Kim Crawford 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay
New Zealand Wineries http://www.nzwine.com/wineries/marlborough/
New Zealand New Zealand extends 1,600km (1000 miles) from sub-tropical Northland (36° S) to the world’s most southerly grape growing region Central Otago (46° S). [Roughly equivalent to San Francisco to Washington State in the Northern Hemisphere] Vineyards benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate (no vineyard is more than 120km, or 80 miles, from the ocean) with long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes.
New Zealand wine is distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period - a result of cool temperatures - allows flavor development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned.
There are a number of distinct major winegrowing regions spread throughout New Zealand, with the majority on the East coast of the Islands in the rain shadow of the mountains. Within these diverse regions, sub-regional characteristics are beginning to show through and wines are now being distinguished as being not just from a wine region, but from a sub-region and a place. We hope you enjoy discovering our regions and producers.
Marlborough It has been said that there is no wine anywhere in the world that tastes like the wine of Marlborough – the balance of extraordinary purity and intensity of flavors set around impressive aroma, distinctive fruit characteristics and appealing balanced acidity is superb. These are stylish, exciting wines that surprise and delight.
What is it that makes the wines of Marlborough so distinctively exquisite? As with any of the great wine making regions of the world, the answer lies in a magical synergy of climate and soil, underpinned by our desire to express this unique terroir. Here in the north-eastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island, bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east and towering mountain ranges in the hinterlands to the north and south, a broad alluvial plain stretches from the coastline, gradually rising into narrow valleys with favorable northerly aspects. Ours is a diverse landscape of spectacular natural beauty and bounty.
In past centuries Maori hunted moa here and cultivated vast kumara crops in the year round sunshine. Early European settlers established New Zealand’s pastoral industry on the fertile rolling downs of the river valleys. In 1873, long before the modern day vintners recognized the extraordinary potential to produce great wine in this region, pioneering Scottish farmer and grape grower David Herd planted Marlborough’s first vineyard. It was to be another 100 years before that vision took root with the development of viticulture in Marlborough on a commercial scale.
Today Marlborough is recognized as one of the premium wine regions of the world. New Zealand’s leading wine region, Marlborough draws international acclaim that far outweighs its size. In the span of just a few decades, winemakers have embraced this small, yet geographically diverse region, exploring the nuances offered by its landscape to craft exhilarating flavors in many different wine styles.
Each expresses the indelible mark of place that is Marlborough.
Chardonnay “In terms of structure and acidity, they recall the great chardonnays of Burgundy. In their totality they are like nothing else from anyplace.” Michael Franz, Washington Post, USA
Mouth-filling, with concentrated citrus & tropical fruit, balanced by crisp acidity & refined minerality. The warmer NZ regions typically yield full to medium bodied wines with round, rich flavors, whilst the cooler South Island regions tend to produce medium to light bodied styles with greater acidity, minerality & fresh citrus flavors.
NZ Chardonnay is generally hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed & barrel-fermented.
Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is famed for its pungently aromatic green capsicum (bell pepper), gooseberry & lush passionfruit characters. Styles can vary from this traditional style to those showing fresh-cut grass, tomato stalks, melons & lime. The Marlborough region represents 80% of all plantings. North Island styles tend to show soft, ripe, more tropical characters, whereas the more southerly styles show crisper, lighter more vibrant styles.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is predominantly cold-fermented in stainless steel to retain its famed “zing”, though more examples are being produced using oak, wild yeasts & lees stirring to add complexity.
Pinot Noir “I have long been writing about the potential of New Zealand to supplant all other competitors of Burgundy and I see no reason to change my mind.” James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au
New Zealand Pinot Noir shows the fine tannins and elegance of good Burgundy with the added excitement of vibrant, intense fruit and secondary herbal, spice and game characters. Distinct regional styles are beginning to emerge from New Zealand. The Wairarapa wines are full-bodied and dense with rich dark plum and chocolate flavors. Marlborough and Nelson show complex, tight structure with bright cherry flavors. Waipara Pinot Noir shows hints of pepper and spice whilst Central Otago are known for their herbal notes, berryfruit and firm tannins.
Tasting Notes
Kim Crawford 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay (Marlborough) (Gary's) If you like you Chardonnay with true expression of fruit then this is the one to love! This wine does not hide behind any oak. It’s a crisp wine that tastes of the succulence and freshness of the grape.
