Reviews
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Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
The Marlborough Express Tasting Panel -
Full marks here - Lawson's Dry Hills released this 2007 Chardonnay earlier this year, giving people the opportunity to buy a wine with some bottle age. The aroma is a rich amalgam of nutty, buttery grapefruit and butterscotch notes. Addind to the allure is some ripe stonefruit tucked away in the background. The palate is integrated and smooth, with rich citrus notes and some crisp acidity. The wine shows off full-bodied creamy, spicy flavour. Integrated to the point of seamlessness, the fruit, oak and malo: characters become one. Fabulous wine delivering exceptional enjoyment right to the finish and lingering aftertaste. Complete in every way, it is at its peak, drink and enjoy now.
Full marks here - Lawson's Dry Hills released this 2007 Chardonnay earlier this year, giving people the opportunity to buy a wine with some bottle age. The aroma is a rich amalgam of nutty, buttery grapefruit and butterscotch notes. Addind to the allure is some ripe stonefruit tucked away in the background. The palate is integrated and smooth, with rich citrus notes and some crisp acidity. The wine shows off full-bodied creamy, spicy flavour. Integrated to the point of seamlessness, the fruit, oak and malo: characters become one. Fabulous wine delivering exceptional enjoyment right to the finish and lingering aftertaste. Complete in every way, it is at its peak, drink and enjoy now.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FOUR STARS - A beautifully matured Chardonnay displaying citrus, peach and nutty oak chatacters with a hint of beewax on the nose. The palate is weighty and full with a creamy texture and bright acidity leading to an expansive finish.
FOUR STARS - A beautifully matured Chardonnay displaying citrus, peach and nutty oak chatacters with a hint of beewax on the nose. The palate is weighty and full with a creamy texture and bright acidity leading to an expansive finish.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS-GOOD VALUE - You don't often find four year old Chardonnay, but this characterful wine shows the complexity that can develop - hints of ginger, stonefruit and citrus, rich buttered toast, creme brulee, toasted nuts and caramel. It's drinking deliciously now and probably for the next year or so.
FOUR STARS-GOOD VALUE - You don't often find four year old Chardonnay, but this characterful wine shows the complexity that can develop - hints of ginger, stonefruit and citrus, rich buttered toast, creme brulee, toasted nuts and caramel. It's drinking deliciously now and probably for the next year or so.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Dark yellow in colour, the leading characteristic of this wine is its length. It just goes on and on and thus you get plenty of time to appreciate the tropical fruit, creamy texture and smooth, balanced oak. Whilst also sensing the flinty backbone and gentle acidity.
FOUR STARS - Dark yellow in colour, the leading characteristic of this wine is its length. It just goes on and on and thus you get plenty of time to appreciate the tropical fruit, creamy texture and smooth, balanced oak. Whilst also sensing the flinty backbone and gentle acidity.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2012
WineNZ Vic Williams -
Made just off-dry with 8.5g/L residual sweetness, this is a stylish Pinot Gris with all the right pear, apple and nectarine aromas leading to a flavour profile that continues the stonefruit analogy and edges it with elegantly integrated acids. The texture is oily in the approved fashion and the finish clean cut and satisfying.
Made just off-dry with 8.5g/L residual sweetness, this is a stylish Pinot Gris with all the right pear, apple and nectarine aromas leading to a flavour profile that continues the stonefruit analogy and edges it with elegantly integrated acids. The texture is oily in the approved fashion and the finish clean cut and satisfying.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Fleshy, medium-dry style with strong stonefruit and spice flavours, complexity from barrel fermentation(27% of the blend) good weight, ripeness and length.
FOUR STARS - Fleshy, medium-dry style with strong stonefruit and spice flavours, complexity from barrel fermentation(27% of the blend) good weight, ripeness and length.
Otago Daily Times Charmain Smith -
FOUR STARS - Light aromas, but full on exuberant flavours - ripe pear, peach, citrus, nuts, caramel and even hints of fennel. Concentrated with texture from some barrel fermentation.
FOUR STARS - Light aromas, but full on exuberant flavours - ripe pear, peach, citrus, nuts, caramel and even hints of fennel. Concentrated with texture from some barrel fermentation.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FIVE STARS - This is spot on. Ripe and beautifully perfumed, the bouquet shows peach, pear, floral and citrus characters. The succulent palate has excellent fruit concentration and a silky texture. Finishing long and juicy, there's a hint of sweetness on the palate which is perfectly framed by the integrated acidity.
FIVE STARS - This is spot on. Ripe and beautifully perfumed, the bouquet shows peach, pear, floral and citrus characters. The succulent palate has excellent fruit concentration and a silky texture. Finishing long and juicy, there's a hint of sweetness on the palate which is perfectly framed by the integrated acidity.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - The nose is tightly concentrated with pure aromas of pears, white florals and stonefruits intermixed with flinty minerals. Off-dry to taste, this is elegantly proportioned, slippery in the mouth, the fruit sweetness adds richness and a subtle succulence. A suggestion of alcohol power underlines the palate, adding to the weight and presence.
FOUR STARS - The nose is tightly concentrated with pure aromas of pears, white florals and stonefruits intermixed with flinty minerals. Off-dry to taste, this is elegantly proportioned, slippery in the mouth, the fruit sweetness adds richness and a subtle succulence. A suggestion of alcohol power underlines the palate, adding to the weight and presence.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2012
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Fresh and lively, this bright pink/pale red wine has generous berry and spice flavours, dryish and smooth.
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Fresh and lively, this bright pink/pale red wine has generous berry and spice flavours, dryish and smooth.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Light red hue, generous with berry and spice flavours. Fresh, vibrant, ripe and smooth.
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Light red hue, generous with berry and spice flavours. Fresh, vibrant, ripe and smooth.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE - A deep pink colour with hints of cherry, strawberry and stone fruit. Weighty in the mouth with a firm, dry finish. Stylish and good with food as well as by itself.
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE - A deep pink colour with hints of cherry, strawberry and stone fruit. Weighty in the mouth with a firm, dry finish. Stylish and good with food as well as by itself.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - It's beautifully ripe and perfumed on the nose, displaying red cherry, floral and citrus characters. The palate is juicy and intense with lovely fruit richness, finishing long and refreshing - Just a great drinking Rosé.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - It's beautifully ripe and perfumed on the nose, displaying red cherry, floral and citrus characters. The palate is juicy and intense with lovely fruit richness, finishing long and refreshing - Just a great drinking Rosé.
The Press (Christchurch) Christine Donaldson -
It is hard to make a dry Rosé, but this one has been done with aplomb. A welcoming, bright strawberry colour blinking out of the glass. The strawberry flavour followed through in the bouquet. The palate was crisp, delicate and refreshing. A gentle, dry-style Rosé for the summer ahead with no intrusive bitter or harshness.
It is hard to make a dry Rosé, but this one has been done with aplomb. A welcoming, bright strawberry colour blinking out of the glass. The strawberry flavour followed through in the bouquet. The palate was crisp, delicate and refreshing. A gentle, dry-style Rosé for the summer ahead with no intrusive bitter or harshness.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - The bouquet is fresh, firm and intense with aromas of bright raspberry and cherry. A fresh herbal underlay, hints of steel,minerals and confectionary and dry to the taste. Zesty, juicy and luscious flavours of raspberry are enlivened by vibrant and racy acidity. Well concentrated, textured with a very long, dry linear finish.
FOUR STARS - The bouquet is fresh, firm and intense with aromas of bright raspberry and cherry. A fresh herbal underlay, hints of steel,minerals and confectionary and dry to the taste. Zesty, juicy and luscious flavours of raspberry are enlivened by vibrant and racy acidity. Well concentrated, textured with a very long, dry linear finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
THREE AND A HALF STARS -Fresh and lively with crisp, vibrant melon/lime flavours. Showing very good depth (grown in the lower Wairau Valley and handled without oak).
THREE AND A HALF STARS -Fresh and lively with crisp, vibrant melon/lime flavours. Showing very good depth (grown in the lower Wairau Valley and handled without oak).
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - This wine has a very powerful and tightly concentrated nose of pungent passionfruit along with lifted, ripe tropicla fruit aromas and fine, cutting mineral notes. Dry to taste, densely packed with flavours passionfruit , fresh herbs and limes forming a concentrated core with a very refined palate. Very smooth and near seamless in texture, the acidity harmomiously underlines the flavours. This has an elegance which carries through to the finish, that is very long and lingering showing lush passionfruit and mineral elements. This is a concentrated and fine textured Sauvignon Blanc packed with passionfruit flavours.
FIVE STARS - This wine has a very powerful and tightly concentrated nose of pungent passionfruit along with lifted, ripe tropicla fruit aromas and fine, cutting mineral notes. Dry to taste, densely packed with flavours passionfruit , fresh herbs and limes forming a concentrated core with a very refined palate. Very smooth and near seamless in texture, the acidity harmomiously underlines the flavours. This has an elegance which carries through to the finish, that is very long and lingering showing lush passionfruit and mineral elements. This is a concentrated and fine textured Sauvignon Blanc packed with passionfruit flavours.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
88 POINTS - Lean and juicy, with peach, white flower, melon and Meyer lemon notes. Accompanied by details of candied lemon peel. Show good focus and fresh acidity, featuring hints of citrus and pith on the finish.
88 POINTS - Lean and juicy, with peach, white flower, melon and Meyer lemon notes. Accompanied by details of candied lemon peel. Show good focus and fresh acidity, featuring hints of citrus and pith on the finish.
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
88 POINTS - Lean and juicy, with peach, white flower, melon and Meyer lemon notes. Accompanied by details of candied lemon peel. Show good focus and fresh acidity, featuring hints of citrus and pith on the finish.
88 POINTS - Lean and juicy, with peach, white flower, melon and Meyer lemon notes. Accompanied by details of candied lemon peel. Show good focus and fresh acidity, featuring hints of citrus and pith on the finish.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - 91 POINTS - This is beautifully youthful and aromatic on the nose, displaying feijoa, white peach, lime zest and capsicum characters (bellpepper). The palate is concentrated and focused with a fine texture and excellent mid palate weight, leading to a lengthy juicy finish.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - 91 POINTS - This is beautifully youthful and aromatic on the nose, displaying feijoa, white peach, lime zest and capsicum characters (bellpepper). The palate is concentrated and focused with a fine texture and excellent mid palate weight, leading to a lengthy juicy finish.
NZ Herald Jo Burzynska -
Favourite grape - Another great vintage of this classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with intense and elegant notes of blackcurrant leaf, crunchy lime, dill and oyster shell.
Favourite grape - Another great vintage of this classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with intense and elegant notes of blackcurrant leaf, crunchy lime, dill and oyster shell.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Weighty, sweet-fruited wine with very good depth of fresh passionfruit/lime flavours. Finely textured and long (7% barrel fermented). Enjoyed by all judges.
FOUR STARS - Weighty, sweet-fruited wine with very good depth of fresh passionfruit/lime flavours. Finely textured and long (7% barrel fermented). Enjoyed by all judges.
Otago Daily Times Charmain Smith -
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE - Everything you want from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, citrus flower fragrance, intense mouth-filling flavours, a bright lively finish and lingering fruit on the aftertaste.
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE - Everything you want from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, citrus flower fragrance, intense mouth-filling flavours, a bright lively finish and lingering fruit on the aftertaste.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - TOP WINE OF THE TASTING - "nicely fresh and vibrant" Youthful aromas of ripe fruit and herbs on the nose; some pineapple too. In the mouth this is nicely fresh and vibrant with flavours of ripe lemon, yellow capsicum, passionfruit and pineapple. A reasonably dry wine with good concentration of flavours, this should develop nicely, becoming more complex with time.
FIVE STARS - TOP WINE OF THE TASTING - "nicely fresh and vibrant" Youthful aromas of ripe fruit and herbs on the nose; some pineapple too. In the mouth this is nicely fresh and vibrant with flavours of ripe lemon, yellow capsicum, passionfruit and pineapple. A reasonably dry wine with good concentration of flavours, this should develop nicely, becoming more complex with time.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - This wine has very concentrated, intensely packed and penetrating aromas of mineral-infused passionfruit, tropical fruits and savoury pungent gooseberries. Dry and very refined with racy, slippery acidity with a very fine-textured mouthfeel. The flavours are attractively lifted by white florals, herbal notes and esters on the lond lingering finish.
FIVE STARS - This wine has very concentrated, intensely packed and penetrating aromas of mineral-infused passionfruit, tropical fruits and savoury pungent gooseberries. Dry and very refined with racy, slippery acidity with a very fine-textured mouthfeel. The flavours are attractively lifted by white florals, herbal notes and esters on the lond lingering finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Estate Chardonnay 2011
Wine Taste Weekly TysonStelzer -
91 POINTS - Fermented purely in tank, the focus remains squarely on zesty grapefruit and crunchy white peach fruit. Without the benefit of oak, a few clever tricks in the winery - gentle lees stirring and partial malolactic fermentation - add some texture and mouthfeel to this fresh and livery style.
91 POINTS - Fermented purely in tank, the focus remains squarely on zesty grapefruit and crunchy white peach fruit. Without the benefit of oak, a few clever tricks in the winery - gentle lees stirring and partial malolactic fermentation - add some texture and mouthfeel to this fresh and livery style.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - Mendoza clone fruit from the Chaytors Road vineyard, cool fermented in stainless steel tanks to 13.5% alc. The wine was given batonnage and underway partial malolactic fermentation. Brilliant pale straw colour with green hues. The nose is fresh with intense aromas of white stone fruits and citrus, intermingling with subtle flint/mineral notes and clear butterscotch malolatic elements. The palate shows good richness and a creamy texture. The softness is countered by fresh, lacy acidity providing crispness and line. The palate is one of substance which carries well to a moderatly sustained finish. This fresh and creamy textured, unoaked Chardonnay will be a match for seafood, poultry and soft cheeses over thye next three + years.
FOUR STARS - Mendoza clone fruit from the Chaytors Road vineyard, cool fermented in stainless steel tanks to 13.5% alc. The wine was given batonnage and underway partial malolactic fermentation. Brilliant pale straw colour with green hues. The nose is fresh with intense aromas of white stone fruits and citrus, intermingling with subtle flint/mineral notes and clear butterscotch malolatic elements. The palate shows good richness and a creamy texture. The softness is countered by fresh, lacy acidity providing crispness and line. The palate is one of substance which carries well to a moderatly sustained finish. This fresh and creamy textured, unoaked Chardonnay will be a match for seafood, poultry and soft cheeses over thye next three + years.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2011
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - 15% fermented in older French oak barriques, The nose is very fine and tightly concentrated with an amalgam of rose petals, exotic musk and ginger with mineral notes. Medium dry to taste, the flavours of rose petals, minerals and ginger are very tight and firmly bound, forming a concentrated core to the palate. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich, near unctuous in texture and the richness is enhanced by some alcohol warmth. the flavours carry through to a firm, concentrated and lingering finish with classical varietal elements. This is a concentrated and unctuous off-dry Gewürztraminer that will unfold more of its exotic flavours with bottle age.
