licorice and leather with spicy charry aromatic oak flavours. A plush palate with dense but supple tannins in the finish. On the nose there are cassis and red berry fruits, spice with a hint of toasty/smoky oak. Tobacco and tea leaf aromas, touch of licorice.
$30.00
$38.00
$26.00
$40.00
Mature Mendoza Chardonnay vines on own roots from original plantings in 1988 are the key to this wine. Rich, textured, elegant, single-vineyard Chardonnay with ability to improve in the bottle for up to 10 years.
$54.00
$42.00
A rich, succulent and powerful Martinborough Pinot Noir showing dark berry and spice flavours underpinned by silky tannins and subtle, refined oak from barrel maturation.
$28.00
$26.00
$19.00
Exhibits typical regional characteristics of white peach and nectarine with notes of vanilla and spice. The wine is rich and intense with a persistent yet soft finish. Early drinking style but will cellar for 2-3 years.
$30.00
Richly flavoured with spice, cherry and earthy notes; this wine delivers savoury undercurrents to its initial bursts of fresh fruits. Notes of Christmas cake rise above the berried surface, lush and velvety.
$19.00
Exhibits typical regional characteristics of citrus fruits with notes of mineral and honey. Off-dry, the wine is soft-textured and finishes crisp and fresh.
$19.00
$42.00
Current Vintage 2016 -
Bob Campbell – 94/100
"Taut, elegant chardonnay with hazelnut, ginger, peach and subtle citrus and grapefruit flavours. A curious textural feature of the wine is a fine, peppery, almost spicy finish. Integrated oak and a lengthy finish. I'd love to taste it again in five years".
Raymond Chan – 18.5/20
"Brilliant light golden-yellow colour, paler on the edge. The nose has rich, ripe aromas of yellow stonefruits and citrus fruit with tropical fruit notes, harmoniously melded with creamy barrel-ferment and nutty oak elements, along with a little lemon-curd MLF. The nose possesses depth and a soft density. Medium-bodied, the palate has good intensity and concentration of ripe yellow stonefruit and citrus fruit flavours entwined with creamy barrel-ferment and nutty oak notes. The palate is fine-textured and smooth-flowing with fresh acidity and some underlying power providing good linearity. Some lemon-curd MLF emerges as the wine carries to a dry, light-textured finish. This is an elegantly concentrated, rich citrus-fruited Chardonnay".
$32.00
Current Vintage 2016 -
Raymond Chan – 17.5/20
"Bright golden-hued straw-yellow colour, a little lighter on the rim. The nose is fresh and gently full with aromas of white and yellow stonefruits, along with hints of creamy barrel-ferment, and a nutty lees and oak amalgam adding richness and interest. This has delicacy and vibrancy. Dry to taste and medium-full bodied, the palate has finely concentrated but restrained flavours of white and yellow stonefruits with light notes of lees and oak. The fruit forms a firm heart with light phenolic textures and balanced, lacy acidity. The wine flows to a concentrated, stonefruited, nutty and minerally nuanced, lingering finish. This is a fresh, finely concentrated dry Pinot Gris with stonefruit flavours and nutty lees and oak detail on a firm-lined, fine-textured palate".
$55.00
Current Vintage 2016 -
Bob Campbell – 94/100
"Supple, elegant pinot noir with bright cherry, red-fleshed plum, red rose and delicately spicy flavours. An appealing wine with energy and poise. It has an ethereal texture and moderately lengthy finish".
Garry Walsh – The Wine Front – 95/100
"Slightly earthy and gamey, in a good way, cocoa dipped plums, floral too. Full bodied, layered with tannin, dried herb perfume, and more of that rich tannin pushing it out. Heaps of power, and a feel of ‘minerality’ throughout. Woah. Great expression of Martinborough Pinot Noir here".
$55.00
Using a mixture of clones, 10/5, Abel, UCD5 and 828, our intention in the vineyard is to produce florally expressive Pinot noir with excellent structure and finesse on the palate. The fruit for the 2016 vintage was hand harvested and hand sorted in the vineyard from 29th March through to 18th April. In the winery, grapes were crushed, with an average 35% whole bunch retained. Minimal additions of sulphur at crush allowed for three to six-day preferment macerations. Fermentation started naturally and was completed at warm temperatures, total cuvaison of 21 – 27 days prior to pressing. Matured for 12 months in 30% new oak.
$25.00
Lifted fruit aromas of nectarines, apricots and pineapple have integrated with fermentation in oak to produce a wine of great texture. Extended yeast contact has leant itself to a creamy palate, with almond and toasted bread aromas. This wine shows depth of fruit and great palate weight that is enjoyable now or cellar for the next 6 years.
$58.00
The Left Hand and Right Hand Pinot Noirs represent the different personalities of our winemaking team in both vineyard and winery. Left Handed winemaker Braden Crosby (logical, creative and precise) and right handed Vigneron Paddy Borthwick (intuitive, impulsive and thoughtful), have each selected a premium parcel of grapes they believe to be the finest expression of the Borthwick Estate Vineyard. Appling their own individual winemaking nuances, with much tasting, lively debate and careful barrel selection Braden and Paddy have produced two distinct wines of 840 bottles each. Produced in only the best seasons, these wines display expressions of Pinot Noir as much as the winemakers themselves.
$26.00
Perfumed aromas of apricots, nectarines and green pears. A rich mid-palate displaying mild oak influence. The wine finishes dry and crisp with lingering hints of warming spice.
$25.00
An enticing aroma of white florals, lime and savoury apple. Medium bodied, off-dry in style, with intense citrus, lemon-barley and marmalade flavors, showing good depth. Drink now or age for 6 years and let the wine show the developing complexities of a great Riesling.
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