White peach, grapefruit and melon with a hint of pineapple flavors are supported by a soft and textured mouthfeel (achieved through malolactic fermentation). It may have no oak, but this wine has an abundance of character. Drink it with all seafood, delicate white meats and creamy pasta dishes.
(Sterling) Pale straw color. A fruit-forward nose showing rich pineapple, white stonefruit, and melon characteristics. A soft, full-length palate of intense pineapple and tropical fruits. Cellar Two years with confidence. Drink it with all seafood, delicate white meats and creamy pasta dishes.
Arona 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) (Sterling) Our most complex blend in terms of components. The fruit from the Wairau Plains brings a balanced, ripe stone-fruit character which blends together with Blind River's fresher aromatics. The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc was co-fermented with the Riesling, allowing longer for flavor integration. The resulting wine is vibrant and aromatic with rounded flavors, tropical tones, slightly softer acidity and a touch of natural sweetness. Ripe fruit flavors balance the traditional intensity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The grapefruit nose opens to a full and fruity mouthful of passion fruit and pineapple, peach and apricot. Arona 2011 features the rounder more tropical style of the Wairau Valley alongside the freshness of it's cooler Awatere home. (Gary's): Arona is a Maori girl's name meaning "colorful." Not a bad start. Crack that bottle open, and you'll find just as much vibrant character within. Bright, approachable, exuberant, and clean, this wine has been said to mirror its origin, the unspoiled South Island of New Zealand. Never been there myself, but if the whole place happens to smell like passion fruit, nectarine, pineapple and just a little fresh cut grass, I'm willing to board the plane tomorrow. This wine makes excellent use of the cool climate of New Zealand's South Island. It exhibits wonderful tropical fruits including pineapple and passion fruit. Crisp, clean, and refreshing, this is certain to please on hot, sunny days. Also, try it with grilled tilapia or a nice citrus salad.
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (Marlborough) Winemaker's Notes: (Gary's) Sauvignon Blanc is grown in our Marlborough vineyard on stony riverbed terraces, gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks to give intense passionfruit and gooseberry fruit characters. The wine is fruit-driven in style, with complexity from lees ageing for several months in stainless steel tanks before bottling. This wine is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with intense flavors and crisp acid in a dry style. (Stirling) Colour: Pale straw. Bouquet: An intense amalgam of limes, grapefruit, and underlying rich tropical fruit. Palate: An inviting and fine texture brings out the citrus and currant flavors of the wine. Pure fruit and vibrant acidity leave a sustained, dry finish. Reviews Wine Advocate 89 Points Spy Valley’s 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is intensely scented of freshly chopped herbs, lime zest and kumquat with hints of lemon tart and gooseberry. Medium bodied, it offers a very good concentration of citrus and herbal flavors with great balance and a long refreshing finish. Drinking now, it should keep to 2014. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, October 2011
Wine Spectator 89 Points Infused with ripe peach, pear and guava flavors, this is smooth and refreshing, ripe and juicy. Spicy finish. Drink now. MaryAnn Worobiec, June 15, 2012.
International Wine Cellar 88 Points Bright pale yellow. Aromas of stone fruits, lime, orange and honey complicated by an exotic suggestion of tropical fruits. Fat, sexy and sweet, in a crowd-pleasing style. Offers immediate appeal to its easygoing stone and tropical fruit flavors. A bittoo easy for my taste, but finishes with good length.-ST Kim Crawford 2011 Pinot Noir Winemaker's Notes: Color: Bright red with purple and crimson notes. Aroma: An enticingly aromatic wine showing notes of dark cherries and strawberries with the alluring complexity of well integrated oak. Palate: Vibrant, fresh fruit flavors underpinned by nuances of sweet, smoky oak. Good firm tannins give the wine length and weight. You can savour the wine long after it has left your palate.
Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2011 Winemaker's Notes: Winemaking: Fruit was hand picked from our own and two neighbouring vineyard blocks and fermented in open vats. Fermentation started naturally with 'wild' yeasts, after which the wine was pressed off the skins and aged in oak barrels for 8 months. Colour: Garnet Bouquet: Red fruits, plum and sweet cherry are underpinned with fragrant notes of spice and dried sage Palate: Fruit forward with a long supple structure, licorice and cocoa notes are typical of our vineyard site Reviews Wine Spectator 92 Points Digs deep into the spice box, with nutmeg, clove and allspice flavors that perfectly frame the ripe, supple wild black cherry and raspberry notes. Comes together on a supple frame, with plenty of staying power on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 13,000 cases made.