Some great examples of new release wines from the Nelson region – 01.11.14

The following list, in no particular order, is my thoughts on some outstanding new release Nelson wines from the exciting 2014 vintage and current release wines from earlier vintages. These are four and five star wines worth searching for. Prices shown are recommended retail prices but you may well find them on promotion at your favourite liquor retailer.

Kahurangi Estate Vintage Reserve Blanc de Blancs 2011 – $36

There are only a few sparkling wines produced in Nelson and this is a wonderfully fresh bubbly with citrus flavours and soft background biscuit characters adding to the richness. A long elegant finish makes it the perfect aperitif.

Neudorf Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2014 – $22

A little time in old oak barrels has added a lovely lushness to the mouthfeel of this wine and compliments the tropical fruits and delicate red capsicum flavour nicely. This continues the so popular Neudorf sauvignon blanc style

Te Mania Sauvignon Blanc 2014 – $20

Rounded, full and fleshy wine with beautifully ripe acidity giving it a wonderful juicy finish. This is a fantastic organic certified wine that is dangerously easy to drink.

Blackenbrook Pinot Gris 2013 – $22.90

Gold Medal and Trophy for Best Pinot Gris at the 2014 Bragato Wine Awards. Packed with pure clean flavours of white peach and spiced pears. A touch of sweetness rounds adds complexity to the long delicate finish.

Waimea Estates Pinot Gris 2014 – $24.99

This is a fantastic example to the fresh clean flavours delivered by the 2014 vintage.

Rich floral aromas and a full palate weight that carries flavours of quince with a backbone of powdered river stone minerality this is an outstanding example of Nelson pinot gris.

Seifried Estates Gruner Veltliner 2014 – $25

The vines the fruit for this wine is grown on were planted in 2008 and as the vines get a little older we are starting to see the huge potential this variety has in Nelson. The aromas may be delicate but the flavours have a lovely depth of character with softly peppered notes adding intrigue to the peach and nectarine flavours.

Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay 2013 – $64

Michael Cooper has this wine in his ‘Super Classics’ list and Bob Campbell named the 2012 version of this wine as his wine of the year. As usual the wine is about restrained power. Delicate floral and nut aromas are reflected in the flavours along with a lovely twist of citrus and flinty minerality. This wine is a baby and will develop superbly if you can keep your hands off it for another year or two.

Brightwater Vineyards Lord Rutherford Barrique Chardonnay 2012 – $40

In recent years Brightwater Vineyards have delivered some of the best chardonnays in New Zealand. The 2009 version of this wine was named Champion Wine in Show at the Royal Easter Wine Awards in 2012 and this 2012 version has been awarded the Colin Harrison Memorial Trophy for Nelson’s top chardonnay and has also won a gold medal at The New Zealand International Wine Show. It is an elegant yet richly textured, full-bodied wine with depth of flavour and beautifully balanced acidity. Stunning value for money.

Woollaston Estates Mahana Pinot Noir 2012 – $52

With rich, dense aromas of black berry fruits and flavours that reflect them this is full bodied, packed with ripe fruit characters yet is refined and beautifully balanced. While the alcohol level (13.5%) provides a lovely warmth to the wine the delicate and powdery tannins provide structure. A wonderful glass of wine to enjoy with lamb or duck.