2018: Wine Enthusiast 90: 'As in previous vintages, this wine is initially reductive, but this time it blows off fairly quickly once exposed to air in the glass or decanter. It opens into a subtle, focused Pinot, flowing from strawberry, cherry, damp earth, dried herb and slightly charred wood aromas on the nose to a silky palate of plush fruit supported by lovely, textured tannins.'

2021: One of the world's top pinot noir growing regions; coldest and driest sector of New Zealand. Oh, is that cool and crisp, both racy and rich. Wine of place. Palate confirms fully. Great acid, flow, food worthiness. A salmon pinot indeed. No tannin issues in either of these. 92+/100.

Wine Spectator 93 - SMART BUY: 'A vibrant white, with an intense, fragrant and mouthwatering mix of Key lime, passion fruit and grilled pineapple flavors, accented by hints of lemon verbena, lemongrass and freshly grated ginger, plus a note of crunchy sea salt that lingers on the sleek frame. $20.'

Yikes! That youthful sauvignon sharpness cuts like a knife. Hurts so good!/ Citrus and passion fruit flavors in abundance. And the racy acidity fulfills expectations. What we're looking for. 92/100.

With semillon. Lots of zingy lemon and grapefruit sauvignon. Semillon give a nice smoothness. Yeah, they're both here, texturally. And semillon adds lemon curd. Good. 91/100.

2022: Wine Spectator 94 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 'Checking all the boxes, this stunning version is fresh and vibrant yet also complex and full of flavors, from toasted green tea and lemon thyme to mouthwatering passion fruit, yuzu and mango. Ends with hints of white pepper, lemon blossoms and sea salt on the long, expressive finish.'

Est. 1892; low yield vintage with ideal harvest conditions; bottled 3/5/25. This is much more than your basic Marlborough sauvignon. Always is. Terroir over tropics. Bulk over frivolity. And aromatic depth. Just a lovely, subtle set of sauvignon citrus notes. Great acid. Full presence. Endless finish. I've always liked these, never more so than this vintage. 93/100. Most popular NZ sauvignon ever with attendees. 'Distinctive palate. Unique take on NZ sauvignon. Great balance.' 'Pleasant green tones of fruit and herbs. Hint of anise. Rich and ripe palate. Not your typical tropical NZ sauvignon.'

2023: Blind River, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, Muritai, Goldschmidt, West Rapaura Road, Wairau Valley, Marlborough. Zesty citrus aromas. Lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Juicy and delish. 92/100.

2020: 55% Blind River, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, 40% Goldschmidt, West Rapaura Road, 5% Muritai riesling. Fresh, crisp. Aromas of grapefruit and lime. Yes, in form. Marlborough sauvignon acidity and relief. 91/100.

2018: Tasting Panel 91: 'Iconic New Zealand aromatics dreaw you in with tart gooseberry and grapefruit. Grown in dry, windy, cool-climate conditions, this wine shows a striking acidity with icy hints of crisp lime that melt across the palate. Tarragon and brushy notes with a hint of spice dart across the tongue, but the overall texture is superb. For us, The Loop represented the perpetual motion of sip and re-sip.'

2022: Wine Spectator 91: 'Aromatic, with white pepper, orange blossoms and a hint of green cardamom that complement the core of tangerine, Meyer lemon and lime zest on a mouthwatering frame. Reveals a lingering accent of candied ginger.'

2/3 Blind River 1/3 Awatere Valley terraces; unfined. Oh, that has textural as well as aromatic appeal. Intricate citrus elements perfectly interwoven. The newest Barkers is unique from the others. Yes, combo of yellow, green, and orange citrus fruits. Unique in the whole genre, really. Good acid/sweet relationship. Overall balance. Length. Deal. 92/100.

Extreme citrus and passion froit. Dashing indeed. Palate shows equal vigor, racy acidity, and oodles of flavor. Best vintage of this I've tasted. 92/100.

Wine Spectator 94: 'Lush and expressive, with plenty of concentration to the mix of mango, lemon curd and litsea oil flavors. Details of dried pineapple, candied ginger and crystalized orange zest add complexity and aromatics on the long finish.'

2023: Wine Spectator 93 - SMART BUY: 'Aromatic, stylish and distinctive, this offers honeysuckle, quince, citron and fresh ginger notes on a sleek and mouthwatering frame. Accents of lemon thyme and apple skin linger on the refreshing finish.'

2022: The mEllow style of 2022 on the nose. Palate shows good and sharp acidity to balance the roundness. Right down the middle it goes. 91/100.

2022: Ruby red grapefruit and passion fruit. Talks the talk. Aromas echo on the palate. Bright and brisk acidity balanced by a touch of tenderness. Well balanced. 92/100.

