Top Wines at Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour - May 2016

At the Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour in May, as expected, there were many very nice Sauvignon Blanc wines, including some oaked styles, and Pinot Noir wines. However, there were two wines that stood out - a young Syrah that showed impeccable balance and was very approachable for such a young wine, and an oaked Chardonnay.

Here are my top wines from the New Zealand tasting. We should see most of these wines show up at the LCBO at some point, however, you can always contact the Agent directly for more ordering options.

Tasting Notes:

NGATARAWA STABLES RESERVE SYRAH 2015 - Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (XD) - $22.95
With only 3 months of oak, this young wine has a medium-to-high intensity nose showing true varietal character with notes of black peppercorn, black fruits and some oak spices. The palate is medium+ bodied with nicely balanced aroma replays and balanced acids. Tannins are smooth and supple. Medium-to-long finish. Available via Private Order through EPIC Wines and Spirits. Score: 89 pts

PASQUALE CHARDONNAY 2012 - Waitaki Valley, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand (XD) - $39
A rich wine with an high intensity nose featuring very nice apple, butter notes and some elegant oak, vanilla notes. On the palate, it is medium+ bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and orchard fruit, oak, buttery flavours to go along with crisp, clean acids. Excellent length on the finish. Contact Trilogy Wine Merchants for purchasing information. Score: 91 pts

SPY VALLEY ENVOY JOHNSON VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#429308) (XD) - $29.95
From their oldest vines, this barrel fermented and oak aged Sauvignon Blanc offers a lovely smoky nose combined with elegant grass, hay, asparagus and hints of citrus aromas. On the nicely textured palate, it is light-to-mid-weighted with tart green fruit, grass, and lime that is on the tangy side. It has well-balanced acids and excellent length on the finish. Can age at least half dozen years. Contact Trialto for availability. Score: 91 pts

STONELEIGH LATITUDE PINOT NOIR 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325654) (XD) - $25.95
The medium-to-high intensity nose has lively aromas of black cherry, tea leaf, and black spices. On the medium-bodied palate it is smooth with rounded tannins, juicy acids, and cherry flavours with earthy undertones. Well-balanced and long finishing. Contact Corby Spirit & Wine for availability. Score: 90+ pts

WHITEHAVEN GREG SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (XD) - $24.95
Medium-to-high intensity aromas that are clean with notes of asparagus, gooseberry, and lime which echo nicely on the well-balanced palate. It's medium-bodied with good acidity and a long, juicy finish. Contact E.J. Gallo to order. Score: 90+ pts