Barristers Block
Felton Road
Block 2 Central Otago Chardonnay 2015
Shingleback
D Block Reserve Shiraz 2015
Deep Ruby with dark berry fruit nose adding sweet spice and cedar. On the palate complex berry flavors, layered with cacao, toasty oak and creamy vanilla. Fine tannins give way to peasant mouthfeel, full-bodied, long finish ending with a pleasant spicy notes. Nice! Tasting Sample! — 25 days ago
Concha y Toro
Block 27 Peumo Vineyard Terrunyo Carménère 2016
Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and dried herb notes. On the palate flavors of black cherry, plum and currants with tobacco and herb spice. Firm rustic drying tannins, lively acidity, medium+ finish ending with complex spicy fruits. Very nice, should age well. — 13 days ago
Fulldraw Vineyard
Chopping Block Paso Robles Syrah Blend 2011
This GSM from Fulldraw was a spectacular Saturday night accompaniment to a rich dinner. These folks really know what they are doing. Decanted for 3 hours and it really came into its own. Definite cherry and smoky meats on the nose. Nice long and lingering on taste. A beautiful wine. As an aside and not at all related to the bottle contents but very much indicative of Connor and Rebecca’s care about every little thing...the design of their labels is so wonderfully artful and elegant. This is not subterfuge to hide the product! It is in fact the wrapper deserving of such a complex, thoughtful and beautiful wine. Well done all around! — 7 hours ago
Martinborough Vineyard
Home Block Pinot Noir 2016
Arkenstone
Coliseum Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Damn. This is delicious! Drinking it with a salt and pepper dusted SRF Waygu tri-tip and OMG it is the perfect compliment. Full bodied with a long finish and dark fruit perfectly integrated throughout. Yum! — 14 days ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
First, Central Otago is Gods country. Especially, in April. As well, amazing soil structure & climate for Chardonnay & Pinot Noir.
Then, if you like good White Burgundy that is clean, round with good viscosity and acidity for days, this is for you. If you fit that criteria & haven’t had a good Felton Road Chardonnay, you should.
You could put this in anyone’s hand, including some Master Sommeliers blind, they would call Burgundy. I would as well.
Felton Road was the highlight of our 2017 visit to Central Otago. Rippon was a close second. Jo Mills at Rippon has more passion for wine and making them completely biodynamic than anyone I’ve met & we have met a shit-ton of producers around the world.
The nose shows; mashed, sour lemons, lime zest & candy, just ripe pineapple, grapefruit with pith, touch of white stone fruits, butterscotch notes, beautiful chalkiness, some smokiness, saline, grey volcanics, vanillin, just a touch of maple with caramel, soft side of white spice, honey to marmalade quality, graham cracker with white & yellow florals.
The palate/ body is round, medium full, gorgeously sexy with excellent viscosity. Wire to wire steady & brilliant. Mashed, sour lemons, lime zest & candy, just ripe pineapple, grapefruit with pith, touch of white stone fruits, beautiful chalkiness, saline, grey, powdery, volcanics, limestone, vanillin, just a touch of maple with caramel, butterscotch, mint, eucalyptus, touch of fresh herbs, soft side of white spice, honey to marmalade quality, graham cracker with white & yellow florals & jasmine. The acidity is stunning & like a summer shower. The finish is; gentle, elegant, so well knitted & balanced and persistent for days.
Important to decant & let warm to just below room temp. 62-65 degrees.
The perfect pair is Jasper Hill Farms new Harbison Prosecco washed soft white cheese. Creamy on steroids.
Photos of our 2017 visit to Felton Road, the long view front the property, their front gate, outdoor concrete tanks and our property walk & talk with Owner Nigel Greening.
1/15/21 — 9 days ago