Mt Difficulty (Otago) 2019 Roaring Meg Chardonnay

Matt Dicey, Winemaker
"Roaring Meg Chardonnay 2019 supple with flavours of nectarine and citrus introducing the wine. A textured soft mid-palate draws you into the wine. White fleshed peach drives the finish alongside a hint of phenolic interest. Generous and giving."

Fruit was hand-picked at peak ripeness on the 3rd, 4th, 8th, 11th and 12th of April, from Bannockburn, Pisa and Bendigo. The fruit was handled in an oxidative fashion, destemmed and pressed to concrete egg. We fermented 70% of the juice in egg, with the balance in old barriques, all with full solids using indigenous yeasts. Whilst maturing no lees stirring was utilised. The wine went through a full malolactic fermentation in spring, after which the barriques were stirred for a period. The wine was racked and filtered before being bottled, unfined, in March.

Mt Difficulty (Otago) 2022 Roaring Meg Pinot Gris

Roaring Meg Pinot Gris is the secondary label of Central Otago’s Mt.Difficulty and named after a local stream.

winemaker note
“Ripe stone fruit and citrus blossom on the nose with hints of spice, pear and iced peach tea. The palate echoes the nose with orange and tangerine citrus, yellow peach and ginger. A succulent mid palate flows through to soft acidity, plenty of bright fruit sweetness and a faint textural finish.”

Mt Difficulty (Otago) 2022 Roaring Meg Rosé

This Pinot Noir Rosé exhibits a gorgeous watermelon complexion. Savoury raspberry competes with rhubarb compote and hints of rose petal. Bright raspberry notes introduce the wine, these then flow into a linear mid palate and a clean mineral finish.

This wine exhibits a watermelon complexion with savoury raspberry, rhubarb flavours, and hints of rose petal. Followed by a clean mineral finish.

Mud House (Marlborough) 2022 Chardonnay

Citrus and stonefruit aromas are complemented by a hint of toasty oak in this Marlborough Chardonnay. The palate is elegant and generously weighted with a soft texture. Ripe stonefruit and citrus flavours provide juicy acidity, complemented by a hint of flinty minerality and subtle oak spice.

Mud House (Marlborough) 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

This gorgeous example of Marlborough ‘Savvy’ has it all – snowpea, nettles and guava on the nose, complemented by citrus and melon on the palate. The front palate is peppered with notes of melon and citrus, while the crisp grapefruit-like acidity lingers and adds texture. We keep every vineyard batch separate throughout the winemaking process until blending. The final process is fining and filtering, before the wine is then bottled.

Mud House (South Island) 2023 Pinot Gris

A juicy and lively Pinot Gris, with hints of red apple, pear and ginger spice. Pale straw  with aromas of spicy red apple, ripe pear and a hint of ginger. A lively palate with juicy fruit flavours, and warming ginger spice. The vibrant acidity lingers, drawing out to a refreshing finish.

Pegasus Bay (Waipara) 2020 Chardonnay

94 Points - James Suckling
18.5/20 - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
90 Points - Rebeca Gibb MW, Vinous
19/20 - Joelle Thomson
5 Stars & 95/100 - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2022
5 Stars - Michael Cooper
95 Points - Cameron Douglas MS, March 2022

This wine has been made utilising the traditional techniques which have made the Chardonnay of the Burgundy region in France so famous. Pegasus Bay thus adopt a hands-off approach so that until the last, or blending, stage, the wine has largely made itself.

Pegasus Bay (Waipara) 2022 Riesling

94 Points - Cameron Douglas MS
19/20 - Candice Chow - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
5 Stars - Michael Cooper
5 Stars - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
92 Points Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

This wine has a star bright lemon hue and while lemons, limes and mandarins come to the fore, there is a background of ripe stonefruit such as peaches and apricots. Honeysuckle and honeycomb influences come from botrytis, which has also made the wine more full bodied and concentrated. It has a spine of natural acidity and tingling minerality that helps draw out the palate structure to a citrus zest finish.​

Pegasus Bay (Waipara) 2023 Aria Late Picked Riesling

5 Stars - Michael Cooper
5 Stars & 18.5+/20  Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

Beautifully rich, untuous, bright and zesty...........a stunning late harvest style of riesling

Upon release the colour is bright lemon. The bouquet is a tantalising patchwork of apricot, marmalade, honey and orange zest, interwoven with fl oral notes and a lick of ginger. The botrytis has added concentration and richness, yet there is a refreshing zestiness backed with bright acidity that teases the palate, ensuring the wine remains lively and well balanced, with a prolonged finish.