FIVE STARS - 15% fermented in older French oak barriques, The nose is very fine and tightly concentrated with an amalgam of rose petals, exotic musk and ginger with mineral notes. Medium dry to taste, the flavours of rose petals, minerals and ginger are very tight and firmly bound, forming a concentrated core to the palate. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich, near unctuous in texture and the richness is enhanced by some alcohol warmth. the flavours carry through to a firm, concentrated and lingering finish with classical varietal elements. This is a concentrated and unctuous off-dry Gewürztraminer that will unfold more of its exotic flavours with bottle age.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2011
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan. -
FOUR STARS - This has a full, aromatic bouquet of exotic florals and yellow stone fruits, lifted with youthful fermentation esters. The nose has richness and depth. Dryish to taste and full-bodied, restrained stone fruit flavours and subtle spice notes gently fill the palate. The mouthfeel is soft, rounded and near unctuous, the low acidity and unobtrusive alcohol contributing to to a sense of generosity. The wine has good depth and length, with nuances of spice and lifted esters showing on the finish. Avery aromatic wine, that will develop greater richness and flavour over the next three to four years.
FOUR STARS - This has a full, aromatic bouquet of exotic florals and yellow stone fruits, lifted with youthful fermentation esters. The nose has richness and depth. Dryish to taste and full-bodied, restrained stone fruit flavours and subtle spice notes gently fill the palate. The mouthfeel is soft, rounded and near unctuous, the low acidity and unobtrusive alcohol contributing to to a sense of generosity. The wine has good depth and length, with nuances of spice and lifted esters showing on the finish. Avery aromatic wine, that will develop greater richness and flavour over the next three to four years.
The Press (Christchurch) Graham Stringer -
A very good wine from the start of its yellow gold(with just a tinge of pink colour) through to the long luscious and satisfying finish. The middle bits are juicy, rich and complex with plenty of classic apple and pear Pinot Gris flavours. Top wine from a top producer.
A very good wine from the start of its yellow gold(with just a tinge of pink colour) through to the long luscious and satisfying finish. The middle bits are juicy, rich and complex with plenty of classic apple and pear Pinot Gris flavours. Top wine from a top producer.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE - Fragrant and zesty with hints of pungent herbs and flowers, a silky texture and lots of character. Oozes mouthfilling fruit with hints of nuts. Not for the faint-hearted.
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE - Fragrant and zesty with hints of pungent herbs and flowers, a silky texture and lots of character. Oozes mouthfilling fruit with hints of nuts. Not for the faint-hearted.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
Sound, clean and fresh, With seasoned oak only just noticeable. A lovely pear character is starting to emerge and will show beautifully over the summer and into 2013.
Sound, clean and fresh, With seasoned oak only just noticeable. A lovely pear character is starting to emerge and will show beautifully over the summer and into 2013.
Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) Sam Kim -
Youthful and full of ripe flavours - peach, pear, pineapple and floral. The palate is succulent and silky smooth with subtle sweetness and nicely integrated acidity. Richly textured and fabulously long on the finish.
Youthful and full of ripe flavours - peach, pear, pineapple and floral. The palate is succulent and silky smooth with subtle sweetness and nicely integrated acidity. Richly textured and fabulously long on the finish.
www.wineoftheweek.com Sue Courtney -
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2011 is straw gold in colour and has a tantalising tropical fruit aroma that's infused with tangelo zest. It seduces me instantly, as do the juicy and delicious flavours. Crammed with apples, pears, citrus and honeydew melon. There are some classic Pinot Gris characters and a bready richness to the finish that suggests a decent length of time on yeast lees.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2011 is straw gold in colour and has a tantalising tropical fruit aroma that's infused with tangelo zest. It seduces me instantly, as do the juicy and delicious flavours. Crammed with apples, pears, citrus and honeydew melon. There are some classic Pinot Gris characters and a bready richness to the finish that suggests a decent length of time on yeast lees.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2011
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
BEST VALUE - There's lots of attractive cherry fruit here, a savoury hint of dark chocolate and toasty oak. A lively edge and a crisp finish.
BEST VALUE - There's lots of attractive cherry fruit here, a savoury hint of dark chocolate and toasty oak. A lively edge and a crisp finish.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
BEST VALUE - There's lots of attractive cherry fruit here, a savoury hint of dark chocolate and toasty oak. A lively edge and a crisp finish.
BEST VALUE - There's lots of attractive cherry fruit here, a savoury hint of dark chocolate and toasty oak. A lively edge and a crisp finish.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - The nose is intensely penetrating and tightly packed with primary aromas of ripe dark berry fruits - black cherries, spicy oak and fragrance of violets, nuances of liquorice and plums. Medium-bodied and elegantly proportioned, the flavours of dark berry fruits and black cherries are concentrated. This wine has the firmness of youth with emerging oak carrying through to a long and sustained finish with spicy black cherry flavours. A youthful Pinot Noir with intense black fruits and raciness.
FOUR STARS - The nose is intensely penetrating and tightly packed with primary aromas of ripe dark berry fruits - black cherries, spicy oak and fragrance of violets, nuances of liquorice and plums. Medium-bodied and elegantly proportioned, the flavours of dark berry fruits and black cherries are concentrated. This wine has the firmness of youth with emerging oak carrying through to a long and sustained finish with spicy black cherry flavours. A youthful Pinot Noir with intense black fruits and raciness.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2011
Drinksbiz Joelle Thomson -
This wine is appealingly off dry when first sipped, but finishes on a lingering, seemingly dry note, thanks to beautiful balance, robust body and fresh vibrant acids.
This wine is appealingly off dry when first sipped, but finishes on a lingering, seemingly dry note, thanks to beautiful balance, robust body and fresh vibrant acids.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - BEST VALUE - Bright and fragrant with hints of berries and tropical fruit. Lively with a nicely balanced finish.
FOUR STARS - BEST VALUE - Bright and fragrant with hints of berries and tropical fruit. Lively with a nicely balanced finish.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - Light purple - pink in colour with a youthful hue. Dry to taste, this wine has bright, vibrant fruit flavours of raspberry, red cherries and confectionary. The palate is zesty with lively acidity, balanced and in proportion. The wine finishes with delicately sweet red berry fruit flavours, is crisp and zingy with good length. match this wine with salmon, tuna, cold meats and tapas.
FIVE STARS - Light purple - pink in colour with a youthful hue. Dry to taste, this wine has bright, vibrant fruit flavours of raspberry, red cherries and confectionary. The palate is zesty with lively acidity, balanced and in proportion. The wine finishes with delicately sweet red berry fruit flavours, is crisp and zingy with good length. match this wine with salmon, tuna, cold meats and tapas.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2011
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A great buy. Skilfully crafted, with strong, ripe grapefruit-like flavours. A hint of limes and an overall impression of dryness, it's delicious now...
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A great buy. Skilfully crafted, with strong, ripe grapefruit-like flavours. A hint of limes and an overall impression of dryness, it's delicious now...
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - Brilliant pale lemon yellow in colour. This has a softly full, ethereal nose of limes and lemons, the aromas are pure and clean. Subtle nuances of exotic tropical fruits and a suggestion of toast unfold in the glass. Dry to taste, delicate and deliciously. Soft flavours of floral limes are complimented by nuances of honey and a little toast. There is a gentle lusciousness allied to the harmonious acidity and the mouth feel is very refined. The palate leads to a long, lingering, dry finish with lemon notes, this is a delicate, fine-featured dry Riesling with beautiful citrus flavours.
FIVE STARS - Brilliant pale lemon yellow in colour. This has a softly full, ethereal nose of limes and lemons, the aromas are pure and clean. Subtle nuances of exotic tropical fruits and a suggestion of toast unfold in the glass. Dry to taste, delicate and deliciously. Soft flavours of floral limes are complimented by nuances of honey and a little toast. There is a gentle lusciousness allied to the harmonious acidity and the mouth feel is very refined. The palate leads to a long, lingering, dry finish with lemon notes, this is a delicate, fine-featured dry Riesling with beautiful citrus flavours.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2011
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
BEST BUY - FOUR STARS - Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - The palate is choc full of clean tropical fruit combined with a flinty backbone and crisp acidity, a long persistent finish.
BEST BUY - FOUR STARS - Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - The palate is choc full of clean tropical fruit combined with a flinty backbone and crisp acidity, a long persistent finish.
The Marlborough Express Peter Morice/Deborah Walton-Derry -
The lifted aroma really has some classic pong!! - lifted and zesty with fresh blackcurrent notes. Rich and tropical, dry grass and capsicum provide a nuance that seals the deal. Smooth, tropical passionfruit flavours wash across the palate, whilst crisp mineral characters add a layer of complexity. It has great Marlborough flavours with a finish that's moreish thanks to some crisp acidity and blended fruit sweetness.
The lifted aroma really has some classic pong!! - lifted and zesty with fresh blackcurrent notes. Rich and tropical, dry grass and capsicum provide a nuance that seals the deal. Smooth, tropical passionfruit flavours wash across the palate, whilst crisp mineral characters add a layer of complexity. It has great Marlborough flavours with a finish that's moreish thanks to some crisp acidity and blended fruit sweetness.
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
89 POINTS - This vivid, intense white delivers bright, refreshing flavours of peach, tangerine and ruby grapefruit, with a fleshy texture.Spice notes mark the tangy finish.
89 POINTS - This vivid, intense white delivers bright, refreshing flavours of peach, tangerine and ruby grapefruit, with a fleshy texture.Spice notes mark the tangy finish.
The Press (Christchurch) Chris Moore -
There's nothing shy and retiring about this wine, it's strong characters are well balanced by an intriguing complex personality. Passionfruit, lime and apricot bouquet lead to robust flavours of gooseberry, stonefruit and guave and a superb lingering palate.
There's nothing shy and retiring about this wine, it's strong characters are well balanced by an intriguing complex personality. Passionfruit, lime and apricot bouquet lead to robust flavours of gooseberry, stonefruit and guave and a superb lingering palate.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Feshy, tropical fruit-flavoured style showing very good depth, a touch of complexity(six per cent barrel fermented). A fresh and lively sustained finish.
FOUR STARS - Feshy, tropical fruit-flavoured style showing very good depth, a touch of complexity(six per cent barrel fermented). A fresh and lively sustained finish.
Daily Mail (UK) Matthew Jukes -
Bargain-priced, top flight New Zealand Sauvigion is a rare find, so make sure that you bag some of this racy, citrus-drenched stunner and treat it to the spinach pancakes with poached and hollandaise
Bargain-priced, top flight New Zealand Sauvigion is a rare find, so make sure that you bag some of this racy, citrus-drenched stunner and treat it to the spinach pancakes with poached and hollandaise
Sunday Star Times John Saker -
I was charmed at the Cuisine Sauvignon Blanc tasting by the Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2011. A portion of it is fermented in old oak barrels, giving it a little extra weight, there's a flintiness wrapped around a core of vibrant green-edged fruit and it retails for a reasonable $18-$20. I'd happily bring it out with smoked salmon and capers.
I was charmed at the Cuisine Sauvignon Blanc tasting by the Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2011. A portion of it is fermented in old oak barrels, giving it a little extra weight, there's a flintiness wrapped around a core of vibrant green-edged fruit and it retails for a reasonable $18-$20. I'd happily bring it out with smoked salmon and capers.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
Quite potent, quite young, all things working as the wine unfolds. Good spine and raciness, pretty dry; a great afternoon wine or aperitif.
Quite potent, quite young, all things working as the wine unfolds. Good spine and raciness, pretty dry; a great afternoon wine or aperitif.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - TOP TEN - "This is an example of oak in Sauvignon Blanc being impeccably handled", noted Michael Ivicevich. The toastiness brought on by barrel fermentation, and the complex. oily texture give this wine a white-Bordeaux-like personality.
FIVE STARS - TOP TEN - "This is an example of oak in Sauvignon Blanc being impeccably handled", noted Michael Ivicevich. The toastiness brought on by barrel fermentation, and the complex. oily texture give this wine a white-Bordeaux-like personality.
Vintage Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel -
The nose displays good intensity and strong varietal character with aromas of passionfruit, ripe gooseberry, tropical fruits and citrus. Mouthfilling palate flavours with passionfruit and citrus, followed by some subtle gooseberry, concluding with a crisp, zesty acid finish. Excellent depth, with a long passionfruit a nd citrus aftertaste.
The nose displays good intensity and strong varietal character with aromas of passionfruit, ripe gooseberry, tropical fruits and citrus. Mouthfilling palate flavours with passionfruit and citrus, followed by some subtle gooseberry, concluding with a crisp, zesty acid finish. Excellent depth, with a long passionfruit a nd citrus aftertaste.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - The nose is very fresh and intense. Tightly bound and refined, showing moderately pungent passionfruit and gooseberry aromas along with ripe tropical fruits and minerals. Dry to taste, this wine has pure lime and passionfruit flavours, still tightly held, but with excellent concentration. Crisp, racy acidity provides steeliness, very elegant and detailed, the palate is long and sustained, with subtle sweetness and minerally nuances. A fresh, pure and intense wine that will become richer over the next two plus years - Match with shellfish or antipasto.
FIVE STARS - The nose is very fresh and intense. Tightly bound and refined, showing moderately pungent passionfruit and gooseberry aromas along with ripe tropical fruits and minerals. Dry to taste, this wine has pure lime and passionfruit flavours, still tightly held, but with excellent concentration. Crisp, racy acidity provides steeliness, very elegant and detailed, the palate is long and sustained, with subtle sweetness and minerally nuances. A fresh, pure and intense wine that will become richer over the next two plus years - Match with shellfish or antipasto.
Mount Vernon Pinot Gris 2011
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Aromatic, full bodied and well-rounded, with fresh, crisp pear and spice flavours. Finely balanced for easy drinking, very good texture and length
FOUR STARS - Aromatic, full bodied and well-rounded, with fresh, crisp pear and spice flavours. Finely balanced for easy drinking, very good texture and length
Mount Vernon Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
THREE STARS - Well ripened, tropical fruit style with satisfying flavour depth. Fresh, balanced acidity and a rounded finish.
