Tag: New Zealand

WSET Diploma

2011 Ata Rangi “Crimson” Pinot Noir

Posted on by Josh

Tasting Note:

Eyes: clean, med- ruby, legs
Nose: clean, med+ intensity, youthful, red fruit, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, spice, cloves, nutmeg, mushroom, herbal, earthy
Mouth: dry, med body, med+ acid, low fine tannin, med+ alcohol, med length, med+ flavour intensity, red fruits, strawberry, cherry, mushroom, vegetal, baking spice
All in all: Good quality: the balance is generally showing well, especially with the high acidity, but the alcohol shows on the finish. There is also a concentrated amount of fruit and a moderate amount of Burgundy-like complexity.
Identity: Mid-priced (Tempranillo/Barbera/Sangiovese/Pinot Noir/Nebbiolo/Zinfandel) from California; 4 years old.
Is really: High-priced Pinot Noir from New Zealand; 2 years old.

2011 Ata Rangi "Crimson" Pinot Noir

[Tasted during WSET Diploma class – Section 1 – Week 8]

We were originally supposed to try an Old World Pinot but it ended up being graced by the likes of TCA.… read more

WSET Advanced

2011 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on by Josh

Tasting Notes:

Eyes: clear, pale lemon-green, watery rim
Nose: clean, pronounced intensity, youthful, asparagus, grapefruit, (grassy, herbaceous, vegetal)
Mouth: dry, med- to med body, high acidity, med length, med to med+ alcohol, med+ intensity, asparagus, grapefruit, passionfruit
All in all: Good quality; drink now.

2011 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Well if it isn’t Kim Crawford. Advertisements for this wine are plastered throughout the city, and this is one of the wines that I undoubtedly remember that customers always ask for even though (and probably because) it’s heavily listed and well-known. For good reason, too – this wine screams typicality at a good price, with grassy and vegetal aromas that are intensely displayed on the nose. Could be more complex, though.

Palate-wise, this is great. High acidity makes it zippy, patio-worthy, and food-friendly.… read more

Quaffing

2011 Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on by Josh

Tasting Notes:

Eyes: clear, pale lemon, watery rim
Nose: clean, med+ intensity, youthful, floral, mineral, flutter of citrus, hints of honeyed spice
Mouth: dry, med- bodied, med to med+ acidity, med to med+ alcohol, med- intensity, med+ length
All in all: Good quality; drink now, but I would personally screw around to see what would happen with age.

After I’ve heard such hype for this wine, I really hate to say that I was underwhelmed by it. After a long dry spell of wine stemming from a promised exam study session complete with delayed gratification, I decided to whip this guy off of my rack because New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is what you need when you have a white with an intense aroma profile.… read more

WSET Advanced

2010 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on by Josh

Tasting Notes:

Eyes: clear, pale lemon
Nose: clean, med+ to pronounced intensity, youthful, floral, green fruit, citrus, grassy, grapefruit, green bell peppers, vegetal, asparagus, dill
Mouth: dry (to off-dry?), high acidity, med length, med+ to pronounced intensity, med- alcohol, vegetal, green apple citrus, tangy
All in all: Good quality; drink now, not intended for ageing.

I don’t remember this entirely, but I think it’s quite interesting to note that that there was either some amount of residge on the palate from that riper New World style of Sauvignon Blanc, which might put off some, but I would argue that it’s quite interesting and adds complexity. Quite a decently complex wine with a punch of aromas. Pair that with some great balance and intensity, and you have a winner.… read more