Phew, now that we have gotten the alliteration out of the way, we can focus on the wines.
The term Fume dates back to many 20th-century expressions of sauvignon blanc. These two show an alternative, food-friendly side to the variety.
Two Marlborough pinot noirs follow from what many regard as a superlative year for the region.
Finally, we have two powerful Australian reds to cuddle up to on these cool nights. Something for everyone.
2013 Riverby Estate
Single Vineyard
Marlborough
Sav Blanc Semillon
Price: $27
Rating: Excellent to
outstanding
Super complex nose with notes of smoky bramble, citrus, pea pod and spice, adding flecks of gooseberry and asparagus. Creamy richness yet fresh vibrancy too, lemon and orange citrus notes. Celery and sweet pea/pea pod. Great balance, building zestiness with long finish.
2019 Kahurangi Estate
Mt Arthur Reserve
Nelson
Fume Blanc
Price: $22.95
Rating: Very Good to
excellent
Hints of musk shift to warm baguette, fruit pastille and asparagus. Sweetly fruited, the asparagus joined by grassy hints and a little bittersweet fruit kernel note on the long close. Racy acidity adds to the refreshment factor,. Chewy grip adds mouthfeel.
2019 Riverby Estate
Single Vineyard
Marlborough
Pinot Noir
Price: $27
Rating: Excellent
Pencil shavings, lead pencil, fragrant & floral with a little wild herb. Adds raspberry,acid drops, whole bunch stalk nuances, a grainy element. Nice pinosity: this is not trying to be a bruiser, but has lovely balance, fine, integrated tannins, growing creaminess and super easy drinkability already.
2019 Mills Reef
Reserve
Marlborough
Pinot Noir
Price: $24.95
Rating: Very good to
excellent
Raspberry, plum, darker fruits and savoury element topped with oak spices, wood shavings. Palate: medium-bodied with powerful ripe tannins and youthful sappiness. Long, dry finish. Brash, youthful, lots of ingredients. Best with food now. Potential.
2016 Taylor’s
St Andrews Clare Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $65
Rating: Excellent to
outstanding
Powerfully dusty nose, oak scents/cedar, eucalyptus ,berryfruit, warmth of the summer sun. Deep, powerful brooding, darker fruits, crushed leaf, ripe not over-sweet, with the tannins melded in. Loganberry hints on the long finish. Like being wrapped up in a big, cuddly blanket.
2016 Taylor’s
St Andrews Clare Valley
Shiraz
Price: $65
Rating: Excellent
Intense nose of wood shavings, spices, vanilla,raspberry and berryfruit. Smoke and spices take the lead on the powerfully, sweet-fruited palate, with blackberry, dark berry and minty hints evolving with aeration. This comes across as lush and supple before tannins and acidity kick in.
