Stonyridge

StonyridgeTasting April 2013 Waiheke Island

Airfield 2011 (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot) 13%

N; Wild, sweet flowers, bright berries and new chocolate, with dark berries following. Oak is obvious but in balance with the structure and forward boldness.

P: The key to this wine is its structure with medium+ tannins providing both fine and youthful aggressive attributes. The fruits reflect the darker berries first with the oak signature following. Medium+ complexity and length.

4.5 Stars

Luna Negra 2010 Hillside Malbec 13%

A: Super dark ruby, opaque, with a fuchsia rim.

N: Very ripe and vibrant to the level of jammy, with a sweet, smokey and toasty oak core. Big, bold and rich (zero green).

P: Dry, then immediately dark blackberry, plum and jammy currant – almost prune-like. Tannins to match; long and fruit-full finish.

5 Stars

Pilgrim 2010 Syrah, Mouvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Viognier 13.5%

N: Whilst the wine has a youthful bouquet of red and black fruits, and a new and older oak signature, it also shows a level of integration from a smidgen of bottle development – all good.

P: A mix of Gigondas and Crozes Hermitage thoughts with a gravelly, earthy layer then plum and black fruits – all piled on top of some well chosen oak. Medium+ tannins – more fine than not. Wine remains youthful and vibrant – excellent

4.5 Stars

Pilgrim Syrah, Mouvedre, Grenache 2011 13%

N: A distinctly different wine with a bigger concentration of black and dark red fruits, sweet newer oak elements, then hints of white pepper and spice. Medium+ complexity – a little hidden in the youth so far.

P = N:  Medium+ tannins – a better meld with the oak. A much bolder wine – masculine overall. Medium++ length. Very good.

4.5 Stars

Stonyridge Larose 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc 13% (24 hours open)

N: Youthful, complex and distinctive with an intricate array of black fruits, leather, brown spices, chocolate, and a large helping of oak. Medium++ complexity. A classic.

P: Reflects the nose - bigger and better texture with considerable length. Much more on the palate than the nose suggests. A classically complex wine with significant length and finish.

5 Stars (90 Points)