THREE STARS - Well ripened, tropical fruit style with satisfying flavour depth. Fresh, balanced acidity and a rounded finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2010
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS/TOP FIVE.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS/TOP FIVE.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Highly perfumed and weighty, gently sweet style with rich, ripe, gingery, spicy flavours. Showing excellent depth and harmony - maturing very gracefully.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Highly perfumed and weighty, gently sweet style with rich, ripe, gingery, spicy flavours. Showing excellent depth and harmony - maturing very gracefully.
John Ingle John Ingle -
An intense lychee flavour with typical Alsatian profile of sweet and sour through the palate. Full fruit intensity is about the only aspect that defines it as New Zealand instead of Alsace. A very strong nose of orange and mandarin which follows through to subtle rose petal, which then lingers. Beautiful example - loved it.
An intense lychee flavour with typical Alsatian profile of sweet and sour through the palate. Full fruit intensity is about the only aspect that defines it as New Zealand instead of Alsace. A very strong nose of orange and mandarin which follows through to subtle rose petal, which then lingers. Beautiful example - loved it.
Nicks Wine Merchants Tasting Panel -
96 POINTS -"A magnificent expression of thei wonderfully aromatic varietal" The nose displays exotic and intoxicating scents of rose petals, lychee and ripe pear, followed by some musk and a hint of spice. Thick, richly textured and possessing superb depth and richness. This is a fantastic impression of Alsatian Gewürztraminer.
96 POINTS -"A magnificent expression of thei wonderfully aromatic varietal" The nose displays exotic and intoxicating scents of rose petals, lychee and ripe pear, followed by some musk and a hint of spice. Thick, richly textured and possessing superb depth and richness. This is a fantastic impression of Alsatian Gewürztraminer.
Vintage Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - 96 POINTS - The nose displays exotic and intoxicating scents of rose petala, lychee and ripe pear, followed by some musk and a hint of spice. Thick, richly textured and possessing superb depth and richness, this is a fantastic impersonation of Alsatian Gewürztraminer. Mouthfilling flavours of lychee, ripe pear, musk, Turkish delight and spice. Medium dry with outstanding concentration.
FIVE STARS - 96 POINTS - The nose displays exotic and intoxicating scents of rose petala, lychee and ripe pear, followed by some musk and a hint of spice. Thick, richly textured and possessing superb depth and richness, this is a fantastic impersonation of Alsatian Gewürztraminer. Mouthfilling flavours of lychee, ripe pear, musk, Turkish delight and spice. Medium dry with outstanding concentration.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - A classic Marlborough Gewürztraminer, big, mouth-filling, oozing rose petals, ginger and citrus. With a rich, oily texture and firm, fresh, dry finish with a lingering aftertaste of Turkish delight.
FOUR STARS - A classic Marlborough Gewürztraminer, big, mouth-filling, oozing rose petals, ginger and citrus. With a rich, oily texture and firm, fresh, dry finish with a lingering aftertaste of Turkish delight.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2010
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Lawson's Dry Hills are especially adroit at aromatics and this Pinot Gris is no exception. The clean, fresh and fruity nose paves the way to a palate of pears and tropical fruits with balanced acidity and alcohol. Smart, well made wine.
FOUR STARS - Lawson's Dry Hills are especially adroit at aromatics and this Pinot Gris is no exception. The clean, fresh and fruity nose paves the way to a palate of pears and tropical fruits with balanced acidity and alcohol. Smart, well made wine.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FIVE STARS - 93 POINTS - An exceptional producer with aromatic varieties. Lawson's Dry Hills have fashioned another gorgeous Pinot Gris, displaying tropical fruit, peach and a touch of spice on the nose. Pinot Gris can be fairly subtle on the nose, not this one - it's perfumed and irresistible. The palate is lush and concentrated, with gentle sweetness which is nicely balanced by the acidity, leading to a lively finish. At its best now - until 2013.
FIVE STARS - 93 POINTS - An exceptional producer with aromatic varieties. Lawson's Dry Hills have fashioned another gorgeous Pinot Gris, displaying tropical fruit, peach and a touch of spice on the nose. Pinot Gris can be fairly subtle on the nose, not this one - it's perfumed and irresistible. The palate is lush and concentrated, with gentle sweetness which is nicely balanced by the acidity, leading to a lively finish. At its best now - until 2013.
The Marlborough Express Peter Morice/Deborah Walton -
This wine is a star - one we would happily buy because it ticks all the right boxs. Powerful poached pear, guava and passiofruit nose; quite intensely tropical and ripe, with a rich funky whiff - really exciting. The palate is ripe and concentrated, textured and full of flavour. Tingly acid sits well with with pear, guava, ripe apple and rich citrus flavours. Peter summmed it up in his particularly eloquent manner - "it's big, ballsy, fruity and completely luscious". I don't think we will win any gongs for sophisticated wine writing here, but he's spot on.
This wine is a star - one we would happily buy because it ticks all the right boxs. Powerful poached pear, guava and passiofruit nose; quite intensely tropical and ripe, with a rich funky whiff - really exciting. The palate is ripe and concentrated, textured and full of flavour. Tingly acid sits well with with pear, guava, ripe apple and rich citrus flavours. Peter summmed it up in his particularly eloquent manner - "it's big, ballsy, fruity and completely luscious". I don't think we will win any gongs for sophisticated wine writing here, but he's spot on.
The Press (Christchurch) David Killick -
If like us you're not really a Pinot Gris fan, try this. You may be pleasantly surprised. It's a flinty and mineral character-yes, but there's fruit too - apples and pears especially and raisins. This is a full flavoured wine with surprisingly good length and intensity. IMPRESSIVE.
If like us you're not really a Pinot Gris fan, try this. You may be pleasantly surprised. It's a flinty and mineral character-yes, but there's fruit too - apples and pears especially and raisins. This is a full flavoured wine with surprisingly good length and intensity. IMPRESSIVE.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
A charming, fragrant wine, lush and textural with hints of pear, quince, ripe white peach and greengage. More complex than many and with a nicely balanced, bright, lively finish.
A charming, fragrant wine, lush and textural with hints of pear, quince, ripe white peach and greengage. More complex than many and with a nicely balanced, bright, lively finish.
Sunday Star Times Jane Skilton MW -
Lawson's Dry Hills is one of Marlborough's most consistent producers. This Pinot Gris is deliciously smooth and silky, full of ripe pear and apple flavours with a crisp savoury finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills is one of Marlborough's most consistent producers. This Pinot Gris is deliciously smooth and silky, full of ripe pear and apple flavours with a crisp savoury finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2010
Decanter Tasting Panel -
Floral, sweet, strawberry and raspberry aromas.Bright, full cherry palate with firm acidity and fine tannins. A subtle herb lift and hints of minerals on the palate.
Floral, sweet, strawberry and raspberry aromas.Bright, full cherry palate with firm acidity and fine tannins. A subtle herb lift and hints of minerals on the palate.
Bay of Plenty Times Yvonne Lorkin -
I love this wine! Ultra-concentrated, crushed strawberries, cherry and black guava flavours merge with incredibly clean, flavoursome fruit sweetness and youthful acidity. Aromatically it's a smorgasbord of exotic spices, earthy notes and red berries. It has one hell of a sexy, succulent finish. MORE PLEASE.
I love this wine! Ultra-concentrated, crushed strawberries, cherry and black guava flavours merge with incredibly clean, flavoursome fruit sweetness and youthful acidity. Aromatically it's a smorgasbord of exotic spices, earthy notes and red berries. It has one hell of a sexy, succulent finish. MORE PLEASE.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FIVE STARS - Deep ruby, purple-flushed red with highly concentrated cheery, plum and nut flavours. Powerful with excellent ripness, harmony and length
FIVE STARS - Deep ruby, purple-flushed red with highly concentrated cheery, plum and nut flavours. Powerful with excellent ripness, harmony and length
Hawke's Bay Today Yvonne Lorkin -
FIVE STARS - I love this wine! Ultra-concentrated, crushed strawberry, cherry and black guave flavours merge with incredibly clean, flavoursome fruit sweetness and youthful acidity. Aromatically, it's a smorgasbord of exotic spices, earthy notes and red berries and it has one hell of a sexy, succulent finish....more please.
FIVE STARS - I love this wine! Ultra-concentrated, crushed strawberry, cherry and black guave flavours merge with incredibly clean, flavoursome fruit sweetness and youthful acidity. Aromatically, it's a smorgasbord of exotic spices, earthy notes and red berries and it has one hell of a sexy, succulent finish....more please.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FIVE STARS - BEST BUY - This is a label with a strong track record and vines that are reaching a good age. It's finely structured and elegant with plenty of red berry and cherry notes and a "hauntingly Pinot Noir nose", noted John Belsham.
FIVE STARS - BEST BUY - This is a label with a strong track record and vines that are reaching a good age. It's finely structured and elegant with plenty of red berry and cherry notes and a "hauntingly Pinot Noir nose", noted John Belsham.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2010
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
THREE STARS - Lively, Pinot Noir based Rosé, pink/red, floral and fruity. With ripe strawberry and plum flavours, crisp and dry.
THREE STARS - Lively, Pinot Noir based Rosé, pink/red, floral and fruity. With ripe strawberry and plum flavours, crisp and dry.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2010
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - BEST BUY.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - BEST BUY.
Wine Taste Weekly Tyson Stelzer -
91 POINTS - Two years in the bottle have allowed this value for money Riesling to build layers of toast, honey, mixed spice and baked apple complexity. It retains a primary core of lemon and lime zest fruit and a hint of pepper, which linger with impressive persistence. Zippy acidity and a fine mineral structure are balanced by a subtle lick of sweetness on the well textured finish.
91 POINTS - Two years in the bottle have allowed this value for money Riesling to build layers of toast, honey, mixed spice and baked apple complexity. It retains a primary core of lemon and lime zest fruit and a hint of pepper, which linger with impressive persistence. Zippy acidity and a fine mineral structure are balanced by a subtle lick of sweetness on the well textured finish.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - Best of Style Tasting.
FIVE STARS - Best of Style Tasting.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
THE100 OUTSTANDING VALUES OF 2011 - 90 POINTS.
THE100 OUTSTANDING VALUES OF 2011 - 90 POINTS.
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
90 POINTS - Intensley vibrant, with a mouthwatering acidity and intense lemon, lime and grapefruit flavours. Offers wonderful persistence and focus, with hints of tropical flavours on the finish.
90 POINTS - Intensley vibrant, with a mouthwatering acidity and intense lemon, lime and grapefruit flavours. Offers wonderful persistence and focus, with hints of tropical flavours on the finish.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Passionfruit and cut grass on the nose with sweet, ripe tropical fruit flavours on the palate, allied to gentle acidity and a clean finish.
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Passionfruit and cut grass on the nose with sweet, ripe tropical fruit flavours on the palate, allied to gentle acidity and a clean finish.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - This wine has a fine, tightly bound, concentrated nose of passionfruit, english gooseberries, nuances of tropical fruit and pungency, with a steely line of minerals. Dryn on the palate, this has a lovely crisp and tight expression of tropical fruit/passionfruit that still manages to show a degree of succulence. The acidity is also fine and provides an elegance to the mouthfeel and enhances the long, lingering finish. Yet to show its best, it will open out over the next year and will be an excellent match with shellfish for another three to four years.
FOUR STARS - This wine has a fine, tightly bound, concentrated nose of passionfruit, english gooseberries, nuances of tropical fruit and pungency, with a steely line of minerals. Dryn on the palate, this has a lovely crisp and tight expression of tropical fruit/passionfruit that still manages to show a degree of succulence. The acidity is also fine and provides an elegance to the mouthfeel and enhances the long, lingering finish. Yet to show its best, it will open out over the next year and will be an excellent match with shellfish for another three to four years.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FIVE STARS-93 POINTS - This is packed with appealing feijoa, grapefruit and herbaceous characters. The palate is full, lively and intense, with a succulent mouthfeel and a lingering crisp finish. A small portion was fermented in seasoned French oak barriques, but the fruit richness is the star here...Just great drinking.
FIVE STARS-93 POINTS - This is packed with appealing feijoa, grapefruit and herbaceous characters. The palate is full, lively and intense, with a succulent mouthfeel and a lingering crisp finish. A small portion was fermented in seasoned French oak barriques, but the fruit richness is the star here...Just great drinking.
Nicks Wine Merchants Tasting Panel. -
The nose displays intense aromas of ripe gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by some tropical and lime notes. Excellent concentration, with mouthfilling flavours of gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by a crisp, zesty citrus and mineral finish....long aftertaste of gooseberry, passionfruit and citrus.
The nose displays intense aromas of ripe gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by some tropical and lime notes. Excellent concentration, with mouthfilling flavours of gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by a crisp, zesty citrus and mineral finish....long aftertaste of gooseberry, passionfruit and citrus.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
Strong, true-to-variety style with good body, plenty of tangy fruit and a freshness balanced between ripe and quite intense flavours with a clean purity that underlines everything positive. Ready now, clearly no hurry for two years; fit beside antipasta, white meats and seafood.
Strong, true-to-variety style with good body, plenty of tangy fruit and a freshness balanced between ripe and quite intense flavours with a clean purity that underlines everything positive. Ready now, clearly no hurry for two years; fit beside antipasta, white meats and seafood.
Daily Mail (UK) Matthew Jukes -
The 2009 is also a hit, but dip your nose into the 2010 for a firework of aromatherapy, with fresh cut grass, asparagus, lime zest and elderflower.
The 2009 is also a hit, but dip your nose into the 2010 for a firework of aromatherapy, with fresh cut grass, asparagus, lime zest and elderflower.
Vintage Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - 94 POINTS - Brilliant, very pale straw colour with greenish tinge around the edges. The nose displays intense aromas of ripe gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by some tropical fruit and lime notes. Excellent concentration with mouthfilling flavours of gooseberry and passionfruit followed by a crisp zesty citrus and mineral finish. Long aftertaste of gooseberry, passiofruit and citrus.
FIVE STARS - 94 POINTS - Brilliant, very pale straw colour with greenish tinge around the edges. The nose displays intense aromas of ripe gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by some tropical fruit and lime notes. Excellent concentration with mouthfilling flavours of gooseberry and passionfruit followed by a crisp zesty citrus and mineral finish. Long aftertaste of gooseberry, passiofruit and citrus.
Gourmet Traveller Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - 87 POINTS - Delicately flavoured wine with impressive purity and good length. Mineral, passionfruit and gooseberry flavours. A bone-dry style with tangy acidity. Good food wine from one of Marlborough's founding producers.
FOUR STARS - 87 POINTS - Delicately flavoured wine with impressive purity and good length. Mineral, passionfruit and gooseberry flavours. A bone-dry style with tangy acidity. Good food wine from one of Marlborough's founding producers.
Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines Micheal Cooper -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
A note of sweat on the nose. Very good witha traditional Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc flavour profile of pure lemon-citrus, grass and herbs. Although still youthful, this tautly structured wine with excellent depth of flavour and complexity will surely develop over time. An impressive example.
A note of sweat on the nose. Very good witha traditional Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc flavour profile of pure lemon-citrus, grass and herbs. Although still youthful, this tautly structured wine with excellent depth of flavour and complexity will surely develop over time. An impressive example.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
Strongly flavoured, dry and quite potent, a small change on the style this vintage provides a well balanced and gutsy performer. Some oak influence. Best with food, a lovely concentrated fruit statement with a hint of sweat to give complexity. A serious, nicely balanced wine with two to three yearsnfine dining ahead.
Strongly flavoured, dry and quite potent, a small change on the style this vintage provides a well balanced and gutsy performer. Some oak influence. Best with food, a lovely concentrated fruit statement with a hint of sweat to give complexity. A serious, nicely balanced wine with two to three yearsnfine dining ahead.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Pungent with a suggestion of fresh sweat, this oozes with mouthfilling passionfruit and green kiwifruit, balanced by a crisp, textural finish. Give it a few more months in the bottle to mellow. FOUR STARS; GOOD VALUE.
Pungent with a suggestion of fresh sweat, this oozes with mouthfilling passionfruit and green kiwifruit, balanced by a crisp, textural finish. Give it a few more months in the bottle to mellow. FOUR STARS; GOOD VALUE.
The Press (Christchurch) Brian Prebble -
Pack a picnic lunch and chill out with this delightful Marlborough savvy from the Marcus Wright/Rebecca Wiffen winemaking team. It has a pale gold hue, an intriguing passionfruit aroma and a robust gooseberry taste that flows into a zingy lime-lemon finish. CLASSY STUFF.
Pack a picnic lunch and chill out with this delightful Marlborough savvy from the Marcus Wright/Rebecca Wiffen winemaking team. It has a pale gold hue, an intriguing passionfruit aroma and a robust gooseberry taste that flows into a zingy lime-lemon finish. CLASSY STUFF.
Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Gewürztraminer 2010
Gourmet Traveller Bob Campbell MW. -
FIVE STARS - 95 POINTS - This is the premium label of one of New Zealand's leading producers of Gewürztraminer. Made from grapes grown on a single, estate-owned vineyard, plated in 1980. A high percentage of the pressings are used to add weight and mouthfeel, with 63% of the wine fermented in oak for extra complexity. It's an intense wine that captures the varietal characters with strong lychee, rose petal and Turkish Delight. Subtle spiciness on the lengthy finish, silken textured, with a hint of sweetness.
FIVE STARS - 95 POINTS - This is the premium label of one of New Zealand's leading producers of Gewürztraminer. Made from grapes grown on a single, estate-owned vineyard, plated in 1980. A high percentage of the pressings are used to add weight and mouthfeel, with 63% of the wine fermented in oak for extra complexity. It's an intense wine that captures the varietal characters with strong lychee, rose petal and Turkish Delight. Subtle spiciness on the lengthy finish, silken textured, with a hint of sweetness.
Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Pinot Gris 2010
Gourmet Traveller Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - 92 POINTS. A rich, ripe, concentrated Pinot Gris with luscious pear and white-peach flavours with a seasoning of bready yeast lees. Smooth and creamy with lovely richness and weight.
FOUR STARS - 92 POINTS. A rich, ripe, concentrated Pinot Gris with luscious pear and white-peach flavours with a seasoning of bready yeast lees. Smooth and creamy with lovely richness and weight.
Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Pinot Noir 2010
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - A fitting tribute to Marlborough legend Ross Lawson. This is an eminently drinkable wine. Floral scents set the scene for a blueberry, cherry, chocolate and oak-seasoned palate. Solid walls of tannin give direction and texture.
FOUR STARS - A fitting tribute to Marlborough legend Ross Lawson. This is an eminently drinkable wine. Floral scents set the scene for a blueberry, cherry, chocolate and oak-seasoned palate. Solid walls of tannin give direction and texture.
Mount Vernon Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Slightly sweaty, ripe fruit aromas. Very easy drinking style, rich and rounded with tropical fruit flavours. Showing excellent depth and fresh acidity keeping things lively.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Slightly sweaty, ripe fruit aromas. Very easy drinking style, rich and rounded with tropical fruit flavours. Showing excellent depth and fresh acidity keeping things lively.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2009
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Mid yellow colour. A complex, appealing nose raises the anticipation. A nice combo of fruit and nut characters on the palate; lemon and citrus along with peach, quince and roated almonds. Good concentration of flavours with a good degree of complexity, showing toast and nuts right through the finish.
FOUR STARS - Mid yellow colour. A complex, appealing nose raises the anticipation. A nice combo of fruit and nut characters on the palate; lemon and citrus along with peach, quince and roated almonds. Good concentration of flavours with a good degree of complexity, showing toast and nuts right through the finish.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - BEST BUY - Deep straw in colour and offering soft, lifted, toasted scents. This smooth operator is ageing gracefully, the fruit and oak are locked in a seamless embrace, while brioche, spice and mineral notes are in harmony.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - BEST BUY - Deep straw in colour and offering soft, lifted, toasted scents. This smooth operator is ageing gracefully, the fruit and oak are locked in a seamless embrace, while brioche, spice and mineral notes are in harmony.
Dish Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A very well made wine with a nose featuring toasted buttered scone notes and a tasty, flavourful mouthfeel that is not overly rich. "Good fruit conentration, elegant, showy and stylish"- were common descriptions from our judges, who were impressed by the citrus element on the finish.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A very well made wine with a nose featuring toasted buttered scone notes and a tasty, flavourful mouthfeel that is not overly rich. "Good fruit conentration, elegant, showy and stylish"- were common descriptions from our judges, who were impressed by the citrus element on the finish.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - WOW! Lawson's Dry Hills are never in a hurry to release their Chardonny and this highlights why. It is fresh and vibrant with bright notes on the nose and a palate full of juicy peaches and big forward oak. Complexity is provided by the elements of vanilla and spice. Its long and extremely satisfying. NOW IN LIMITED SUPPLY.
FIVE STARS - WOW! Lawson's Dry Hills are never in a hurry to release their Chardonny and this highlights why. It is fresh and vibrant with bright notes on the nose and a palate full of juicy peaches and big forward oak. Complexity is provided by the elements of vanilla and spice. Its long and extremely satisfying. NOW IN LIMITED SUPPLY.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2009
Wine Enthusiast Magazine Tasting Panel -
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer has been selected as one of New Zealand Best White Wines - Recently reviewed 2009 vintage - 90 points - Varietally evocative, featuring textbook rose-petal, lychee and spice. While it's never oily, overdone or blowsy, it's never lean, bitter or sharp. It has just enough suger to provide balance without seeming overly sweet. For consistent quality and style, no one hits the mark more often.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer has been selected as one of New Zealand Best White Wines - Recently reviewed 2009 vintage - 90 points - Varietally evocative, featuring textbook rose-petal, lychee and spice. While it's never oily, overdone or blowsy, it's never lean, bitter or sharp. It has just enough suger to provide balance without seeming overly sweet. For consistent quality and style, no one hits the mark more often.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Powerful wine, weighty, rich and rounded. Medium-dry style, slightly hot on the finish but shows excellent flavour depth, with toasty bottled-aged notes adding complexity.
FOUR STARS - Powerful wine, weighty, rich and rounded. Medium-dry style, slightly hot on the finish but shows excellent flavour depth, with toasty bottled-aged notes adding complexity.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
Rose petal, lemon and melon with lots of apricot, short-pastry and some gooseberry. Peachy and full-bodied with good texture. Nice concentration, balance and lenght.
Rose petal, lemon and melon with lots of apricot, short-pastry and some gooseberry. Peachy and full-bodied with good texture. Nice concentration, balance and lenght.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - A caramelly warmth envelops the palate with seductive ease. Simon Nunns commented on the attractive "gingernuts and cream" style. It's weighty ans complex and would go well with creme brulee!!(DRY)
FIVE STARS - A caramelly warmth envelops the palate with seductive ease. Simon Nunns commented on the attractive "gingernuts and cream" style. It's weighty ans complex and would go well with creme brulee!!(DRY)
Wine Enthusiast Magazine Tasting Panel -
90 POINTS - Lawsons Dry Hills Gewürztraminer is always near the top of its class and the 2009 offers expressive scents of lychee and ginger married to a powerful, round, nearly dry palate.Finishes long and spicy.
90 POINTS - Lawsons Dry Hills Gewürztraminer is always near the top of its class and the 2009 offers expressive scents of lychee and ginger married to a powerful, round, nearly dry palate.Finishes long and spicy.
The Marlborough Express Peter Morice/Deborah Walton-Derry -
Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of Turkish delight, rose petal and lemon-honey combine to beguile... Sweet and exotically perfumed, an expectionally well integrated palate, elegant yet generous with a big lick of toffee apple, some ginger, Turkish delight and exotic mandarin liqueur flavours, which are balanced by grape skin phenolics towards the finish. The aftertaste lingers - this wine is at the top of its game.
Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of Turkish delight, rose petal and lemon-honey combine to beguile... Sweet and exotically perfumed, an expectionally well integrated palate, elegant yet generous with a big lick of toffee apple, some ginger, Turkish delight and exotic mandarin liqueur flavours, which are balanced by grape skin phenolics towards the finish. The aftertaste lingers - this wine is at the top of its game.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
Nimble, versatile, spicy; lightly sweet with full alcohol and with the traditional Lawson's aromatics. Not pungent, yet distinctly Gewürztraminer. Fresh and alive with plenty of summer and food options. Very flavoursome with a high drinkability level. Lawson's Dry Hills have a long reputation for top wine from this grape.
Nimble, versatile, spicy; lightly sweet with full alcohol and with the traditional Lawson's aromatics. Not pungent, yet distinctly Gewürztraminer. Fresh and alive with plenty of summer and food options. Very flavoursome with a high drinkability level. Lawson's Dry Hills have a long reputation for top wine from this grape.
NZ Herald Yvonne Lorkin -
I love the nose on this wine. Subtle, mineral-like aromas with hints of rose petal, lychee and a burst of candyfloss lead the way to a crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel with a hint of sweetness. It doesn't ooze the intense richness of the previous vintage, but has a lovely elegant presence and finish.
I love the nose on this wine. Subtle, mineral-like aromas with hints of rose petal, lychee and a burst of candyfloss lead the way to a crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel with a hint of sweetness. It doesn't ooze the intense richness of the previous vintage, but has a lovely elegant presence and finish.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Predominantly lychees on the nose and good tropical fruit weight on the palate, with caramel and asian spice notes and a dry finish. Lawson's always make good Gewürztraminer.
FOUR STARS - Predominantly lychees on the nose and good tropical fruit weight on the palate, with caramel and asian spice notes and a dry finish. Lawson's always make good Gewürztraminer.
NZ Herald John Hawkesby -
Lovely, luscious wine from a great vintage. Drinking now, but good for five to six years. Taste the lemon peel, marmalade, candyfloss, ginger, lychee and Turkish Delight. This is perfect with Asian food.
Lovely, luscious wine from a great vintage. Drinking now, but good for five to six years. Taste the lemon peel, marmalade, candyfloss, ginger, lychee and Turkish Delight. This is perfect with Asian food.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - This has been a star variety for Lawson's Dry Hills. This wine has a very full, rich and complex bouquet of rose-petals, lychees, ginger and spices, quite rounded and deep. Slightly sweet to taste, this wine is soft and oily textured, the acidity is low, as is typical of the variety. The flavours are heavy and heady with Turkish delight, honey, rose-oil, ginger-bread and savoury spices. Tghe breadth provides a decadence seldom seen in New Zealand examples. Drink this over the next two to four years with middle eastern and asian cuisine.
FOUR STARS - This has been a star variety for Lawson's Dry Hills. This wine has a very full, rich and complex bouquet of rose-petals, lychees, ginger and spices, quite rounded and deep. Slightly sweet to taste, this wine is soft and oily textured, the acidity is low, as is typical of the variety. The flavours are heavy and heady with Turkish delight, honey, rose-oil, ginger-bread and savoury spices. Tghe breadth provides a decadence seldom seen in New Zealand examples. Drink this over the next two to four years with middle eastern and asian cuisine.
The Age (Australia) Ralph Kyte-Powell -
FOUR STARS - This Marlborough 2009 is a shade less alcholic and better balanced then the Lawson's Dry Hills 2008, and has musky pot-pourri, pungent spice, sweet citrus and lychee varietal qualities. Concentrated and unctuous, it's enriched by a dab of sweetness mid-palate. Food ideas - Paté or riper soft cheeses.
FOUR STARS - This Marlborough 2009 is a shade less alcholic and better balanced then the Lawson's Dry Hills 2008, and has musky pot-pourri, pungent spice, sweet citrus and lychee varietal qualities. Concentrated and unctuous, it's enriched by a dab of sweetness mid-palate. Food ideas - Paté or riper soft cheeses.
Dish Magazine Yvonne Lorkin -
Has luscious lychee, rose and peach aromas pierced with ginger and it's fleshed out sweetness and spice. it's incredible with the sichuan, chilli and lime - Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2009 paired with prawns with sichuan and chilli lime salt.
Has luscious lychee, rose and peach aromas pierced with ginger and it's fleshed out sweetness and spice. it's incredible with the sichuan, chilli and lime - Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2009 paired with prawns with sichuan and chilli lime salt.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FIVE STARS - 94 POINTS - It's delicately perfumed on the nose displaying floral, pineapple and subtle spice characters. The palate is concentrated and finely textured with beautifully integrated acidity, leading to an extremely long juicy finish. A beautifully framed and silky wine destined to develop stunning complexity. At its best - now until 2014.
FIVE STARS - 94 POINTS - It's delicately perfumed on the nose displaying floral, pineapple and subtle spice characters. The palate is concentrated and finely textured with beautifully integrated acidity, leading to an extremely long juicy finish. A beautifully framed and silky wine destined to develop stunning complexity. At its best - now until 2014.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - Velvety textured with characteristic aromas and flavours of rose petals and lychees, but this year with undertones of creme brulee and toasted hazelnuts.
FOUR STARS - Velvety textured with characteristic aromas and flavours of rose petals and lychees, but this year with undertones of creme brulee and toasted hazelnuts.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Generous, full bodied style with strong, spicy aromas and flavours, showing some exotic notes.
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Generous, full bodied style with strong, spicy aromas and flavours, showing some exotic notes.