Penfolds (Eden Valley) 2023 Bin 51 Riesling

Penfolds 2023 Allocation is here

18 Points - Matthew Jukes
"23 bin 51 has stunning purity and directness with a tenderness I havent seen before at this early stage of this wines life. Pretty, Clean, lemony and chalky, there is more flesh than pith in this wine. Mesmerising and ridiculosly yummy already, this is as teasing a start to a collection tasting as I have ever experienced. Drink now - 2032"

Created in the 1990’s as part of the evolving Penfolds white wine development program, Bin 51 captures many attributes of the Eden Valley locale. The region’s high altitude and cool-climate induces riesling with great finesse and elegance with a capacity for long-term cellaring. South Australia has gained worldwide recognition for producing definitive world-class riesling and Eden Valley always features. In their youth, the wines possess scented floral and citrus aromas, with a mineral edge and marked natural acidity, contributing significantly to the palate texture and flavour.

Drinking well now, but will improve with time.

Quinta Das Maias (Portugal) 2021 Malvasia Fina Branco

Exclusive import. Stunning Portugese, Dry White.

Quinta Das Maias producing stunning red and white wines, Dao region, Portugal.

Malvasia Fina (100%). Malvasia Fina is the second most important white grape in the Dao and probably its most flavourful white variety. Very delicate and floral it usually presents an astonishing minerality. Frequently paired with Encruzado, Malavasia produces wonderfully balanced wines.The white wines are superb with very intense and clean flavours, fresh and mineral. 

light straw, perfectly clear, with an intense bouquet containing floral and citric -lime and lemon-notes in perfect harmony with the light creaminess notes. On the palate it is fresh and well structured, showing light florals and fine mineral core.

Drink now or cellar for 4-5 years. An excellent aperitif or whilst accompanying seafood

Quinta Dos Roques (Portugal) 2019 Encruzado

17.5/20 Points -  Jancis Robinson

Encruzado! Winesale is delighted to offer this single varietal white from Quinta Dos Roques. Sometimes referred to as White Burgundy of Portugal.

Quinta dos Roques pioneered the idea of varietal bottling in Portugal with their 1996 wines. Roques remain a small producer, with many of their bottlings not exceeding 1000 cases.

Aromatic and elegant, precision freshness. light straw perfectly clear; with an elegant bouquet of fruits and a slight touch of resin. On the palate the first impression is of freshness but immediately we recognise the great structure and complexity of the wine. The finish is very long and persistent

Try this wine accompanying seafood, strong fish dishes and spicy food.

Rockburn (Central Otago) 2022 Chardonnay

5 Stars – Sam Kim Wine Orbit
93 Points – David Walker Bell
93 Points – Cameron Douglas MS

Rockburn Chardonnay leans towards the crisper and lighter end of the spectrum, demanding minimal use of oak.The nose is pure and subtle with elements of wet stone, lemon zest and ripe peach.  The palate is full, textural with fine tension, showing lemon meringue, butterscotch and delicate minerality and a zesty finish.

A perfect complement to roast chicken, risotto, and seafood.

Rockburn (Central Otago) 2023 Pinot Gris

Gold Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show 2022
Gold Medal - International Wine Competition (UK) 2023
4.5 Stars - Yvonne Lorkin
4 Stars - Michael Cooper, Winestate Magazine 
5 Stars - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews by Candice Chow 
92 Points - Wine Folio - David Walker Bell
17.5/20 - Joelle Thomson
5 Stars - Sam Kim's Wine Orbit 

Aromas of ripe peach, nectarine, and Nashi pear with a vibrant luscious palate and long, zesty finish.  

Match with rich or light seafood meals and most spiced cuisine, very versatile.

Round Hill (California) 2021 Chardonnay

4 Stars - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Review

Round Hill offers California's most popular varietals sourced from premium Monterey Coast and Central Valley vineyards. Rutherford Wine Company is family-owned and managed with a portfolio of wines representing the rich diversity of California’s outstanding appellations. 

This wine is a bright gold with aromas of Meyer lemon, pear and honeysuckle, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Delicious flavors of ripe pear and Meyer lemon with hints of caramel. The texture is rich and round, with a crisp finish.

This wine pairs beautifully with herb-baked chicken, grilled or poached salmon, mac & cheese, or a Caesar salad. Delightful by the glass on its own.

Shadow Point (San Bernabe) 2021 California Chardonnay

17.5 pts - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (2020 vintage)

New vintage of this popular Cali Chardonnay.

A modern styled CA Chardonnay, on the nose there is an appealing salinity over toasted hazelnut aromas. The palate has a stone fruit and struck match structure to it that gives it a gentle minerality. Balanced and delicious.

Vegan Friendly

Te Kairanga (Martinborough) 2020 John Martin Chardonnay

91 Points - James Suckling

Commercial description
"Te Kairanga John Martin Chardonnay 2019 is named after the founding father of Martinborough, John Martin, and is made from our best vineyard parcels and some of the oldest vines in the region. Light straw in colour with refined and fragrant aromatics including ripe pear, yellow stone fruit and nuts. Stony mineral characters lead to a deep, elegant palate and a luscious yet refined wine with a long, flowing finish. Best paired with tray baked chicken, butter beans, leeks and spinach."

Te Kairanga TK (Martinborough) 2022 Estate Sauvignon Blanc

 5 Stars - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is bursting with fresh fragrant herbs, nettle, and pea pod.  A vibrant, palate with crunchy fresh fruits benefits from partial barrel fermentation that adds texture and weight to balance the refreshing acidity. The wine finishes with lingering tropical fruits. Enjoy alongside a Greek salad.

