Sunday, August 21, 2011

Wine tasting by Crystal Wines on 20 August 2011

Swung by Crystal Wines' retail outlet at Valley point yesterday for one of it's tasting sessions (which was held in conjunction with a discounted sale of 340 wines). Wines offered on sale came from Australia, NZ, Argentina, Chile, S. Africa and America.



For the session I attended, around 6 whites were presented for tasting. Of these, one white stood out:

2009 Misha's Vineyard Dress Circle Pinot Gris
Notes of pear, nectarine and spice greets the nose. The palate reveals a silky-creamy texture with good body weight and ripe pear fruit sweetness. Refreshing acid offers good balance and the wine has a lingering finish.The wine is ready to be enjoyed now. It was quite popular among the consumers as the stock in the retail outlet ran out by the session's end. (Though chardonnay and sauvignon blanc have played a major role in putting NZ under the international limelight, other varietals like pinot gris and gewurztraminer should not be overlooked. Though presently produced in small quantities, these varietals are however making their presence felt within the 'vino landscape' of NZ.)

Among the reds, some worth parting one's dollars for are:

2008 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot: black currants and dried herbs notes in an integrated, round body displaying smooth texture and fine tannins. Good to drink now and can keep to age.

2008 Mitolo GAM Shiraz: black berries, black currants and coffee notes in a medium plus body which shows firm structure, ample tannins and a well balanced body. Wine has the potential to evolve further and show secondary development.

2008 Maxwell Ellen Street Shiraz: dark berries, spice, chocolate notes in a wine with good mouth feel and body weight. Reveals fine tannins, good structure and balance, and a lingering finish. Wine possesses aging potential.




Swing by the outlet if you are around the neighbourhood next time :p