The Press (Christchurch) Brian Prebble -
Spice up your life with this impressive Marlborough aromatic from the Wright-Wiffen winemaking team. It has an understated coriander-cinnamon nose that hides a robust lychee-ginger taste. A lime-honey aftertaste, backed by a14% alcohol kick, round off a lovely Gewürztraminer. Wonderful with sweet and sour pork.
Spice up your life with this impressive Marlborough aromatic from the Wright-Wiffen winemaking team. It has an understated coriander-cinnamon nose that hides a robust lychee-ginger taste. A lime-honey aftertaste, backed by a14% alcohol kick, round off a lovely Gewürztraminer. Wonderful with sweet and sour pork.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
A long-time champion of this variety, Lawson's Dry Hills have cobstantly produced a bold, quite intense style, yet not heavy nor entirely dry. Balanced, alive and satisfying, a versatile wine for a whole range of food courses and showing the variety and region, nicely in harmony.
A long-time champion of this variety, Lawson's Dry Hills have cobstantly produced a bold, quite intense style, yet not heavy nor entirely dry. Balanced, alive and satisfying, a versatile wine for a whole range of food courses and showing the variety and region, nicely in harmony.
The Age (Australia) Matt Skinner -
Lawson' Dry Hills has been at it since 1992 and enjoys both a reputation for producing clean, well-made wines and a cult following for its Gewürztraminer. With textbook, yet restrained lychee, rose water and musk notes, the palate is rich, without being fat, with good focus and balance....Try is with steamed snapper with chili, ginger, coriander and soy.
Lawson' Dry Hills has been at it since 1992 and enjoys both a reputation for producing clean, well-made wines and a cult following for its Gewürztraminer. With textbook, yet restrained lychee, rose water and musk notes, the palate is rich, without being fat, with good focus and balance....Try is with steamed snapper with chili, ginger, coriander and soy.
Gourmet Traveller Bob Campbell M.W. -
FOUR STARS - Delicately scented wine with good weight and mouthfeel in an off-dry style. It has good provenance with a proven ability to age well, a vertical tasting demonstrated that this label can drink nicely after five or six years. Two adjacent vineyards in the clay-rich Wither Hills district of Marlborough provides the grapes for this much acclaimed style.
FOUR STARS - Delicately scented wine with good weight and mouthfeel in an off-dry style. It has good provenance with a proven ability to age well, a vertical tasting demonstrated that this label can drink nicely after five or six years. Two adjacent vineyards in the clay-rich Wither Hills district of Marlborough provides the grapes for this much acclaimed style.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2009
San Francisco Chronicle Jon Bonné -
Lawson's got it's start with Gewürztraminer in 1992, and the Alsatian mind-set has endured in the heart of Sauvignon Blanc country. Big and plush, full of spiced apple and tree blossom, it has a distinct stony spice note that again channels that opulent Alsatian style. Concentrated and ready for the table.
Lawson's got it's start with Gewürztraminer in 1992, and the Alsatian mind-set has endured in the heart of Sauvignon Blanc country. Big and plush, full of spiced apple and tree blossom, it has a distinct stony spice note that again channels that opulent Alsatian style. Concentrated and ready for the table.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
Highly scented with good weight and strong, slightly sweet citrus fruit. Pear and spice flavour, finely balanced and rich.
Highly scented with good weight and strong, slightly sweet citrus fruit. Pear and spice flavour, finely balanced and rich.
Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines Michael Cooper -
FIVE STARS - A highly scented wine, finely balanced with good weight and strong, slightly sweet citrus fruit, pear, ginger and spice flavours. Fleshy and soft with pure varietal characters, good harmony and a touch of complexity - it's already delicious.
FIVE STARS - A highly scented wine, finely balanced with good weight and strong, slightly sweet citrus fruit, pear, ginger and spice flavours. Fleshy and soft with pure varietal characters, good harmony and a touch of complexity - it's already delicious.
WineNZ Tasting Panel. -
OUTSTANDING PINOT GRIS - The top wine of our tasting was ahead of the pack by a clear margin - and deservedly so - this is a wine of undoubted quality. Mid-gold colour, it has lively citrus fruit on the nose with floral notes too. The palate is unctuous and exhibits more citrus and spicy pear fruit characters with genuine complexity of flavour. Relatively dry and full-bodied, it shows the delicious mid-palate texture that good Pinot Gris is known for. This is really well balanced wine too with bright, refreshing acidity on the finish. A TOP CLASS example of New Zealand Pinot Gris.
OUTSTANDING PINOT GRIS - The top wine of our tasting was ahead of the pack by a clear margin - and deservedly so - this is a wine of undoubted quality. Mid-gold colour, it has lively citrus fruit on the nose with floral notes too. The palate is unctuous and exhibits more citrus and spicy pear fruit characters with genuine complexity of flavour. Relatively dry and full-bodied, it shows the delicious mid-palate texture that good Pinot Gris is known for. This is really well balanced wine too with bright, refreshing acidity on the finish. A TOP CLASS example of New Zealand Pinot Gris.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - TOP TIP.....Exquisitely balanced wine, the aromas are of apples and peaches, whilst the palate displays ripe stonefruit in as opulent style. The finish is rich and persisent, another high quality wine from this outstanding winery. Ah yes - Lawson's are well know for their aromatics, and this is an excellent example of why. It has super fruit weight with intense melon and pear flavours, entwined with clean acidity in a rich, velvety mouthful. Persistent finish too - as you would expect.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - TOP TIP.....Exquisitely balanced wine, the aromas are of apples and peaches, whilst the palate displays ripe stonefruit in as opulent style. The finish is rich and persisent, another high quality wine from this outstanding winery. Ah yes - Lawson's are well know for their aromatics, and this is an excellent example of why. It has super fruit weight with intense melon and pear flavours, entwined with clean acidity in a rich, velvety mouthful. Persistent finish too - as you would expect.
The Age (Australia) Ralph Kyte-Powell. -
FOUR STARS - The New Zealanders can do Pinot Gris really well. This example from the country's "savvy blanc" heartland opens with an appealing nose of spiced fruits - apple, pears and quince. A whisper of old oak influence, seasons it. On the full flavoured palate, an essencey, smooth core of fruit is enhanced by a dab of sweetness.
FOUR STARS - The New Zealanders can do Pinot Gris really well. This example from the country's "savvy blanc" heartland opens with an appealing nose of spiced fruits - apple, pears and quince. A whisper of old oak influence, seasons it. On the full flavoured palate, an essencey, smooth core of fruit is enhanced by a dab of sweetness.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine Joe Czerwinski -
EDITOR'S CHOICE - 90 POINTS....With only 6.5 g/L of residual sugar, this weighty wine come across as almost dry, allowing the emphasis to be on the bold notes of melon, pear and citrus. It's rich without being overtly sweet, then finishes clean, adding a touch of white pepper to the mix. Drink now - 2012.
EDITOR'S CHOICE - 90 POINTS....With only 6.5 g/L of residual sugar, this weighty wine come across as almost dry, allowing the emphasis to be on the bold notes of melon, pear and citrus. It's rich without being overtly sweet, then finishes clean, adding a touch of white pepper to the mix. Drink now - 2012.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim. -
4.5 STARS / 90 points. A lovely elegant bouquet displaying pear, lemon pith and apricot characters. The palate is juicy and inviting and shows a hint of sweetness, a silky texture and well balanced acidity. Very easy on the palate with an appealing dry finish. A small portion of the juice was fermented in seasoned French oak barrels. At its best: now - 2012.
4.5 STARS / 90 points. A lovely elegant bouquet displaying pear, lemon pith and apricot characters. The palate is juicy and inviting and shows a hint of sweetness, a silky texture and well balanced acidity. Very easy on the palate with an appealing dry finish. A small portion of the juice was fermented in seasoned French oak barrels. At its best: now - 2012.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS - Best of New Zealand - Highly scented, with good weight and strong, slightly sweet citrus fruit, pear and spice flavours. Finely balanced and rich.
FOUR STARS - Best of New Zealand - Highly scented, with good weight and strong, slightly sweet citrus fruit, pear and spice flavours. Finely balanced and rich.
The Press (Christchurch) Chris Donaldson -
A powerfully floral and spicy bouquet is followed by a lightly tangy off dry, long, luscious, fruity palate. This is a stunning wine which will charm and win many devotees. A must to buy and drink over summer.
A powerfully floral and spicy bouquet is followed by a lightly tangy off dry, long, luscious, fruity palate. This is a stunning wine which will charm and win many devotees. A must to buy and drink over summer.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - A mouthfilling wine with rich fruit, a hint of mineral and underlying savoury flavours and textures. It's dense, but harmonious.
FOUR STARS - A mouthfilling wine with rich fruit, a hint of mineral and underlying savoury flavours and textures. It's dense, but harmonious.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2009
John Ingle John Ingle -
On the nose black and red cherries dominate, yet on the palate I tasted overriding flavours of plum and beetroot with some alluring spiciness. This is a luscious and opulent wine with a smooth velvet drinkability. A wine to enjoy for the next several years - this tremendously good value
On the nose black and red cherries dominate, yet on the palate I tasted overriding flavours of plum and beetroot with some alluring spiciness. This is a luscious and opulent wine with a smooth velvet drinkability. A wine to enjoy for the next several years - this tremendously good value
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A quiet achiever, praised by Alastair Maling for its Burgundian qualities, this wine has a lean, lively, savoury profile. The initial impression is one of lightness, but it stealthily fills the mouth and lingers beautifully.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A quiet achiever, praised by Alastair Maling for its Burgundian qualities, this wine has a lean, lively, savoury profile. The initial impression is one of lightness, but it stealthily fills the mouth and lingers beautifully.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A quiet achiever, praised by Alastair Maling for its Burgundian qualities. This wine has a lean, lively, savoury profile. The initial impression is one of lightness, but it stealthily fills the mouth and lingers beautifully.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - A quiet achiever, praised by Alastair Maling for its Burgundian qualities. This wine has a lean, lively, savoury profile. The initial impression is one of lightness, but it stealthily fills the mouth and lingers beautifully.
Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) Sam Kim -
FOUR STARS - It's beautifully ripe and fragrant on the nose, displaying red and black cherry, game, vanilla and floral notes. The palate is succulent and nicely weighted with a silky texture and lingering juicy finish. Well expressed and appealing.
FOUR STARS - It's beautifully ripe and fragrant on the nose, displaying red and black cherry, game, vanilla and floral notes. The palate is succulent and nicely weighted with a silky texture and lingering juicy finish. Well expressed and appealing.
Hawke's Bay Today Yvonne Lorkin -
FOUR STARS - Created form Waihopai Valley fruit, this Pinot is still just a pup but it's already deliciously attractive and has spicy cherry and black tea aromas, concentrated plum and cranberry flavours, silky tannins and lush, lingering length of flavour. Amazing with lamb rack and braised fennel.
FOUR STARS - Created form Waihopai Valley fruit, this Pinot is still just a pup but it's already deliciously attractive and has spicy cherry and black tea aromas, concentrated plum and cranberry flavours, silky tannins and lush, lingering length of flavour. Amazing with lamb rack and braised fennel.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2009
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
THREE STARS - Floral, with pink/pale red colour. Fresh and medium bodied with lively red berry and plum flavours, a touch of sweetness and a refreshingly crisp finish.
THREE STARS - Floral, with pink/pale red colour. Fresh and medium bodied with lively red berry and plum flavours, a touch of sweetness and a refreshingly crisp finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2009
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Good dry style of Riesling, with decent amount of citrus fruit weight, allied to bold acidity. Crisp, clean and refreshing.
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Good dry style of Riesling, with decent amount of citrus fruit weight, allied to bold acidity. Crisp, clean and refreshing.
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
WINE OF THE WEEK - FOUR STARS - Riesling needs time to unfold its full personality. With its scented, toasty bouquet, strong citrusy flavours and bottle-aged complexity, this crisp, dryish wine is bargain-priced.
WINE OF THE WEEK - FOUR STARS - Riesling needs time to unfold its full personality. With its scented, toasty bouquet, strong citrusy flavours and bottle-aged complexity, this crisp, dryish wine is bargain-priced.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - A classic Marlborough Riesling, ripe, fragrant and zesty with hints of lime, lemon, mandarin and mineral. Full in the mouth, off-dry with a hint of underlying savouriness
THREE AND A HALF STARS - A classic Marlborough Riesling, ripe, fragrant and zesty with hints of lime, lemon, mandarin and mineral. Full in the mouth, off-dry with a hint of underlying savouriness
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - This has a very elegant and refined bouquet showing lovely honey and toasty secondary development with layers of lime fruit and floral aromas unfolding in the glass. Off-dry, beautifully interwoven flavours of honey, citrus fruit and complex toast and honey notes. The mouthfeel is smooth and seamless, the textures very soft, almost luscious with good acidity in support. The finish is long and gentle with subtle, toasty nuances. This Riesling is beginning to show complexity and interest and is developing with great finesse.
FIVE STARS - This has a very elegant and refined bouquet showing lovely honey and toasty secondary development with layers of lime fruit and floral aromas unfolding in the glass. Off-dry, beautifully interwoven flavours of honey, citrus fruit and complex toast and honey notes. The mouthfeel is smooth and seamless, the textures very soft, almost luscious with good acidity in support. The finish is long and gentle with subtle, toasty nuances. This Riesling is beginning to show complexity and interest and is developing with great finesse.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
Dry, slightly minerally wine, weighty and finely balanded with a small portion of barrel fermentation adding complexity. Mouthfilling with tropical fruit flavours to the fore, a subtle seasoning of oak and excellent delicacy and length.
Dry, slightly minerally wine, weighty and finely balanded with a small portion of barrel fermentation adding complexity. Mouthfilling with tropical fruit flavours to the fore, a subtle seasoning of oak and excellent delicacy and length.
The Marlborough Express Peter Morice/Deborah Walton. -
AROMA - A tangy, rich tropical aroma with a smack of gooseberry and lemongrass to give some lift. Some softer floral notes and a hint of yeasty lees added interest. TASTE - A bracing, crisp acid spine sits well with some warm spiciness and a lovely blend of intense tropical flavour - passionfruit, pineapple and the softer taste of melon. This tropical mix is made intense by the addition powerful, grassy, citrusy flavours that wrap up with a lick of sweet lime at the finish. An intense wine what has considerable weight for a Sauvignon Blanc; that weight suggests some lees work and we were later proven correct. A small portion of the wine was fermented in seasoned French oak. Fruit ripeness was essential to this wine's success because it's a powerful mouthful - another big wine from this reliable label.
