Kim Crawford's New Zealand wines @ the Royal York. May 2007
Erica Crawford was in town with the latest releases of New Zealand's Kim Crawford wines. Many are only available at Vintages or through private order. In addition to the always-good regular standbys, Erica introduced the new premium line: "Every vintage we discover small parcels of exceptional grapes and the very best of these are bottled as our Small Parcels range of wines". We went on to taste another batch of winners from her husband, Kim Crawford. The Wines
SP Anderson Bone Dry Marlborough Riesling 2004. $24.95
Very characteristic, gently fruity nose with a definite hint of petrol. Very fresh and acidic with lots of citrus notes - lime and grapefruit. Very austere and food friendly. Great finish. 90 points.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006. $19.95 ** BEST VALUE **
Another varietally characteristic sauv blanc from Kim - this is one of his flagships. Powerful nose of grassy lemon. Acid is only medium, giving a slightly round feel. Good fruit, with citrus and grassy notes. Nice finish with a welcome acid kick on the finish, which also has a lingering hint of tropical fruit. 88 points.
SP Spitfile Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006. $29.95
Also characteristic, but in the other style of sauv blanc. The nose is more muted with darker herbaceous notes and less fruit. Not too acidic and, not surprisingly, lots of tropical fruit on the palate. Nice balance and good finish. 90 points.
SP Boyszone Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006. $29.95
There turned out to be a reason for the surprisingly aromatic nose: 15% gerwurztraminer. It was a little closed at first, but opened up with light fruity aromas of pear, melon and slightly floral notes. Surprisingly fruity on the palate, but that must be the gerwurz. Fairly round, but nice zesty finish. 90 points.
Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006. $19.95
Very characteristic bold New World nose of dark red cherry fruit. Beautiful bright light ruby colour. Fairly acidic and medium tannins. Not so fruity on the palate, but the cherries are there. Very dry, delicate and a nice finish. 87 points.
SP Comely Bank Marlborough Pinot Noir 2004. $29.95
Another characteristic nose and great secondary notes with dark red fruit showing flavour development and earthiness. Nice fruit burst on the palate, fairly high acidity and medium tannins. Dry with a good finish. 90 points.
SP Te Awanga Hawke's Bay Merlot 2004. $29.95
Very characteristic nose of dark ripe red fruit and the aging has kicked in some cigar box. Acid and tannin levels are good. The red fruit and cigar box follows through on the palate. Nice finish. 89 points
SP Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc 2002. $29.95
Another characteristic and even more mature nose of dark fruit and more pronounced cigar box. Acid and tannin levels are higher, but balanced, and the cab franc kicks in a nice hint of mint. Good finish. 89 points
Reka Sweet Riesling 2004. $19.95 (375 ml)
Very fruity nose of lime and apricot with gentle botrytis honeyed notes underneath. Palate is also very fruity, sweet, light bodied, and has good acidity to balance the sweetness and a nice crisp finish. 89 points
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