Sweet mandarin, green apple and mineral laden white flowers greet the nose - quite an impact and with everything I like about Riesling from Otago - generous, fruity and rich in character. On the palate - this is an off-dry style - but don't let this sway your decision - the wine is packed with vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus and tree fruits with a hot lemon juice finish. The minerality is obvious and adds much to the completeness of this example (can you tell I like it?). The finish is long and persistent with a subtle white flower layer. Delish!
4.5 Stars
Kalex Wines 'Alex Kaufman' SV Pisa Terrace Riesling Central Otago 2013 12%
This wine is a little denser and richer in its bouquet - compared with its lower alcohol brother (above); the bouquet does have a fine mix of mandarin, tangerine and sweet apple aromas, a touch of apple tart-tartin and loads of mineral messages as well as white rose. On the palate - off dry at first then drier as the acidity kicks in; flavors of citrus and apple return with a strong mineral layer and quince fruit note. Generous medium+ length and finish. Lovely!
4.5 Stars
Alex K Pinot Noir 'Big Backyard' Central Otago 2013 13.9%
A very 'Pinot Noir' bouquet with lots of ripe red cherry fruit suggestions supported by plum and brown spices from barrel. On the palate - just dry with lots of fruit impact - cherry and plum once again; medium+ acidity and medium fine tannins; the oak is a layered component adding complexity and some generosity to the palate. Overall simple, effective and very drinkable. Medium length and well made.
3.5 Stars
Great bouquet with some bottle maturity adding complexity; lots of aromas of red fruits with brown spiced cherry and raspberry fruit suggestions; there is still some integration required from the oak as it is quite bold; overall quite complex. On the palate - as the nose suggests with some bottle development complexity, plenty of fruit but not fruit weight, dry with medium+ acidity and medium tannins, balanced and well made. A food wine that requires decanting for service. Enjoy through 2015.
3.5 Stars
Kalex Wines Pinot Noir Rose Brut Central Otago 2011 13.5%
A copper/salmon coloured appearance - very bright and oozing with fine bubble.
Quite a rich earthy and savory bouquet with a plenty of autolysis up front; fruit aromas include baked strawberry and quince with red apple nuances. On the palate - savory, crisp, earthy and dry - quite masculine in nature. The fruits do return for a wee wave, the wine seems built around its savory and bottle development characters. The mousse is bold and intense at first then subsides quickly to a quiet prickle. Overall - good, dry, very drinkable and should work well with food. In fact am off to a Thanksgiving lunch - I'll test its potential there.
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