AROMA - A tangy, rich tropical aroma with a smack of gooseberry and lemongrass to give some lift. Some softer floral notes and a hint of yeasty lees added interest. TASTE - A bracing, crisp acid spine sits well with some warm spiciness and a lovely blend of intense tropical flavour - passionfruit, pineapple and the softer taste of melon. This tropical mix is made intense by the addition powerful, grassy, citrusy flavours that wrap up with a lick of sweet lime at the finish. An intense wine what has considerable weight for a Sauvignon Blanc; that weight suggests some lees work and we were later proven correct. A small portion of the wine was fermented in seasoned French oak. Fruit ripeness was essential to this wine's success because it's a powerful mouthful - another big wine from this reliable label.
The Press (Christchurch) Christopher Moore -
A RIGHT ROYAL DROP - A splendidly regal Sauvignon Blanc from one of the best small Marlborough wineries. Aromas of passionfruit combine with gooseberry, guave and mandarin flavours. Unexpected hints of spice lingered somewhere in the beautifully crisp finish.
A RIGHT ROYAL DROP - A splendidly regal Sauvignon Blanc from one of the best small Marlborough wineries. Aromas of passionfruit combine with gooseberry, guave and mandarin flavours. Unexpected hints of spice lingered somewhere in the beautifully crisp finish.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR AND HALF STARS - Dry, slightly minerally wine, weighty and finely balanced, with a small portion of barrel fermentation adding complexity. Mouthfilling, with ripe, tropical fruit flavours to the fore, a subtle seasoning of oak, and excellent delicacy and length.
FOUR AND HALF STARS - Dry, slightly minerally wine, weighty and finely balanced, with a small portion of barrel fermentation adding complexity. Mouthfilling, with ripe, tropical fruit flavours to the fore, a subtle seasoning of oak, and excellent delicacy and length.
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel. -
91 Points - Light in style, but generous in flavour, offering fresh coconut-scented pineapple and lime flavours. Finishing with a creamy texture against zippy acidity.
91 Points - Light in style, but generous in flavour, offering fresh coconut-scented pineapple and lime flavours. Finishing with a creamy texture against zippy acidity.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE. Pungent and zesty, this is typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc oozing blackcurrant leaves, gooseberries and a suggestion of fresh sweat - the first sip will blow you away.
FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE. Pungent and zesty, this is typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc oozing blackcurrant leaves, gooseberries and a suggestion of fresh sweat - the first sip will blow you away.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim. -
92 POINTS - A pungent nose displaying lime zest, musk and red current notes. It's lush and rounded on the palate with zesty acidity, a well weighted mid palate leading to a lingering crisp finish. It's mouthwatering and very tasty. At its best: now to 2012.
92 POINTS - A pungent nose displaying lime zest, musk and red current notes. It's lush and rounded on the palate with zesty acidity, a well weighted mid palate leading to a lingering crisp finish. It's mouthwatering and very tasty. At its best: now to 2012.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
Fresh and tasty, some great depth and spiciness with the traditional raciness of Marlborough. A very nice style from a top vintage; drinking well now through summer and into 2011 at least. Lawson's Dry Hills at their best.
Fresh and tasty, some great depth and spiciness with the traditional raciness of Marlborough. A very nice style from a top vintage; drinking well now through summer and into 2011 at least. Lawson's Dry Hills at their best.
Nicks Wine Merchants Tasting Panel. -
94 POINTS - Very pale straw colour with greenish tinge. The nose displays typical Marlborough intensity with aromas of ripe gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by some citrus and spice end notes. The palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of gooseberry, tropical fruits and citrus with some spicy back palate characters. A clean crisp, refreshing finish with a long aftertaste of gooseberry, spice and citrus.
94 POINTS - Very pale straw colour with greenish tinge. The nose displays typical Marlborough intensity with aromas of ripe gooseberry and passionfruit, followed by some citrus and spice end notes. The palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of gooseberry, tropical fruits and citrus with some spicy back palate characters. A clean crisp, refreshing finish with a long aftertaste of gooseberry, spice and citrus.
Sydney Morning Herald Huon Hooke. -
91/100This is a less pungent style from Marlborough, with a more minerally, straw-like aroma and a leaner, tighter, finer palate without sweetness to prop it up. Quite high acidity makes it a very good seafood wine. Good nervy intensity and palate focus.
91/100This is a less pungent style from Marlborough, with a more minerally, straw-like aroma and a leaner, tighter, finer palate without sweetness to prop it up. Quite high acidity makes it a very good seafood wine. Good nervy intensity and palate focus.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel. -
FIVE STARS - The top Sauvignon Blanc in this tasting and a good example of how good the 2009 vintage can be. Distinctly ripe tropical fruit aromas abound and blossom on the palate, where they are seamlessly integrated with zingy acidity, resulting in citrus, almost marmalade nuances. Mouthfilling, lengthy and persistent.
FIVE STARS - The top Sauvignon Blanc in this tasting and a good example of how good the 2009 vintage can be. Distinctly ripe tropical fruit aromas abound and blossom on the palate, where they are seamlessly integrated with zingy acidity, resulting in citrus, almost marmalade nuances. Mouthfilling, lengthy and persistent.
Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Gewürztraminer 2009
www.matthewjukes .com Matthew Jukes. -
Ross and Barbara Lawson started making wine in Marlborough back in 1992 and I have followed their wines every step of the way. Along with a superb Sauvignon Blanc, a decent Pinot Noir too, they were the first people to nail the Gewürztraminer grape in New Zealand. I remember writing it up regularly in my Daily Mail column and including it in my annual wine guide - The Wine List. It struck me as strange that only one winery in the whole country had managed to capture the essence of this exotic grape. The lychee, rose petal and slippery tropical fruit flavours, coupled with a pert, refreshing, lively finish, never ceased to make me smile. I have drunk cases of this wine at Asian banquets and always found it a joy. Saw Barbara in January and she proudly poured me a glass of the 2009 vintage - It is, without question the finest Gewürztraminer that I have tasted, not only from New Zealand, but from anywhere outside Alsace. This wine is a true testament to the great husband and wife team who created it and I encourage you to taste just how beautiful it is.
Ross and Barbara Lawson started making wine in Marlborough back in 1992 and I have followed their wines every step of the way. Along with a superb Sauvignon Blanc, a decent Pinot Noir too, they were the first people to nail the Gewürztraminer grape in New Zealand. I remember writing it up regularly in my Daily Mail column and including it in my annual wine guide - The Wine List. It struck me as strange that only one winery in the whole country had managed to capture the essence of this exotic grape. The lychee, rose petal and slippery tropical fruit flavours, coupled with a pert, refreshing, lively finish, never ceased to make me smile. I have drunk cases of this wine at Asian banquets and always found it a joy. Saw Barbara in January and she proudly poured me a glass of the 2009 vintage - It is, without question the finest Gewürztraminer that I have tasted, not only from New Zealand, but from anywhere outside Alsace. This wine is a true testament to the great husband and wife team who created it and I encourage you to taste just how beautiful it is.
Sunday Star Times Yvonne Lorkin -
I have loved Gewürztraminer for as long as I can remember and this year, there were a number of great wines that made it hard tp pick a favourite. Lawson's Dry Hills makes a fabulous 'regular' Gewürztraminer, however winemaker Marcus Wright has gone one better and made this premium Pioneer wine , which is stunning.
I have loved Gewürztraminer for as long as I can remember and this year, there were a number of great wines that made it hard tp pick a favourite. Lawson's Dry Hills makes a fabulous 'regular' Gewürztraminer, however winemaker Marcus Wright has gone one better and made this premium Pioneer wine , which is stunning.
Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines Michael Cooper -
The debut 2009 vintage was estate-grown, harvested at an average of over 25 brix, with some botrytis shrivel and was partly barrel-fermented. The bouquet is rich and highly spiced; the palate powerful, very soft and concentrated, with deep lychee, spice and ginger flavours, considerable complexity and strong drink-young appeal.
The debut 2009 vintage was estate-grown, harvested at an average of over 25 brix, with some botrytis shrivel and was partly barrel-fermented. The bouquet is rich and highly spiced; the palate powerful, very soft and concentrated, with deep lychee, spice and ginger flavours, considerable complexity and strong drink-young appeal.
Nicks Wine Merchants Tasting Panel. -
The nose displays good lift with exotic aromas of lychee, musk, tropical fruit and spice. Outstanding concentration with luscious, rich, mouthfilling flavours of lychee, honeysuckle, tropical fruits, spice and a hint of spice. Excellent length. Slightly broad with a soft, round almost creamy texture. Long after taste of honeysuckle, lychee and spice. Try with Asian foods - Drink over the next Eighteen months.
The nose displays good lift with exotic aromas of lychee, musk, tropical fruit and spice. Outstanding concentration with luscious, rich, mouthfilling flavours of lychee, honeysuckle, tropical fruits, spice and a hint of spice. Excellent length. Slightly broad with a soft, round almost creamy texture. Long after taste of honeysuckle, lychee and spice. Try with Asian foods - Drink over the next Eighteen months.
Sunday Star Times Jane Skilton MW -
I have loved Gewürztraminer for as long as I can remember and this year there were a number of great wines that made it hard to pick a favourite. Lawson's Dry Hills make a fabulous regular Gewürztraminer, however winemaker Marcus Wright has gone one better and made the premium The Pioneer wine, which is stunning. And when Barbara Lawson signs her email from her and Tomi the dog, what's not to love?.
I have loved Gewürztraminer for as long as I can remember and this year there were a number of great wines that made it hard to pick a favourite. Lawson's Dry Hills make a fabulous regular Gewürztraminer, however winemaker Marcus Wright has gone one better and made the premium The Pioneer wine, which is stunning. And when Barbara Lawson signs her email from her and Tomi the dog, what's not to love?.
The Press (Christchurch) David Killick -
Gewürz means spice in German, and this grape variety is always aromatic. Lychees and fruit punch flavours are to the fore, made more intense by the Marlborough sunshine. It's got good length and the flavours linger. One of the few wines we would drink with asian food; it shines alongside beef stir fry.
Gewürz means spice in German, and this grape variety is always aromatic. Lychees and fruit punch flavours are to the fore, made more intense by the Marlborough sunshine. It's got good length and the flavours linger. One of the few wines we would drink with asian food; it shines alongside beef stir fry.
Gourmet Traveller Huon Hooke. -
Gourmet Travellar Wine. FIVE STARS - 95 POINTS - Concentrated, succulent wine with masses of lychee, rose petal and star anise flavours. Medium in style with a lingering finish. Very classy wine that has evolved beautifully since first tasted four months ago.
Gourmet Travellar Wine. FIVE STARS - 95 POINTS - Concentrated, succulent wine with masses of lychee, rose petal and star anise flavours. Medium in style with a lingering finish. Very classy wine that has evolved beautifully since first tasted four months ago.
Bob Campbell MW Bob Campbell M.W. -
FIVE STARS - 93/100 - One of Marlborough's top Gewürztraminer producers is right on form this vintage. Concentrated, succulent wine with masses of lychee, rose petal and star anise flavours. Medium in style with a lingering finish. Very classy wine that has evolved beautifully since first tasted four months ago.
FIVE STARS - 93/100 - One of Marlborough's top Gewürztraminer producers is right on form this vintage. Concentrated, succulent wine with masses of lychee, rose petal and star anise flavours. Medium in style with a lingering finish. Very classy wine that has evolved beautifully since first tasted four months ago.
Joelle Thomson (what I'm drinking) Joelle Thomson -
Lush, rose petally Gewürztraminer...Stunning white wine with easily more concentration than the Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer. Winemaker Marcus Wright says that with both early and late picked Gewürztraminer grapes, there was an interesting range of flavours from which to pick and choose to make this wine with. This has about twenty grams residual sugar, so it is a very off dry style. Half the wine was barrel fermented, adding volume, weight and texture.
Lush, rose petally Gewürztraminer...Stunning white wine with easily more concentration than the Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer. Winemaker Marcus Wright says that with both early and late picked Gewürztraminer grapes, there was an interesting range of flavours from which to pick and choose to make this wine with. This has about twenty grams residual sugar, so it is a very off dry style. Half the wine was barrel fermented, adding volume, weight and texture.
Dominion Post Sam Kim. -
A must try wine of the year. Perfumed and exotic, showing stone fruit and spice, followed by a velvety mouthfeel.
A must try wine of the year. Perfumed and exotic, showing stone fruit and spice, followed by a velvety mouthfeel.
NZ Herald John Hawkesby -
This is one of our best Gewürztraminers. The usual rainbow of flavours: lychee, rose petal, dried fruits, lemon and spice. Medium style.
This is one of our best Gewürztraminers. The usual rainbow of flavours: lychee, rose petal, dried fruits, lemon and spice. Medium style.
NZ Herald Joelle Thomson -
WINE OF THE WEEK - Lush, full bodied, intensely concentrated Gewürztraminer with a rich core of flavour. Winemaker Marcus Wright fermented half of this wine in barrek, which adds volume, weight and texture.
WINE OF THE WEEK - Lush, full bodied, intensely concentrated Gewürztraminer with a rich core of flavour. Winemaker Marcus Wright fermented half of this wine in barrek, which adds volume, weight and texture.
Sunday Star Times Jane Skilton MW -
FOUR STARS - Luscious and silky with oodles of personality, this wine has some residual sweetness, making it really desirable.
FOUR STARS - Luscious and silky with oodles of personality, this wine has some residual sweetness, making it really desirable.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
From the Lawson's original vineyard. Excellent aromatics with plenty of spice and flavour, tasting almost. A lot of fruit qualities here reminds us that this variety has always been a Lawson's Dry Hills strong-point.
From the Lawson's original vineyard. Excellent aromatics with plenty of spice and flavour, tasting almost. A lot of fruit qualities here reminds us that this variety has always been a Lawson's Dry Hills strong-point.
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
FIVE STARS - Grown on the original vineyard(Alabama Road) with some botrytis(noble rot) and barrel fermentation influence. This is a full-bodied, distinctly medium style with a voluminous, intensely spicy bouquet and a powerful surge of deliciously soft, rich lychee, ginger and spice flavours. Drink now or cellar.
FIVE STARS - Grown on the original vineyard(Alabama Road) with some botrytis(noble rot) and barrel fermentation influence. This is a full-bodied, distinctly medium style with a voluminous, intensely spicy bouquet and a powerful surge of deliciously soft, rich lychee, ginger and spice flavours. Drink now or cellar.
Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Pinot Gris 2009
Bob Campbell MW Bob Campbell MW -
FOUR STARS - 89 POINTS This new label is a cut above the regular label in price and quality. It shows significantly greater intensity. A medium-dry style with lovely fruit purity and an impecable texture, that is dry, but not obviously tannic. CLASSY WINE.
