Sileni Estates Winery 2015 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir - 87pts

Sileni Estates Winery 2015 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir (Hawke's Bay) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 11th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, refreshing Pinot Noir with hints of savoury-earthy notes beneath the bright, brambly red fruit aromas and flavours which adorn the expressive nose and the mouth-watering palate. Medium everything, making for a well-balanced, food-friendly Pinot that will pair perfectly with lamb, turkey or beef stews. 
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Sileni Estates Winery 2011 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir - 88pts

Sileni Estates Winery 2011 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir (Hawke's Bay) New Zealand

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: February 1st, 2013

Tasting Notes: A consistantly well-made, vibrant Pinot Noir that admirably delivers New Zealand's balance of subtle barnyard, candied cherries, stewed berries and meaty components on the charming nose and the lightly effervescent, mild-tannin, easy-drinking palate. Light-to-medium bodied wine that will pair perfectly with lamb, turkey or beef stews.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Stone Paddock 2008 Chardonnay - 87pts

Stone Paddock 2008 Chardonnay (Hawkes Bay) New Zealand

Availability: Limited. Spec order in BC and Ont
Cost: $13-17
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 949 cases
Date Tasted: August 26th, 2010

Tasting Notes: "Hey, how about a Chardonnay tonight?" "Sounds good. From where?" "New Zealand." (a long pause with empty sounds of crickets and a faint cough) "New Zealand makes Chardonnay?"

Yes they do, and it can very good! The points for this wine won't turn heads, but the value should. Plus, Chardonnay lovers will enjoy discovering a new and unique region producing world class Chardonnay. The Stone Paddock offering is an entry-level wine for sure but does give a hint of greater things to come. Key points to this wine are the prominent stone fruit and mineral characters with orchard fruits, MLF notes and a very restraint, but apparent, use of oak. A touch of residual sugar on the juicy-textured palate. A lovely Chard for mid-week sipping. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stone Paddock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Stone Paddock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Hawkes Bay) New Zealand

Availability: Limited.

Cost: $15-19

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: June 19th, 2010

Tasting Notes: I first tasted this delicious and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc at the Vancouver International Wine Festival in April where the full line-up of Stone Paddock wines impressed. It's a good example of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at a good price with classic gooseberry and grapefruit aromas and flavours. The high acid on the palate adds a welcomed refreshing element to the wine and is never overbearing as it is nicely balanced by the concentration of flavours which include a strong minerality component.

Only a few BCLDB stores have the wine in stock today. This may have to be ordered special until it finds local distribution. Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier