Category Archives: Hawkes Bay

2013 Church Road Chardonnay

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Build me up buttercup Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. It could really be from anyway though. Lots of winemaking input, generic fruit profile. And exactly the sort of expression that many consumers wished was back in vogue. Loads of … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand | Tagged | 3 Comments

2013 The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Confusing quotes from winemaker Gabrielle Simmers accompanied this wine: “The motivation for me to produce naturally comes from my farming background, my experience learning from Heymann-Lowenstein in the Mosel, and personally I am very sensitive to any toxins. So I can … Continue reading →

Posted in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc | Tagged | 2 Comments

2012 Church Road Hawke’s Bay Grand Reserve Chardonnay

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

The golden-yellow glow gives the game away as much as the ‘Grand Reserve’ moniker. Big-time winemaker input and a very showy result. 40% new oak, total malo and lots of lees work. The fruit is of a higher standard than … Continue reading →

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2012 Church Road Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

A creamy and slightly bulbous offering that sees 30% new French and Hungarian oak, wild fermentation (100% malolactic) and significant battonage. You have to be in the mood or like the style. A plate of something creamy and rich wouldn’t go … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand | 3 Comments

2011 Salo Hawkes Bay Syrah

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

The difficult second album and perhaps the difficult second vintage. The 2010 Salo Hawkes Bay Syrah was a stunning wine. If it was Television’s ‘Marquee Moon’ then perhaps the 2011 version is ‘Adventure’ – an under-rated but still impressive effort, if … Continue reading →

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2010 Pyramid Valley Moteo Vineyard Hawkes Bay Chenin Blanc

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

Always happy to give a maligned grape a positive review if it deserves it. I like good Chenin. Pyramid Valley have gained a bit of a cult following over the past few years. They make wines that sit comfortably outside of the … Continue reading →

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2010 Salo Hawkes Bay Syrah

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Jeremy Pringle

The Salo stable expands (to two wines) with the introduction of this inaugural Hawkes Bay Syrah. Only fitting considering it’s a collaborative effort between Kiwi Dave Mackintosh and Aussie Steve Flamsteed. No sulfur pre-bottling, ambient yeast, 18 months in 15% new French barriques. As for the … Continue reading →

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