Te Kairanga TK (Martinborough) 2023 Estate Pinot Gris

This Pinot Gris is made from individual vineyard parcels, gently pressed on arrival and cool fermented in stainless steel to maintain its clean, fresh flavour. A small portion of the fruit was fermented in old French oak puncheons to add extra texture and complexity to the wine. The wine was then aged on light lees before being blended and bottled. Balanced oak treatment and minimal fining and filtration help preserve both varietal character and the inimitable personality of the terroir.

Fragrant exotic fruits and spice are front and centre in this Pinot Gris. The palate shows a refined texture and deep concentration of flavour with a long dry finish. Incredibly mouth-filling with notes of nashi pear, peach and nuts, it is an ideal match for a Japanese feast of grilled chicken and zucchini yakatori.

Te Mata (Hawkes Bay) 2022 Elston Chardonnay

New Release Elston

Winery note
"Brilliant white gold in the glass, Elston Chardonnay ’21 has wonderfully intense aromas of golden peach, apricot, and lemon zest. Focused but flowing – this is a wine of precision, power, and poise. On the mouth-watering palate there’s oodles of ripe, white-fleshed fruit, nougat and nutmeg, integrated fine oak tannin, and just a flick of salinity. A long line of sweet citrus acidity and ripe Hawke’s Bay chardonnay fruit run through here."

CELLARING 5 years

Resplendent in its charms, Elston Chardonnay ’21 would match with the best grilled lobster you can get. Or just sit and watch the wine unfold over several hours with a soft-ripened white cheese

Te Mata Estate (Hawkes Bay) 2023 Chardonnay

5 Stars & 93 Points - Sam Kim Wine Orbit

Sourced from Te Mata Estate’s own vineyards in the Woodthorpe Terraces, Bridge Pa Triangle and Havelock Hills sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay

Commercial description
"Te Mata Estate Chardonnay, This has changed in style and more than ever takes a nod from its minerally-styled big brother, Elston. Very approachable, with a lovely delicacy and impeccable balance rarely seen at this price level"

Te Whare Ra (Marlborough) 2020 Gewurztraminer

94 Points - Nick Stock, James Suckling’s Top 100 NZ
"Wow, this has so much rose perfume and lychee going on. Striking nose that’s so, so perfumed and alluring. The palate has a super-luscious texture and bold ripe peach and mango, banana and lychee. A riot of flavor. Drink now."

95 Points - Cameron Douglas MS
"Pristine pure bouquet, exotic, fleshy, fruity and familiar. Aromas and flavours of apples and white fleshed tropical fruits, roses and sweet grapefruit, umami and spice. A silky texture precedes contrasting acidity and fine fruit tannin textures. Long lasting finish with a plush and satisfying climax. Best drinking upon purchase and through 2026+. Perfect vegan, vegetarian and white fleshed proteins wine."

Winery notes
"Te Whare Ra has a long standing reputation for producing one of New Zealand’s finest Gewürztraminers and much of the credit must go to the vineyard here. This wine is produced solely from 14 rows in the old block which were planted in 1979 and are some of the oldest vines in Marlborough at 38 years of age. Part of the reason for our conversion to organic and biodynamic farming was to rescue these old vines and coax them back to life. We saw huge potential in this old block and successfully rejuvenating them has been one of our greatest achievements. They are very low-cropping, which is not great for the accountant’s numbers, but this is worth it for the amazing complexity and concentration we get from the fruit and the exceptional quality of the resultant wines.

Intensely perfumed, with notes of lychees, ripe oranges and cloves. These lead into luscious varietal flavours of lychee and quince, with underlying characters of ginger and exotic spice. The palate shows intense fruit concentration and weight with a fine, soft texture and excellent persistence of flavour. This wine is off dry and continues the outstanding quality of previous vintages of our Te Whare Ra Gewürztraminer."

Te Whare Ra (Marlborough) 2022 Toru

93 Points 5 Stars - Sam Kim Wine Orbit

TORU – (which means “three” in Te Reo Maori) is an aromatic blend. It is a delicious, co-fermented “field blend” of three varieties – Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris. Created around 10 years ago was the first of its kind and now certainly, developing cult like status.

Winery note
"This 2022 Toru has an intriguing nose with notes of mango, fresh citrus, white florals and exotic spices. These lead into a multi-layered palate with flavours of mango, citrus, red apple and lychee with a lingering spiciness.  The palate has excellent fruit concentration and weight with lovely creamy texture, plus a mineral edge which gives it great length of flavour."

Tea Tree Gully (Australia) 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

The Tea Tree Gully runs through the Mt. Lofty Ranges in the Adelaide foothills.

Classic Sauvignon Blanc flavours of ripe passionfruit, laced with citrus. Together make for an easy drinking style to suit Kiwi palates.

Try with a Cheese board in the garden this summer.