In the upper Awatere Valley. Yow! Cat pee on a gooseberry bush for sure, with a squeeze of white grapefruit thrown in. Palate even more telling. No mistaking it for Loire sauvignon. The right food matches will highlight its attributes. 92/100. Positive comments from attendees. 'Very typical and good.' 'Nice nose and flavor.' 'Great acid, balance, and length.'

2022: Mild, pleasing, low key. Great acid verve with padded underlayment. Right down the Marlborough middle. 91/100.

2022: Smells Southern Valleys fresh and ventilating. Lemon to the fore but not a piercing lemon zest sort of sauvignon take. 2022 mellow form of lemon like lemon custard. Yes, lemon creme flavor. And nice NZ sauvignon acidity. Oh, boy, is this delicious. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'Dried herbs and lemongrass, with passionfruit sorbet, open this lovely, balanced Sauvignon. It's textural, long and persistent, with a salted pink grapefruit finish.'

2021: Shrill and classic, with citrus emphasis. Not singularly grapefruit. A melange of citrus fruit aromas. Balanced, long, come hither. 91/100.

2022: 2022 is shaping up to be a riper, rounder vintage than 2021. Yes, sweeter form of citrus. Tangerine rather than lemon. Mellow. Should have broad appeal. 91/100.

2022: Wine Spectator 93 - #1 Top Wine Value of 2023: 'This luscious version offers ripe peach, ruby grapefruit and passion fruit flavors that are mouthwatering, with details of sea salt, dried herbs and fresh ginger. Gains momentum and intensity on the long, expressive finish, where lemon verbena and green tea linger.'

Est. 1955 in Marlborough's Awatere Valley; a portion of the cuvee is lees aged and no malo; 3 g/L RS. Pungent citricity from one of Marlborough's cooler zones. The acid is great too, and the palate mighty flavorful. A pleasing degree of New World softness at the finale. 91/100. Enjoyed by attendees. 'Typical. Very sauvignon with some bell pepper.' 'Grapefruit and grass; dusty tone of dried grass too. Fleshy fruited, requisite acidity. I do like its singular nature.'

Wine Spectator 90 - #62 TOP 100: 'Appealing for its generous flavors of mandarin orange, passion fruit, lime zest and yuzu at the core. There's an appealingly fleshy, juicy texture and plenty of momentum on the finish, where lemon balm and ginger linger.'

2023: Tasting Panel 92: 'Easy to drink, with a balanced flavor profile, this wine is bright and perky from start to finish. Grapefruit and laurel notes, along with just-ripened pineapple, complement its racy acidity with tart overtones.'

This is wild; this is extreme. Gooseberry and cat pee. Makes a big time statement. Add mint and hyssop, pink grapefruit, and some passion fruit. NZ's coolest zone makes a mark on sauvignon blanc. First one I've had from here. 93/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Delicate aromas of honeyed pear, ginger and white florals lead to a light? to medium-bodied palate that offers lovely food-friendly texture and mouthwatering acidity. Pair with a cheese board on a warm summer's day.'

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'Lucid aromas of mint, thyme, green peppercorn and pencil shavings are layered onto a core of plump cherry and raspberry fruit. Granular, hulking tannins cinch the tongue, but they leave ample space for the juicy red-berry fruit on this unmistakably Aussie Cab.'

Parker 91: 'The 2021 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon spent 15 days on skins with twice daily pumpers and matured in a combination of vessels for 12 months (65% seasoned French oak, 5% new French oak, 30% in stainless steel). This is an unashamedly bright, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon that rests on a very fine rachis of tannin on the mid-palate. It is supple and fine and oh so fresh. It is modern, juicy, vibrant and crunchy, even, reminiscent of good Loire Chinon. It is also a very good value. Drink 2023-2028.'

Red-black cab sauv color. The form and depth of Coonawarra cabernet. And the class. Yes, structure confirmed. Good regional acidity. Tannin to shed and flavor development to earn. Well poised, well priced. 92+/100.

Wine Spectator 93: 'Stunning and complex, this stylish, concentrated red offers pure raspberry puree and black cherry flavors that show details of earthy dried porcini mushroom, along with notes of toasted herbs, sandalwood and espresso bean. The long finish reveals firming tannins, but they remain polished and effortless. Drink now through 2038. $28.'

From vineyards at the foot of the Great Dividing Range an hour east of Melbourne. Certainly distinct from the 21 Central Otago version tasted a couple of weeks back. Mellower, more mature, and more barrel informed. Generous nose. Cool and racy on the palate, more so than the nose would suggest. A pair of unique and valid takes on pinot noir, neither bearing any relationship to one another or to pinots of other origins. That's entertainment! 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Savory notes of sage and bay leaf are as forward on the nose as the plum and cherry notes. There's a lick of vanillin oak showing too. The abundance of tangy fruit continues its journey in the mouth, lingering on the finish amidst a powerful, well-placed frame of tannins. Drink now-2031.'

Parker 91: 'Ever the reliable wine in the Torbreck lineup (challenged only by the beauty of the Steading, but nevertheless), the Woodcutters has tightened up over time. My first introduction to it almost 10 years ago recalls a plush, full-bodied wine that delivered all the Barossa feels and flavors that one could possibly hope for. These days, and today specifically, the 2021 Woodcutter's Shiraz is tight and tense, with black brooding fruit set to a rigging of firm, savory tannins. The oak is subliminal in this wine, leaving only the tannins to shape the fruit. Really handled well. Impressive. Drink 2022-2032.'

2016: Sweet, smooth, barrel aged. Well textured. A presentation that gets it done. Wonderful. Sweetness, acidity, flavor, tannin-? all in super harmony. Yes, wonderful. 92/100.

Website claims the 2022 is from a 15 year old vineyard in Grampians, Victoria, west of Melbourne; both website and bottle label state 'Western Australia' - huh? Aged 10 months in seasoned French oak cooperage. Dark ruby. Attractive richness that speaks Victoria louder than Perth. Nice purity; not a bit too strong or sticky. Glycerol adds smoothness that tempers the potential burn of its strength. Never tasted an Aussie shiraz quite like it. Surpasses expectations. Balanced, lasting finish. 91/100.

All semillon; no oak, no malo. Smells full for its moderate alcohol content. Semillon waxy. Deep seated fruit. Semillon lemon curd and custard flavors. Good acidity and even better extract grip. Balanced and lasting. Good body. Surely versatile at the table. And will carry on. One of the better vintages in a proud series. 92+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY: 'A classy bottling from (arguably) Australia's best Chardonnay-producing region, Margaret River. It smells of pineapple shortcake, flint, toasted nuts and seashell. There's lovely approachability to the palate; it's long and lip-smacking, the fruit folded into a subtly creamy texture. A bargain for the quality.'

Est. 1967, first winery in the Margaret River zone. Boy, that's about as fresh and racy as an Aussie chardonnay gets. If there's oak in the picture, it sure is subtle. I guessing it's lees rather than barrel influenced. Light on its feet; admirably modest alcohol level. Appley chardonnay flavor. Decent acidity for balance. Overall, deliciously ready to enjoy. 91/100. A rare New World wine to attendees' tastes.'Classy Burgundian style and aspirations.' ' Good quality oak, well integrated.' Well liked by attendees indeed, especially for its Euro acidity.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Plump melon, kiwi and citrus aromas are cushioned by more lactic and saline nuances. Vibrant acidity rides a slippery textured wave, the toast elements in its wake. Balanced with length and poise, this is approachable now but could age for several more years. $24.'

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'Despite being Yalumba's entry-level Viognier, this is one of its most delicious white offerings. Highly aromatic, it wafts a perfume of honeysuckle, orchard blossom and fuzzy peach skin. The palate is more viscous than the nose implies, but there's enough acidity to keep it fresh. Peach and lemon flavors linger on the finish. Drink with Thai curry or a similarly bold Southeast Asian dish.'

Choicest of Australia's riesling winegrowing zones. I always get a lot of lime aroma in Aussie rieslings, and this one is no exception. A nice measure of terpenes forming as this ages in bottle. Honestly, one of the best Aussie riesling noses I've encountered. Dry but not tart. Balance of acid, alcohol, and body. The terroir pedigree shows. I could drink a lot of this with a lot of different foods. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 90 - #94 TOP 100: 'Made with 39% Pinotage, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the rest small amounts of other red grapes, this blend it's full of ripe berries. The nose offers strawberries and earthy notes. It has a firm structure that provides support to succulent black and red fruit flavors, thyme and hints of clove.'

Est. 1693; 32% merlot, 31% cab franc, 29% cab sauv, 8% petit verdot; aged 16 months in French oak cooperage. Medium dark red violet. Only a little lightening of bottle age. Robust. The power is positive. A more than creditable Cape claret; always is. No dekk. Sweet merlot fruit to the fore, complemented by good frame and extract of the rest of the set. Completely harmonious. As good as the 2019 and, like that vintage, will continue to improve. 92+/100. Widely liked. WOTN candidate.

