Four new wines were recently released into the Iconic Sacred Hill Special Selection range – three 2014 red wines and a 2015 chardonnay.
The Special selection wines are produced only in exceptional vintages so it was a privilege to be able to taste the following four from the range – I thoroughly enjoyed each of the wine (reds decanted before tasting) and all are most excellent examples of Hawke’s Bay wines in every way.
The Syrah and 2 red blends are all from the Gimblett gravels region in the Hawke’s Bay and the Chardonnay from the Rifleman’s vineyard. There are 2 other chardonnays in the range – The Riflemans Chardonnay and The Virgin Chardonnay but not released in 2015 yet as far as I know!
You can read more about the Special Selection Wines here…
Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah 2014 – 100% Syrah
The wine was dark purple in colour to the rim. Dark red and black cherries, black berries, pepper and soft floral note on the nose. Really rich & opulent on the palate, with black fruit, berries and cherries on the palate – was well structured and balanced with a warming long finish. A wonderful example proving that great Syrah can be grown in New Zealand. Watch out up there in the Rhone!
13.5% Alc RRP$60.00 NZ
Sacred Hill Brokenstone 2014 – 83% Merlot 8% Malbec 5% Syrah 3% Cab Sauvignon 1% Cabernet Franc
A gorgeous deep cherry red-purple in the glass with plum, spice, smoke and sweet fruit on the nose. On the palate, rich dark plums, slightly herbal, fine soft silky tannins, layers of oak, flavour and texture make a beautifully balanced and integrated wine but still far to young – needs 5 years at least!
14% Alc RRP $50.00 NZ
Sacred Hill Helmsman 2014 – 54% Cabernet Sauvignon 42% Merlot 4% Cabernet Franc
Black cherry / purple in colour with blackcurrants, black berries, spices and chocolate with some earthy / savoury notes too – a big powerful wine with layers of texture, fine tannins, soft oak and an amazingly long finish absolutely stunning – I think this has to be one of the most outstanding NZ red blends I have tasted this year. Again far too young – probably needs 10 years of careful cellaring but who can wait that long? I’ll be too old and decrepit to enjoy it!
13.5% abv RRP $85.00 NZ
Sacred Hill Wine Thief Chardonnay 2015
Bright golden coloured in the glass, nutty, dried peaches and yeasty brioche in the nose, layers of tart citrus, lush stone fruit and subtle oak on the palate, had a soft creaminess from malolactic barrel ferment and extended lees stirring… I love this style chardonnay rich and mouth filling with concentrated fruit and long finish – a beautiful classic #nzwine BIG oaky BF Chardonnay making a come back – Take note you ABC folks!
14% Alc RRP $35.00 NZ
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