May 28, 2015 Drinks
Off-dry or crisp, refreshing everyday drinking, also great with seafood, cheeses or light mains.
Tasting notes by Paul Tudor.
Framingham Classic Riesling 2013, Marlborough ($25)
This relatively youthful wine boasts floral, citrus, waxy aromas, a lean, limey impression in the mouth, offset slightly by some toasty secondary characters. While not completely dry, there is an acid drive and backbone that would make for a great match with lots of different dishes. Outstanding example of riesling.
Framingham Gewürztraminer 2013, Marlborough ($30)
This is an intense, vibrant, brilliant local example of this variety. Ripe lychee, spice, citrus blossom nose, textural and rich mouthfeel, well supported with sappy phenolics. Off-dry and not necessarily an easy food match, but it is so pure it is worth trying out a few combinations. Impressive wine. TOP 10
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough ($21)
Classic Marlborough sauvignon blanc with passionfruit and bell pepper aromas, juicy, generous fruit also evident on the palate, which is rich and dense. Perhaps a hint of sweetness, but there is racy acidity and a clean, fresh finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with a light lunch.
Mount Riley Gewürztraminer 2014, Marlborough ($17)
Lovely aromatics, fragrant stonefruit, rose petal, a hint of ginger, this juicy, tropical fruit also shines through on the palate with a touch of bitterness to balance. An upfront, fruity example that would go well with lighter seafood dishes, or salty foods. BEST BUY
Seifried Estate Grüner Veltliner 2014, Nelson ($19)
Grüner veltliner is Austria’s most celebrated variety and this is a very good expression of what to expect. Celery and green herbs abound on the nose, with musky undertones, followed by a subtle, oily texture in the mouth, nicely counterbalanced by crunchy acidity. Top stuff. BEST BUY
Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2014, Marlborough ($24)
Youthful colour, intensely fruity bouquet, peach and nectarine aromas, faintly fragrant, this tastes of stonefruit in the mouth, some firmness and texture also, but otherwise a simple, off-dry style for everyday drinking.
Tatty Bogler Pinot Gris 2012, Otago ($25)
Pale gold, stewed fruit characters, just a whiff of oatmeal or yeast. In the mouth, that grapefruit character comes through again but the palate is medium-dry, the sweetness balanced by pithy, sappy skin characters. Pretty, approachable wine, with delicate texture and subtle fruit.
Thistle Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Greystone 2013, Waipara ($20)
A tight, restrained, mineral wine, with cut grass, honeysuckle and fresh herb aromas, crunchy acidity and a long, dry finish. More subtle than Marlborough examples, but would make a great match with oysters, smoked salmon, light duck dishes and lamb.
More Best Wines for Winter 2015:
