Australia & NZ
These far-flung wine regions may be referred to ‘new’ when compared against the historic European wine regions, but they have a long winemaking history. Spared from Phylloxera, Australia in particular has world's highest concentration of venerable vines and legendary producers such as Penfolds, Henschke and Tyrell’s have been around for over 150 years. Though for many years piggybacking on Europe’s successes, branding their own wines as ‘Chablis’, ‘Hermitage’ etc., Australia now have created a real identity of their own, making inimitable styles like Coonawarra Cabernet or Hunter Valley Semillon.
New Zealand doesn’t quite have as an extensive history but has established itself in an astonishingly short amount of time as a reliable source of whistle clean, distinctive examples of varietals like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Australia & NZ
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Auckland | 1 | 97 (TRR) | HK$910.00 | |||||
The Real Review (97)Taut, mouth-watering chardonnay in a rather Burgundian style, with a nice blend of fruit, oyster-shell, toast, spice and nutty oak flavours. Good weight and concentration. Accessible now but should respond well to a little bottle age. |
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Auckland | 1 | 18.5+ (MJ) | HK$2,268.00 | |||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)The winemaking regime is identical to the preceding wines – hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, wild yeast fermented in 100% oak, and it spends 11 months in barrel (25% new) after malo. This time, a piercingly fresh bouquet is driven along briskly by a strident citrus theme. Super-tasty, really long and with an amazing volume of flavour, this is my favourite of the ‘Premier Cru’ wines. Grab some now, for fear of missing out. You can drink it today without the wine police visiting you, but it will sing in a couple of years and hold easily for a decade! |
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Auckland | 2 | 94 (TRR) | HK$2,765.00 | |||||
The Real Review (94)Fragrant, aromatic chardonnay with slightly green tree fruit flavours, citrus/lime and a backbone of nicely integrated and pleasantly vibrant acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish. A smattering of nutty yeast lees adds extra interest. |
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Auckland | 1 | 94 (TRR) | HK$2,350.00 | |||||
The Real Review (94)Fragrant, aromatic chardonnay with slightly green tree fruit flavours, citrus/lime and a backbone of nicely integrated and pleasantly vibrant acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish. A smattering of nutty yeast lees adds extra interest. |
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Auckland | 5 | 96 (JS) | HK$2,240.00 | |||||
James Suckling (96)Aromas of apples, white peaches and steel with hints of lemongrass, fresh basil, flint and white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and dense center palate and a crunchy and flavorful finish. Energetic acidity. So fresh yet dense at the same time. |
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Auckland | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$785.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2014 Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay performs just as you'd expect, showing the intersection of a ripe vintage through the lens of this powerful vineyard planted to the Mendoza clone. Unlike the youthful rambunctiousness of the 2014 Hunting Hill, this is complete. It has found stillness and calm in the 11 years from harvest, and the wine feels merely as if it is settling into its long future. Like sitting in a comfortable chair, there's no saying when you might get up. This has that same patient air about it. |
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Auckland | 1 | 94 (WA) | HK$890.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94)Maté's is usually the tightest, most linear of the KR Chards, and that's again the case. The 2016 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay is marked by smoky new oak, but there's also pineapple and grapefruit notes that create a crisp, acidic spine. Draped off of that are hints of white peaches, roasted hazelnuts and tangerine. There's an almost briny zestiness to the lingering finish that sets it apart from the winery's other single-vineyard bottlings. |
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Auckland | 1 | 96 (JS) | HK$805.00 | |||||
James Suckling (96)The top-tier chardonnay here is very much in command and has a super rich and very concentrated feel with deep, ripe-peach and mango aromas with grilled-grapefruit notes, too. The palate is very rich and ripe, offering a super fleshy feel with long, rich and layered, stone-fruit flavors. Drink or hold. Screw cap. |
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Auckland | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$975.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2019 Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay is straight out of the blocks with power and intensity. It is concentrated, with a scintillating score of gravelly phenolics that drag the fruit characters out over the palate. It veritably glitters with intense fruit, which is tropical without being mushy or sweet at all. The oak feels toasty, and the fruit and the acid are all in harmony. This is impressive plus. |
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Auckland | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$4,080.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2019 Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay is straight out of the blocks with power and intensity. It is concentrated, with a scintillating score of gravelly phenolics that drag the fruit characters out over the palate. It veritably glitters with intense fruit, which is tropical without being mushy or sweet at all. The oak feels toasty, and the fruit and the acid are all in harmony. This is impressive plus. |
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Auckland | 1 | 97 (VN) | HK$4,410.00 | |||||
Vinous (97)The Chardonnay Mate's Vineyard, appears to have gone on a yoga retreat in 2020: not only is its usual powerful self, but it's remarkably zen too, exuding a sense of calmness. It is full-bodied, round and offers fruit ripeness, but the propensity of the Mendoza clone to hen-and-chicks means that it retains a sense of nerve, with powerful citrusy acidity providing the needle that pulls a tight thread through this wine's core. The 2020 is still far too young, and it is aromatically shy, but even in its full mature glory, it won't exhibit aromatic fireworks – nor should it. This is Chardonnay. Okay, you might detect lemon and limes, white flowers and just-ripe white nectarine, with 30% new oak imbuing an additional layer of savoriness, but when it comes down to it, this wine's trump card is in its shape, texture and persistence. |
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Auckland | 2 | - | HK$1,795.00 | |||||
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Wairarapa | 1 | - | HK$10,270.00 | |||||
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The Kusuda Pinot Noir 2020 exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Japan’s esteemed Kusuda winery, nestled in the renowned Yamanashi region. Meticulously cultivated vines thrive in mineral-rich volcanic soils, imparting a unique terroir to each harvest. Handpicked berries undergo careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the delicate balance of fruit and acidity. This elegant Pinot Noir reveals a vibrant ruby hue, with enticing aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, layers of red fruit intertwine with hints of spice and well-structured tannins, culminating in a silky, lingering finish. Kusuda's commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques ensures the 2020 vintage stands as a testament to their dedication to quality and finesse. Perfectly paired with refined cuisine, this exceptional wine embodies sophistication and the artistry of fine Japanese winemaking. |
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