FOUR STARS - 89 POINTS This new label is a cut above the regular label in price and quality. It shows significantly greater intensity. A medium-dry style with lovely fruit purity and an impecable texture, that is dry, but not obviously tannic. CLASSY WINE.
The Press (Christchurch) Katherine Fortescue -
WELL BALANCED - One of a trilogy collection of white varietals launched to honour screw cap pioneer Ross Lawson, who died in early 2009. Deliciously intense, sweet, ripe pear flavours with a good balance of acid, sugar and fruit. With honeyed botrytis and exotic, spicy nuances. Loved the rich, smooth texture.
WELL BALANCED - One of a trilogy collection of white varietals launched to honour screw cap pioneer Ross Lawson, who died in early 2009. Deliciously intense, sweet, ripe pear flavours with a good balance of acid, sugar and fruit. With honeyed botrytis and exotic, spicy nuances. Loved the rich, smooth texture.
Dominion Post Sam Kim. -
Lovely floral and pear flavours are beautifully supported by the succulent palate.
Lovely floral and pear flavours are beautifully supported by the succulent palate.
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Still very youthful, this single- vineyard, Waihopai Valley wine is full-bodied and gently sweet, with fresh pear/spice aromas and flavours. Showing excellent harmony and richness.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Still very youthful, this single- vineyard, Waihopai Valley wine is full-bodied and gently sweet, with fresh pear/spice aromas and flavours. Showing excellent harmony and richness.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
Nicely rounded, no hard edges here in a very well-fruited wine, a nice weight to this Pinot Gris allows the extra intensity to show, without becoming heavy. Very nicely balanced, just lightly sweet. Very enjoyable as an afternoon sipper and with white meat courses.
Nicely rounded, no hard edges here in a very well-fruited wine, a nice weight to this Pinot Gris allows the extra intensity to show, without becoming heavy. Very nicely balanced, just lightly sweet. Very enjoyable as an afternoon sipper and with white meat courses.
Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines Michael Cooper -
FIVE STARS - The bouquet is very fresh and lifted, with ripe fruit aromas and hints of 'sweaty armpit' and oak; the palate is crisp, concentrated and dry, with passionfruit, capsicum and spice flavours. Showing excellent intensity and vigour.
FIVE STARS - The bouquet is very fresh and lifted, with ripe fruit aromas and hints of 'sweaty armpit' and oak; the palate is crisp, concentrated and dry, with passionfruit, capsicum and spice flavours. Showing excellent intensity and vigour.
Joelle Thomson (what I'm drinking) Joelle Thomson -
The wine is an intense Marlborough style with loads of tropical, passiofruit flavours. Explosive in the mouth with a softer, textural finish - LOVE THE FINISH. How does it compare with the other Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc? By contrast The Pioneer is weightier, more fleshy and full bodied in the mouth. And do I prefer it? Absolutely. It was stunning with a goat cheese entrée.
The wine is an intense Marlborough style with loads of tropical, passiofruit flavours. Explosive in the mouth with a softer, textural finish - LOVE THE FINISH. How does it compare with the other Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc? By contrast The Pioneer is weightier, more fleshy and full bodied in the mouth. And do I prefer it? Absolutely. It was stunning with a goat cheese entrée.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
The Pioneer range, labeled for the late Ross Lawson. Who not only saw in some of the first grapes in Marlborough but also the development of the screw cap closure - Fairly dry style, all the right flavours with some extra intensity. A single vineyard wine with the extra fruit weight and balance of a premium label.
The Pioneer range, labeled for the late Ross Lawson. Who not only saw in some of the first grapes in Marlborough but also the development of the screw cap closure - Fairly dry style, all the right flavours with some extra intensity. A single vineyard wine with the extra fruit weight and balance of a premium label.
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
FIVE STARS - Grown mostly in the Woodward vineyard, "down the road" from the winery, this crisp, dry wine has a punchy, ripely scented bouquet, witha hint of oak derived complexity. It offers very intense passionfruit/lime flavours, with lots of youthful impact and obvious potential.
FIVE STARS - Grown mostly in the Woodward vineyard, "down the road" from the winery, this crisp, dry wine has a punchy, ripely scented bouquet, witha hint of oak derived complexity. It offers very intense passionfruit/lime flavours, with lots of youthful impact and obvious potential.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2008
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Fresh lifted complexity of tropical aromas and piercing intensity of peach-like varietal fruit flavours. The well balanced palate is soft, rich and creamy in the mouth.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Fresh lifted complexity of tropical aromas and piercing intensity of peach-like varietal fruit flavours. The well balanced palate is soft, rich and creamy in the mouth.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
Developed yellow colour. Nice biscuity, mineral complexity on the nose with toasty oak. Plenty of citrus fruit flavours in good concentration; roasted almond and short pastry. Big wine, weighty and full-bodied with moderate complexity and a good, firm acid finish.
Developed yellow colour. Nice biscuity, mineral complexity on the nose with toasty oak. Plenty of citrus fruit flavours in good concentration; roasted almond and short pastry. Big wine, weighty and full-bodied with moderate complexity and a good, firm acid finish.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
A nicely matured Chardonnay showing golden apple, peach and citrus characters, with subtle vanillin oak notes. The palate is ripe and round with a broad mouthfeel and a lingering crisp finish. The wine shows good harmony and bottle matured complexity.
A nicely matured Chardonnay showing golden apple, peach and citrus characters, with subtle vanillin oak notes. The palate is ripe and round with a broad mouthfeel and a lingering crisp finish. The wine shows good harmony and bottle matured complexity.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Another wine with a few years behind it, showing toasty, nutty bottle- aged flavours wrapped around a core of intense lemon and lime-infused fruit. A hint of sweetness, textural softness and purity all contribute to a very charming package.
FOUR STARS - Another wine with a few years behind it, showing toasty, nutty bottle- aged flavours wrapped around a core of intense lemon and lime-infused fruit. A hint of sweetness, textural softness and purity all contribute to a very charming package.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - Mendoza clone fruit from the Chaytors Road vineyard, wild yeast fermented in 25% new French oak barriques. Aged ten months in in oak with lees stirring for two months and partial malolactic conversion. Bright, light, golden straw yellow in colour, has a soft, full voluminous nose of ripe yellow stonefruits, peaches and a core of citrus. Attractively intergrated barrel-fermention mealy and nutty aromas unfold and the bouquet is one of richness and harmony. Full bodied, this is a powerful and rich wine, with rounded textures and lush tropical and stonefruit flavours. The oaking is subtle and melds into the flavour profile which shows nuances of nuts, flint and butter. Creamy textures from the barrel-work and bottle development flow to a gentle finish. This wine is maturing attractively and will be a good match with poultry, pork and veal.
FOUR STARS - Mendoza clone fruit from the Chaytors Road vineyard, wild yeast fermented in 25% new French oak barriques. Aged ten months in in oak with lees stirring for two months and partial malolactic conversion. Bright, light, golden straw yellow in colour, has a soft, full voluminous nose of ripe yellow stonefruits, peaches and a core of citrus. Attractively intergrated barrel-fermention mealy and nutty aromas unfold and the bouquet is one of richness and harmony. Full bodied, this is a powerful and rich wine, with rounded textures and lush tropical and stonefruit flavours. The oaking is subtle and melds into the flavour profile which shows nuances of nuts, flint and butter. Creamy textures from the barrel-work and bottle development flow to a gentle finish. This wine is maturing attractively and will be a good match with poultry, pork and veal.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2008
Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines Michael Cooper. -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - This is consistently one of the country's most impressive Gewürztraminers. Fleshy and soft with ripe lychee, ginger and spice flavours. Pure, intensely varietal and very harmonious.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - This is consistently one of the country's most impressive Gewürztraminers. Fleshy and soft with ripe lychee, ginger and spice flavours. Pure, intensely varietal and very harmonious.
The Age (Australia) Ralph Kyte-Powell. -
FOUR STARS - Gewürztraminer is a success in New Zealand, and this Marlborough wine accurately captures Gewürztraminer's exotic spice, lychee, rosewater and candied citrus aromas. Musky, richly flavoured and concentrated, its ripe fruit hints at sweetness. There a bit of alcoholic heat on the aromatic finish, but its varietal expression is spot on.
FOUR STARS - Gewürztraminer is a success in New Zealand, and this Marlborough wine accurately captures Gewürztraminer's exotic spice, lychee, rosewater and candied citrus aromas. Musky, richly flavoured and concentrated, its ripe fruit hints at sweetness. There a bit of alcoholic heat on the aromatic finish, but its varietal expression is spot on.
The Press (Christchurch) Graham Stringer -
Wonderfully aromatic florals, precede bold flavours of ginger and spicy pears. Rich and weighty with lovely balance and a very long finish. A fabulous wine that was prefect with fish in chilli and turmeric sauce.
Wonderfully aromatic florals, precede bold flavours of ginger and spicy pears. Rich and weighty with lovely balance and a very long finish. A fabulous wine that was prefect with fish in chilli and turmeric sauce.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim. -
FIVE STARS - 93 points. It's fresh and fragrant showing classic Gewürztraminer aromas of rose petal, Turkish delight and ripe stonefruit characters on the nose. The palate is superbly concentrated with rich texture, rounded mouthfeel and modest acidity. it's up front and delicious already, should evolve into an even more opulent and generous wine with age. At its best now to 2013.
FIVE STARS - 93 points. It's fresh and fragrant showing classic Gewürztraminer aromas of rose petal, Turkish delight and ripe stonefruit characters on the nose. The palate is superbly concentrated with rich texture, rounded mouthfeel and modest acidity. it's up front and delicious already, should evolve into an even more opulent and generous wine with age. At its best now to 2013.
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer is Marlborough wine in its typically big, opulent style. Rich and unctuous with rosepetal, lychee and ginger aromas. It's virtually dry, with a hint of bitterness(orange peel) on the finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer is Marlborough wine in its typically big, opulent style. Rich and unctuous with rosepetal, lychee and ginger aromas. It's virtually dry, with a hint of bitterness(orange peel) on the finish.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS - Undoudtedly this wine is still very young, however it has the potential to be an absolute stunner. The flinty aromas should develop in time, on the palate the lychee fruit flavours are present in spades and are entwined with perfectly balanced acidity giving the wine richness, texture opulence. The phenolics are currently a touch hard but will soften in time - EVERY CELLAR SHOULD HAVE SOME.
FOUR STARS - Undoudtedly this wine is still very young, however it has the potential to be an absolute stunner. The flinty aromas should develop in time, on the palate the lychee fruit flavours are present in spades and are entwined with perfectly balanced acidity giving the wine richness, texture opulence. The phenolics are currently a touch hard but will soften in time - EVERY CELLAR SHOULD HAVE SOME.
Vinote Wine Cellar Notes Glenda Neil -
Big, bold and beautiful - this is wine to wow your senses. Fragrant with floral and spice aromas, the flavours are of stonefruit, ginger and honeycomb. made almost dry this is a substantial wine that is best served with food.
Big, bold and beautiful - this is wine to wow your senses. Fragrant with floral and spice aromas, the flavours are of stonefruit, ginger and honeycomb. made almost dry this is a substantial wine that is best served with food.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Another delicious style from Lawson's Dry Hills, a little more subtle in its spices this year which enhances the texture without losing the strenght and power of the wine. A fine New Zealand classic, established for well over a decade as a great Gewürztraminer statement.
Another delicious style from Lawson's Dry Hills, a little more subtle in its spices this year which enhances the texture without losing the strenght and power of the wine. A fine New Zealand classic, established for well over a decade as a great Gewürztraminer statement.
Mindfood Magazine Joelle Thomson -
I enjoy this powerful Gewürztraminer more every time it is poured over the course of a few days, admiring its power, weight and bone dry flavours(technically it's off-dry, however you'd never know it by the taste). Top Gewürztraminers are rare these days, having fallen off the radar for most wine lovers. If you're willing to venture out of your comfort zone, reacquaint yourself with the fresh, spicy, lychee deliciousness of a good Gewürztraminer.
I enjoy this powerful Gewürztraminer more every time it is poured over the course of a few days, admiring its power, weight and bone dry flavours(technically it's off-dry, however you'd never know it by the taste). Top Gewürztraminers are rare these days, having fallen off the radar for most wine lovers. If you're willing to venture out of your comfort zone, reacquaint yourself with the fresh, spicy, lychee deliciousness of a good Gewürztraminer.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
FOUR STARS - Lawson's Dry Hills have produced distinguished Gewürztraminer since 1992 and this vintage is no exception with an inviting fragrance, hints of tropical fruit, lychees and ginger. It is both dry and mouthfilling and it will develop with a year or so's bottle age.
FOUR STARS - Lawson's Dry Hills have produced distinguished Gewürztraminer since 1992 and this vintage is no exception with an inviting fragrance, hints of tropical fruit, lychees and ginger. It is both dry and mouthfilling and it will develop with a year or so's bottle age.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS - Lawson's Dry Hills splendid record with Gewürztraminer continues with this accomplished wine. A little less extroverted than past versions, it is gently persuasive, lush, balanced, lasting and charming.
FOUR STARS - Lawson's Dry Hills splendid record with Gewürztraminer continues with this accomplished wine. A little less extroverted than past versions, it is gently persuasive, lush, balanced, lasting and charming.
Hawke's Bay Today Yvonne-Marie Lorkin -
FIVE STARS - I love this wine because the florals are so lifted and varietal with fresh lychee, soft spices and white peach. On the palate it's rich and mouth coating, but crisp and vibrant at the same time.
FIVE STARS - I love this wine because the florals are so lifted and varietal with fresh lychee, soft spices and white peach. On the palate it's rich and mouth coating, but crisp and vibrant at the same time.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS - BEST OF REGIONAL NEW ZEALAND. Fleshy and soft with ripe concentrated lychee and spice flavours, pure and intensely varietal.
FOUR STARS - BEST OF REGIONAL NEW ZEALAND. Fleshy and soft with ripe concentrated lychee and spice flavours, pure and intensely varietal.
Dominion Post Warren Barton -
Consistently one of the finest Gewürztraminers in New Zealand and this is an excellent example of what has become a Marlborough classic. Spice and citrus, soft, substantial and slightly drier than the last vintage.
Consistently one of the finest Gewürztraminers in New Zealand and this is an excellent example of what has become a Marlborough classic. Spice and citrus, soft, substantial and slightly drier than the last vintage.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2008
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
THREE STARS - Luscious creamy mango and orange blossom aromas and an oily palate with lychee rose petal flavours.
