Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide
Wine Enthusiast
March Issue 2016
NEW ZEALAND
92 pts Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Former Cloudy Bay boss Kevin Judd scores big in this challenging vintage. The wine is round, ripe and amply concentrated, with grassy, herbal shadings and pineapple and stone fruit notes that linger on the lush finish.
92 pts Greywacke Chardonnay 2013
This is a fairly big, weighty Chardonnay, but one whose alcohol levels are balanced by crisp acids. Aromas of smoke and toasted grains lead the way, followed by hints of whole wheat toast and lemon curd. The long, mouth-watering finish brings the citrus elements back to the fore. Drink now–2018.
91 pts Greywacke Pinot Noir 2013
The 2013 vintage was a solid one for Pinot Noir in just about every corner of New Zealand. This is medium-bodied and slightly creamy-textured, with dark notes of cola, mocha and plum, spiced up by hints of cinnamon and clove. The lengthy finish is supple and velvety. Drink now–2025.
90 pts/BEST BUY Innocent Bystander Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015
This Australian (Yarra Valley-based) brand has bottled an excellent Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It’s plump and ample in the mouth, while the aromas are laced with hints of struck flint, snow pea, celery leaf and gooseberry, all woven into fine balance and possessing a long, mouthwatering finish.
90 pts Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2013
Struck flint and tomato leaf notes add welcome complexity to this wine’s grapefruit aromas and flavors. For a wild-ferment Sauvignon Blanc, it’s reasonably clean, with moderate body and a long, dry finish.
CHILE
90 pts Oveja Negra The Lost Barrel 2011
Cherry, plum and oak aromas are more subtle than forced. This is mostly Syrah and Carignan, with some Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Dark, peppery, toasty black-fruit flavors finish full and grabby, with notes of cassis, herbs and spice. Drink through 2018.