Bob McDonald

9.5

Mid to deep crimson in colour. Aromas of red berries, a little oak, a bunchie stalky note, spices including nutmeg and a dash of chocolate. Medium plus bodied quite northern Rhone in style more than SA. Not dissimilar to another excellent North Island Syrah as in Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay. Very good, very tasty. From the unlikely destination of Waiheke Island which is in the middle of Auckland Harbour, which is massive in area compared to Sydney Harbour. One would think the rainfall might be a little high for quality viticulture but not so. Also when you think that one of the best new world Chardonnays in Kumeu River is made just to the north of Auckland. — 10 days ago

Brandon T

9.0

A pleasant surprise. A bit dusty on the finish, but a good early/mid week drinker. — 7 days ago

Liz Howng

9.4

Delicious, aged beautifully. Earthy, dark fruits, velvety with good structure. — 4 days ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.2

Tonight's wine that I have chosen is the 2018 Saint Clair Family Estate Origin Series Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.

On the nose there is grapefruit, tangerine, lime, peach, herbaceous and minerality.

Onnthe palate there is lime, grapefruit, tangerine, grass, herbaceous and minerality.

This wine is medium bodied smooth creamy mouthfeel with medium + acidity and a long crisp clean citrus minerality driven finish. A beautiful wine that you can have by itself or with a wonderfully prepared sea bass. Let's have a great beginning to our weekend and please be safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🥂🥂🥂🥂 — 6 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

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 — 12 days ago

Quinn H

9.4

Beautiful minerality. Wet concrete, cherry undertones and hints of cigar box. — a month ago

Daniel M

9.0

There is a slight English candy scent on the nose, along with cassis and maybe coffee. The palate is very well made with a strong acid backbone, a nice supple cassis/berry fruit, a sweet touch on the side, a gentle tannin layer in mid palate and a long finish with fruits. Very nice pinot expression. More of that please! — 4 days ago

Kristin the Wine Girl

9.2

Fresh and far more elegant than your typical NZ Sauv Blanc. Lightly limey and lightly grassy, with a hint of buttered popcorn and hefty waft of jalapeño. Well balanced and beautifully complex. — a day ago

Brandon T

9.0

A solid sauv blanc for the $. Definitely a weird wine as the label states - cofermented with oysters. — 4 days ago

Dana Magnuson

9.4

One of my go to bottles. Tastes great and is reasonably priced! — a day ago