Happy New Year Everyone – I’m back into it – updating the website, FaceBooking Tweeting, blogging and catching up on my wine reviews from 2013, and the box of wines here to review in 2014. To start I’ve tasted two new releases from Spade Oak since reviewing the 2012 Albarino and 2011 St Laurent and Gruner Veltliner & Syrah Tempranillo.
Spade Oak Heart of Gold Albarino 2013
Albarino is a Spanish grape variety of which several New Zealand Wine Makers are exploring it’s potential in the warmer wine regions. This wine is pale straw – gold in the glass, with soft floral notes, sweet pear, stone-fruit & honey in the nose. On the palate it’s full of character with lots of stone-fruit, quite crisp with a nice dollop of citrus acidity through the mid palate. Finishes dry but moreish – great length. Refreshing! Available to purchase online at $23.00 12.5% Alc
Spade Oak Heart of Gold Rosé 2013
Well what can I say – 100% Tempranillo Rosé from Gisborne – Rosé has taken off in New Zealand with most being made from Pinot or Merlot – This is a great example of what can be done in NZ with old world varieties.
Bright and clear, a beautiful shade of pink / raspberry in the glass. On the nose I got lots of red berries / raspberries and a wee hint of something old world / savoury / herbal! Bone dry on the palate with raspberry & savoury elements, crisp acidity / slightly grippy tannins great length. Also available to purchase online from Spade Oak at $23.00 12.5% Alc
Spade Oak have several ranges in their portfolio: The Vigneron Series showcases the pinnacle of their wine-making skills. Heart of Gold is a collection of single vineyard wines selected to explore and express the capabilities of their Gisborne vineyard and offer wine lovers different, exciting tastes. The Voysey Series are special wine made by Steve Voysey, one of New Zealand’s top winemakers. The Cellar Range are wines from previous vintages. These wines have been stored in their own facilities, so they know they’ve aged properly. AND they also produce a Sangria too! a juicy blend of the best Gizzy has to offer; sun-soaked Tempranillo, and fresh orange juice, with a tickle of local cider.
Spade Oak says “Wines to be enjoyed with food and friends, wines typical of where they are grown, wines that show the delicate touch of a master winemaker at work. Wines you can pour with confidence.” I have to agree!
To find out more about Spade Oak and buy these wine online, visit the Spade Oak Website Like their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.