Late harvest and botrytis wines are little gems.
The grapes remain on the vines until they are intensely
sweet, and sometimes concentrated by botrytis (noble rot)
until they are dried like raisins.
Only a few drops of nectar can be squeezed from these.
The most intense come in small bottles and make a sensual
finish to a quiet meal with a few friends in a break from the
Christmas rush.
Best by themselves, or perhaps with a light fruit dessert or
a plain almond and orange biscotti.
All wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are
personal recommendations. charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
◊ BEST VALUE
Click photo to enlarge
Ata Rangi Kahu Botrytis Riesling 2008.
$32 half-bottle.
A stylish, full-on sticky, oozing dried apricots, tropical
fruit, honey, mandarin and a hint of new leather, a silky
texture and a crisp, clean, well-balanced finish.
A classic that will develop with a little more bottle age.
4 stars (out of 5)
Good value
www.atarangi.co.nz
Click photo to enlarge
Main Divide Pokiri Reserve Late Picked Pinot Gris
2009
$25
Late-harvested pinot gris is not common, but this has lovely
hints of toasted nuts, a suggestion of caramel and a rich,
oily texture.
3 stars (out of 5)
Average value
www.maindivide.com
Click photo to enlarge
Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked Riesling 2008
$37
A third of the grapes for this were affected by noble rot,
which adds a dimension of dried apricot and honey to the
bright riesling flavours suggesting peach, mandarin and
grapefruit. Medium sweet but nicely balanced with a bright
tension between sweetness and acidity.
3 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
www.pegasusbay.com
Click photo to enlarge
Pegasus Bay Encore Noble (half bottle) Riesling
2008
$37
A more intense version of the Aria made from fully botrytised
riesling, this has the same lovely peach and citrus flavours
with undertones of buttered toast and nuts, but its essential
purity and delicacy allied with its searing, lush intensity
lift this above the ordinary.
5 stars (out of 5)
Average value
www.pegasusbay.com
Click photo to enlarge
Amisfield Central Otago Noble (half bottle) Sauvignon
Blanc 2008
$45
A golden, pungent wine with exotic aromas and undertones of
passionfruit, herbs and mineral, a background of creamy
vanilla and buttery nuts, with a long, lingering aftertaste.
Not for the faint-hearted, this wine can match strong blue
cheese or gooseberry cake.
The origins of this barrel-fermented style are in Sauternes
and Barsac.
5 stars (out of 5)
Average value
www.amisfield.co.nz
Click photo to enlarge
Framingham Marlborough Noble (half bottle) Riesling
2008
$32
A classy lip-smacking wine oozing lime, lemon, ripe peaches
and apple with a hint of honey and apricot, a rich, oily
texture and delicate, but intense, nicely balanced finish.
4 stars (out of 5)
Average value
www. framingham.co.nz
