The Star: February 18, 2021

• By Mark Henderson
THE 2018 vintage Gimblett
Gravels dozen is split into six
blended reds and six syrahs.
When I pondered the varietal
make-up of the blended reds, I
noted that these were dominated
by cabernet sauvignon, a later
ripening grape than merlot, a
tick of confidence to my mind
from the winemakers, in getting
flavour and physiologically ripe
fruit at the end of the season.
Abundant tannins are also a
factor in these wines, which will
give backbone as they age, but
also complement food if you
decide to broach these early.
2018 Elephant Hill
Hieronymous
Price: $120
Rating: Outstanding
A sense of volume to the
nose, dust, gravel, riverstones,
blackberry, blackcurrant,
perfume.
Powerful entry with tannins
to match, adding a grainy feel to
the texture. Mixed red and dark
fruits, a wisp of leaf and savoury
nuances; the fruit hanging on the
long close, salivary glands getting
a work out.
Fleshes out nicely, complexity
and completeness. Very elegant.
www.elephanthill.co.nz
2018 Squawking Magpie
Grand Gimblett cabernet
sauvignon
Price: $80
Rating: Excellent to
outstanding
Ripe, sweeter fruits, flirts with
liqueur fruits, bonfire embers/
wood smoke, tobacco with time.
A sweeter fruit core here, spices
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
and chocolate, silky texture and
very fine tannins.
Freshness and a cooling feel to
this, the youthfulness becomes
more apparent as the tannins grow
more mouth puckering and the
acidity more bracing. Needs time.
www.squawkingmagpie.co.nz
2018 Saint Clair Pioneer
Block 17 Gimblett Gravels
cabernet merlot
Price: $37.90
Rating: Excellent
A tangy quality, balsamic,
savoury notes, then more
restrained blackcurrant, berry
compote and tar.
Medium bodied with lovely
purity of fruit highlighting
blackcurrant and mixed berries.
The tanginess continues on the
palate, offering a vibrant, crunchy
brightness.
Elegant with super-drinkability,
yet deceptive as there’s structure
for the future.
www.saintclair.co.nz
2018 Mission Estate
Jewelstone Antoine
Price: $50
Rating: Excellent to
outstanding
A wisp of funk at first,
humus, earth, road tar, the
fruit hovering, a little cigar box
with time. Mouth-puckering,
powerful tannins driving this
yet underlying creamy richness.
Licorice, savoury nuances, black
tea, the fruit carrying through to
the long, dry finish. Could easily
slip into a line-up of Bordeaux.
An attractive, powerfully
structured wine needing time.
www.missionestate.co.nz
2018 Villa Maria
Ngakirikiri
Price: $150
Rating: Outstanding
Fascinating nose, tilled earth,
wild herbs, bran, black fruits, leaf,
wood smoke, perfume, evolving
and changing.
Silky entry, really fine tannins,
deceptive depth, managing power
Thursday February 18 2021 The Star
WINE 25
Tannins boost flavour in blended reds
without overt weight. Chocolate,
spice box, tobacco, leaf, savoury
elements and dark fruits caress
the palate, the tiniest saline
nuance.
Superb stuff.
www.villamaria.co.nz
2018 Trinity Hill The
Gimblett
Price: $40
Rating: Excellent to
outstanding
Attractive nose of blackcurrant,
leaf, earth, milk chocolate, spice
and fruit liqueur. Richly fruited
front palate, chocolate and dusty
gravel backed by nicely judged
tannins.
A tingly quality too adds tangy
brightness. There’s lightness
and finesse, the richness is here
without being obviously big.
www.trinityhill.com
EcoCore AP25
Cooling 2.5kW | Heating 3.2kW
$2,299
INSTALLED
Basic back to back installation
* MSZ-AP25 indoor sound level on lowest
fan setting in Heating Mode
Enjoy a perfect night’s
sleep with NZ’s quietest
heat pump ever *
Call for your FREE quote!
0800 324 678
www.dcis.co.nz
Do you need a Plumber, Gasfitter,
Drainlayer or Electrician?
We'll arrive within 30 minutes of the arranged
time or the first hour of labour is free!
Contact
Us Now
Phone: 343 0763
www.foleys.co.nz
Turn your bedroom
into a 5-star hotel
for $5 a night.
Sleepyhead Sanctuary Monaco Queen Bed
9062333
Ever wondered how the other half sleep? Sanctuary Monaco is the kind
of bed you expect they have in only the most overpriced, exclusive,
luxury hotels. But at half price, with 50 months interest free, it could be
yours for less than the rate of an overcrowded hostel.
was
$11999
less than
$5999 $29
per week for
50 months
interest free*
Offers valid until Tuesday 9th March 2021, while stocks last, unless otherwise stated. Some products on display in selected stores only – please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. Personal shoppers only. *Apple, selected computers, game consoles, gift cards, clearance items and some promotional items are not available in conjunction with interest free offers. Flooring available on a maximum of 18 months interest free.
Exclusions, fees, terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply. Available in-store only. Equal instalment amounts include one-off booking fee of $45.00, annual fees of $45.00 p.a. and security registration fee of $8.05, and exclude insurance. Current interest rate of 23.95% applies to any unpaid balance after expiry of (any) interest free period. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/interest-free for details.
SCWK47CS2