He was in VC a few years back! Yes, the accidental inventor of 'coffee' pinotage, winemaker Bertus Fourie. Medium dark red violet. Wow, is this vintage every strong in coffee grounds aroma. Yikes! All about what this yeast strain does to pinotage. Café au lait flavor. Really is creamy textured too. Best vintage of this I've tasted. Good acid for balance too. Totally harmonious. 91/100. Attendees widely recognized the coffee aroma, as well as bacon and leather. 'More enjoyable than I expected, and balanced too.'

2022: Fresh and fruity take. No stable, no coffee. New Wave style. Cinsault parentage is evident. Oh, yes, flavorful, balanced. Pinotage is newly invented in a positive form 91/100.

Tasting Panel 94: 'This is a terrific example of Cinsauult at a greeat price. Voibrant notes of cherry and raspberry are irresistible, with wonderfully balanced acidity and light tannins. Excellent anytime but ideal with a light chill during summer. $17.'

2020: 59% syrah, 17% cinsault, 14% grenache, 10% mourvedre. Sweet fruited New World styling. Pleasing melange of Rhone varieties. Flavorful. Sweetish. Enough acid for balance. Flows. Good. 91/100.

2020: 'The land of milk and honey'; 45% cab sauv, 40% merlot, 7% malbec, 5% cab franc, 3% petit verdot. Ripe and exotic after a Euro range. Seems some spicy woody extras. No brett/dekk. Large in the mouth. Structure, sweet fruit core, tannin for texture. Good length. Leans toward BBQ preparations. Fans will be pleased. 91/100.

2021: Tasting Panel 91: '48% shiraz, 13% merlot, 11% petit verdot, 11% cabernet franc, 10% malbec, and 7% pinotage, integrated and even harmonious. That's especially impressive in view of the wine's intensity and youthfulness-it's a steal. $22.'

2018: 40% syrah, 35% cinsault, 16% mourvedre, 9% grenache. Starts out a sweet and standard warm climate red. Then spreads out to display a range of consonant varietal characteristics. A good balance of fruit richness and acid freshness. Works. 90/100.

2020: NY Times 20 Reds Under $20: 'This wine from the Swartland region northeast of Cape Town, South Africa, is a homage to the red blends of the south of France. It's 56 percent cinsault, a work-horse grape that is getting more attention and care these days, with the remainder syrah and carignan. It's fruity yet lithe, underlined with light tannins. $16.99.'

2021: Brisk, unique, and well priced. Has that special Cape sauvignon something. Sauvignon ID without either sweetness or shrillness. Can't remember when I last had a young Cape sauvignon. The colors haven't faded though. Yes, there it is. Brisk, yet with a tender core. Got to have this. 91/100.

From shale soil near the coast just south of Swartland; includes a colombard component that has rested 30 days on its grapeskins. Wow, that's a warmer, softer relief. Sauvignon ripe citrus emphasis coupled with saturated colombard green fruit. Well rendered. Decent acid, if no match for Euro sauvignons. The combo makes for a unique and appealing drink. Eminently well balanced through it all. 91/100. Attendees enjoyed the concept, noting both varietals. Gained character with aeration. Even a WOTN vote, unusual for a New World wine. Orders taken.

63-20-17; MAN Vintners sounds masculine, but it's actually an acronym combo of the first letter of the first names of the women owners; 'Essay' is importer Vineyard Brands' cute way of saying South Aftica (SA). Chenin melon to the fore, with glimpses of roussanne peach and viognier honeysuckle. Well assembled, well coordinated. Flavorful. Varietal characters accentuated on the palate. Totally harmonious. One of the best vintages of a successful series. 91/100. Well rated by attendees, who enjoyed the aromatic display and solid acidity. Judged highly meal worthy.

10% aged in concrete eggs and clay amphorae. Oh, that's a rich and melony chenin take. The best in the series. And the body and texture provide lovely background scenes, inviting and good. Good acid adds in. Distinct from Loire of course. Still, one of the Cape's strong suits, well represented here. 91/100.

Pleasing and accurate chenin presentation, featuring melon, apple, lime. Not only echoes on the palate but also shows more varietal intensity and surprising texture. Always a good bet. 91/100.

49% chenin blanc, 21% chardonnay, 14% viognier, 10% semillon, 6% sauvignon blanc. That's a nice, harmonious, well conceived cuvee. The puzzle pieces all fit together seamlessly. Indeed, the melony chenin is the biggest piece. Then chardonnay apple, viognier honeysuckle, semillon plumpness, and sauvignon race. It's not one those 'whole greater than sum of parts' wines. Each varietal holds its own in the complex. Less flavor than aroma range, and plumpness over crispness. Nonetheless, remains a coordinated quintet to the finish. 91/100.