Horeca Wine Reviews

MOUNT LANGI GHIRAN TALUS SHIRAZ

“All the character one can imagine from a Shiraz crafted from old vines in a cool climate sheltered by a magnificent mountain, and add some pepper.”

The Talus range celebrates the natural abundance of Mount Langi Ghiran itself by capturing the power and purity from this cool-climate Grampians vineyard. Talus is a geological term referring to the accumulation of freed granitic rock fragments at the base of steep mountain slopes, known as a talus slope. Tending and keeping the vines under its watchful gaze, these wines are an ode to the majesty of Mount Langi Ghiran.

INNISKILLIN SPARKLING ICEWINE

“One of the most intriguing aspects of wine is the immensity of the styles it offers. Try this and you will see what I mean.”

An effervescent and aromatic wine, with floral notes and citrus zest on the nose. It offers a lively palate with flavours of ripe pear, honeydew melon and a touch of ginger. The bubbles enhance the texture, leading to a crisp and invigorating finish. Enjoy it as an apéritif or alongside fresh fruit salads.

DOG POINT VINEYARD SECTION 94 SAUVIGNON BLANC

“If you haven’t been exposed to the oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc movement yet, maybe now’s the time to give it a try, and this is the wine to do it with.”

This ranks among the greatest oak-aged Sauvignon Blancs. Produced by ex- Cloudy Bay winemakers James Healy and Ivan Sutherland, this is no ordinary Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; oak-aged for 18 months in old French oak barrels using wild yeasts, with a full-bodied style and plenty of texture.

LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY

“A Chardonnay like few others I’ve enjoyed, offering a delicious mouthful of rich texture refreshed by brisk acidity and juicy ripeness.”

Aromas of white peach, lemon zest and green pear are followed by subtle hints of toasted hazelnut and spices. Flavours of apple, lemon curd and pineapple run throughout the palate, while rich notes of vanilla custard begin to shine through. A vibrant and concentrated balance of acidity drives a lingering finish.

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC

“This Malbec from Mendoza offers a fresh and intensely fruity nose followed by a vibrant mouthfeel lingering to great lengths. Cool climate suits this variety so well.”

Brimming with aromatic intensity, this bright, fruity Malbec is created from a blend of more than 100 plots, transitioning to organic, where the earth meets the sky at the foothills of the Andes. It blends mountain fruit from vineyards in the Uco Valley with grapes from the higher terroirs of Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo.

LITTLE BEAUTY LIMITED EDITION DRY RIESLING

“As spring approaches, this wine will firmly find its place among my regulars. Liquid sorbet of citric freshness from a tiny spot in a faraway land.”

Discrete and characterful. This Single Vineyard Riesling is grown in just 1.89 hectares of vines on the river terraces of Waihopai Valley, containing stony silt loam soils with fine sandy loam topsoil and gravels over alluvial gravels. Considerable stone is evident in the topsoil profile. Sustainably accredited by New Zealand Winegrowers.