THREE STARS - Luscious creamy mango and orange blossom aromas and an oily palate with lychee rose petal flavours.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine Editors Choice - J.C. -
90 Points - With only 6.5g/L of residual sugar, this weighty wine comes across as almost dry, allowing the emphasis to be on the bold notes of melon, pear and citrus. It's rich without being overtly sweet, then finishes clean, with a touch of white pepper.
90 Points - With only 6.5g/L of residual sugar, this weighty wine comes across as almost dry, allowing the emphasis to be on the bold notes of melon, pear and citrus. It's rich without being overtly sweet, then finishes clean, with a touch of white pepper.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim. -
FIVE STARS - 93 points. The nose is rich and opulent showing dried apricot, floral and subtle spice characters. It's powerful and concentrated on the palate with a silky texture, weighty mid palate and a beautifully lingering finish. simply gorgeous. At its best:now to 2011.
FIVE STARS - 93 points. The nose is rich and opulent showing dried apricot, floral and subtle spice characters. It's powerful and concentrated on the palate with a silky texture, weighty mid palate and a beautifully lingering finish. simply gorgeous. At its best:now to 2011.
WineNZ Tasting Panel. -
Nicely fragant nose reminiscent of green apple juice. Palate is well flavoured and constructed with a hint of sweetness, citrus, pear and tropical fruits. Good firm mouthfeel. Well made.
Nicely fragant nose reminiscent of green apple juice. Palate is well flavoured and constructed with a hint of sweetness, citrus, pear and tropical fruits. Good firm mouthfeel. Well made.
The Press (Christchurch) Tasting Panel. -
Lawson's Dry Hills is known for making one of the best New Zealand Pinot Gris and this one will reinforce that reputation. Attractive confectionary and friuty flavours are backed by good concentration and a medium sweetness, which skillfully balances the grapefruit-zest finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills is known for making one of the best New Zealand Pinot Gris and this one will reinforce that reputation. Attractive confectionary and friuty flavours are backed by good concentration and a medium sweetness, which skillfully balances the grapefruit-zest finish.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Floral with hints of summer fruit, a hint of oatmeal and nuts, this finely textured wine is full in the mouth, with layers of texture and a lingering aftertaste.
Floral with hints of summer fruit, a hint of oatmeal and nuts, this finely textured wine is full in the mouth, with layers of texture and a lingering aftertaste.
Capital Times Tasting Panel. -
Has a lovely pear aroma entirely appropriate for the style. There are also spicy notes and a hint of vanilla on the nose. A full mouth feel and a balanced pear and apple off dry palate make this a Pinot Gris of style.
Has a lovely pear aroma entirely appropriate for the style. There are also spicy notes and a hint of vanilla on the nose. A full mouth feel and a balanced pear and apple off dry palate make this a Pinot Gris of style.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel. -
As you would expect from this winery, a high class wine. It is soft and luscious with a beautiful, unctuous texture. The aromas are of Turkish delight and the palate displays good fruit weight. Will keep improving too.
As you would expect from this winery, a high class wine. It is soft and luscious with a beautiful, unctuous texture. The aromas are of Turkish delight and the palate displays good fruit weight. Will keep improving too.
Vinote Wine Cellar Notes Glenda Neil -
Intense ripe pear and honey aroma,a small amount of the wine was fermented in old French oak barriques adding a lovely creamy texture and richness to the palate, just off-dry in style and very classy,serve with food, this is a serious wine.
Intense ripe pear and honey aroma,a small amount of the wine was fermented in old French oak barriques adding a lovely creamy texture and richness to the palate, just off-dry in style and very classy,serve with food, this is a serious wine.
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
WINE OF THE WEEK - Rich and creamy, off-dry, pear, spice and vanilla aromas, good balance, concentration and texture. Forward and ready to drink.
WINE OF THE WEEK - Rich and creamy, off-dry, pear, spice and vanilla aromas, good balance, concentration and texture. Forward and ready to drink.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2008
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FOUR STARS - The wine was aged nine months in 25% new French oak barriques. Bright, light ruby-red in colour with a pale edge, it has a shy, pretty, ethereal bouquet of red berry fruits and delicate florals, with some depth. Elegant and medium weight in style, this has bright dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavours at its core, focussed and tight, backed by rounded, moderately extracted tannins. Sufficiently supple to enjoy now, it will fill out over the next three to five years.
FOUR STARS - The wine was aged nine months in 25% new French oak barriques. Bright, light ruby-red in colour with a pale edge, it has a shy, pretty, ethereal bouquet of red berry fruits and delicate florals, with some depth. Elegant and medium weight in style, this has bright dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavours at its core, focussed and tight, backed by rounded, moderately extracted tannins. Sufficiently supple to enjoy now, it will fill out over the next three to five years.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
BEST VALUE - Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2008 - A big densely flavoured wine with juicy fruit, red and dark berries and dried cheeries, supported by spicy oak with hints of chocolate and an attractive finish - FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE.
BEST VALUE - Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2008 - A big densely flavoured wine with juicy fruit, red and dark berries and dried cheeries, supported by spicy oak with hints of chocolate and an attractive finish - FOUR STARS - GOOD VALUE.
WineNZ Tasting Panel. -
A pleasant all round Pinot Noir with up front strawberry/raspberry fruit and a lick of creamy oak. A lighter style, well made and rounded with an enjoyable finish.
A pleasant all round Pinot Noir with up front strawberry/raspberry fruit and a lick of creamy oak. A lighter style, well made and rounded with an enjoyable finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2008
The Times (UK) Jane McQuitty - Times on Line. -
The best spring Rosé, when winter's chill still lingers and palates still crave big food, is the wondrous Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir Rosé from New Zealand. The musky, strawberry-scented 2008 vintage is as crunchily delicious as its predecessors and comes with a pretty rose-pink colour and a 12% slug of alcohol. Anyone going home for Easter Day lunch with a bunch of daffodils and several bottles of this be greeted warmly.
The best spring Rosé, when winter's chill still lingers and palates still crave big food, is the wondrous Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir Rosé from New Zealand. The musky, strawberry-scented 2008 vintage is as crunchily delicious as its predecessors and comes with a pretty rose-pink colour and a 12% slug of alcohol. Anyone going home for Easter Day lunch with a bunch of daffodils and several bottles of this be greeted warmly.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
THREE STARS - Bright pink/red with crisp, vibrant, slightly sweet flavours. Light, juicy and berryish.
THREE STARS - Bright pink/red with crisp, vibrant, slightly sweet flavours. Light, juicy and berryish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2008
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Toasty nose, showing good complexity. Fleshy with citrusy, slightly honeyed flavours in a medium-dry style. Showing excellent depth and length.
FOUR STARS - Toasty nose, showing good complexity. Fleshy with citrusy, slightly honeyed flavours in a medium-dry style. Showing excellent depth and length.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
Yellow with a greenish hue. Shows development on the nose; some petroleum and limely citrus. Dry palate; excellent concentration and depth. Nicely maturing lime juice flavours with some chalk and minerals. Lovely texture in the mouth with very refined acidity and balance.
Yellow with a greenish hue. Shows development on the nose; some petroleum and limely citrus. Dry palate; excellent concentration and depth. Nicely maturing lime juice flavours with some chalk and minerals. Lovely texture in the mouth with very refined acidity and balance.
Gourmet Traveller Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS.
FOUR STARS.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Ever consistant Lawson's Dry Hills deals up yet another aromatic ace. This older wine has agolden glow and a lovely buttered toast quality. It has good concentration and has settled into itself, yet is still fresh. Enjoy it with creamy duck parfait. (Medium dry).
FOUR STARS - Ever consistant Lawson's Dry Hills deals up yet another aromatic ace. This older wine has agolden glow and a lovely buttered toast quality. It has good concentration and has settled into itself, yet is still fresh. Enjoy it with creamy duck parfait. (Medium dry).
Hospitality Magazine Cameron Douglas -
Citrus and stone fruit aromas with mandarin peel, lemon juice and a hint of lime, then grated apple. The low pH of 2.92 has provided a powerful concentration of acidity that is perfectly balanced by a core of fruit and some residual sugar. A very mild honey note also adds flavour and weight. The finish is long and full of citrus and light apricot nuances.
Citrus and stone fruit aromas with mandarin peel, lemon juice and a hint of lime, then grated apple. The low pH of 2.92 has provided a powerful concentration of acidity that is perfectly balanced by a core of fruit and some residual sugar. A very mild honey note also adds flavour and weight. The finish is long and full of citrus and light apricot nuances.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - BEST BUY - Stonefruit and citrus aromas pave the way to peach and lime flavours with balanced acidity, mineral elements and a silky texture. The finish is off dry and there is a good length of flavour. Elegant and classy.
FOUR STARS - BEST BUY - Stonefruit and citrus aromas pave the way to peach and lime flavours with balanced acidity, mineral elements and a silky texture. The finish is off dry and there is a good length of flavour. Elegant and classy.
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews Raymond Chan -
FIVE STARS - This wine has a very fine nose with concentrated aromas of citrus fruits, minerals, floral perfumes and complex secondary toasty notes. This is an elegant wine on the palate, off -dry with excellent intensity of citrus fruit, minerals, toast and smoke, the delicate sweetness is superbly balanced by racy acidity. Very fine textures provide excellent line and a long, dry finish. This is a classic Marlborough Riesling, beginning to develop bottle aged interest. Drink as an aperitif or with asian chicken dishes over the next three to five years. www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz
FIVE STARS - This wine has a very fine nose with concentrated aromas of citrus fruits, minerals, floral perfumes and complex secondary toasty notes. This is an elegant wine on the palate, off -dry with excellent intensity of citrus fruit, minerals, toast and smoke, the delicate sweetness is superbly balanced by racy acidity. Very fine textures provide excellent line and a long, dry finish. This is a classic Marlborough Riesling, beginning to develop bottle aged interest. Drink as an aperitif or with asian chicken dishes over the next three to five years. www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz
F & B Magazine Sam Kim -
They are one of the best aromatic wine producers, and this beauty displays inviting aromas of ripe citrus, honey and floral characters with a hint of spice on the nose. The palate is lush and sumptuous with subtle sweetness and bright acidity, leading to a lingering delicious finish.
They are one of the best aromatic wine producers, and this beauty displays inviting aromas of ripe citrus, honey and floral characters with a hint of spice on the nose. The palate is lush and sumptuous with subtle sweetness and bright acidity, leading to a lingering delicious finish.
Hospitality Magazine Peter Saunders -
A very nicely developed Riesling with the maturity of gentle kerosene showing in the background. Lovely texture, rich yet almost dry. Back label tells us... A hint of botrytis has added its own complexity and this works well also. Delicious in the mouth, a fine wine on the bar by the glass, as well as with seafood, vegetarian and veal courses. Good drinking now, into 2013.
A very nicely developed Riesling with the maturity of gentle kerosene showing in the background. Lovely texture, rich yet almost dry. Back label tells us... A hint of botrytis has added its own complexity and this works well also. Delicious in the mouth, a fine wine on the bar by the glass, as well as with seafood, vegetarian and veal courses. Good drinking now, into 2013.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - BEST BUY - This concentrated older wine shows good "toast and marmalade" development and has an underlying minerality. Sarah-Kate Dineen applauded the "tight lovely guave and feijoa flavours". Jane Boyle's verdict: "Sensual".
FOUR STARS - BEST BUY - This concentrated older wine shows good "toast and marmalade" development and has an underlying minerality. Sarah-Kate Dineen applauded the "tight lovely guave and feijoa flavours". Jane Boyle's verdict: "Sensual".
Wine Orbit Sam Kim. -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - 91 POINTS - A very reliable label delivering once again gorgeous flavours of lemon/lime, floral and beeswax. The palate is intensely flavoured showing subtle sweetness(11g/L), racy acidity and a lingering delicious finish. The gentle influence of botrytis provides lovely honey notes and extra dimension. At its best:- now till 2013.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - 91 POINTS - A very reliable label delivering once again gorgeous flavours of lemon/lime, floral and beeswax. The palate is intensely flavoured showing subtle sweetness(11g/L), racy acidity and a lingering delicious finish. The gentle influence of botrytis provides lovely honey notes and extra dimension. At its best:- now till 2013.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS - Interesting nose - smells of cumquats, intense and lingering, passionfruit like flavours, seamlessly balanced by crisp, lively acidity. - March/April 2011 - Drinking well now. Pale yellow, fleshy and rounded with ripe grapefruit flavours, concentrated, slightly toasted and lingering.
FOUR STARS - Interesting nose - smells of cumquats, intense and lingering, passionfruit like flavours, seamlessly balanced by crisp, lively acidity. - March/April 2011 - Drinking well now. Pale yellow, fleshy and rounded with ripe grapefruit flavours, concentrated, slightly toasted and lingering.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Steven Tanzers International Wine Cellar Steven Tanzer -
Pale. bright yellow. Lemon drops, tropical fruit hints and a wiff of pepper on the nose, along with a suggestion of spicy oak. Supple and moderately intense with good inner mouth perfume to the grapefruit, lemon and mineral flavours. Offers an enticing hint of sweetness and finishes with good energy.
Pale. bright yellow. Lemon drops, tropical fruit hints and a wiff of pepper on the nose, along with a suggestion of spicy oak. Supple and moderately intense with good inner mouth perfume to the grapefruit, lemon and mineral flavours. Offers an enticing hint of sweetness and finishes with good energy.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS - Passionfruit aromas led to ripe, grassy, capsicum and a fresh lively acidity. The finish is clean and very persistent.
FOUR STARS - Passionfruit aromas led to ripe, grassy, capsicum and a fresh lively acidity. The finish is clean and very persistent.
Sunday Star Times Lohn Saker -
FOUR STARS - A quality wine from an experienced Marlborough winery. Its honeydew melon flavours and limely acidity will add some sting to Ray's(Ray McVinnie) fish dishes(Salmon and pickled vegetable Salad)... in a good way
FOUR STARS - A quality wine from an experienced Marlborough winery. Its honeydew melon flavours and limely acidity will add some sting to Ray's(Ray McVinnie) fish dishes(Salmon and pickled vegetable Salad)... in a good way
Jane Skilton MW Jane Skilton MW -
There has been much talk of the quality of the 2008 Marlborough vintage. Happily the 2008 Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc is as good as ever; ripe blackcurrant, gooseberry and a hint of passionfruit. Full flavoured and rich with a citrussy thread of mouthwatering acidity. Lovely poise and length.
There has been much talk of the quality of the 2008 Marlborough vintage. Happily the 2008 Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc is as good as ever; ripe blackcurrant, gooseberry and a hint of passionfruit. Full flavoured and rich with a citrussy thread of mouthwatering acidity. Lovely poise and length.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Very fresh and lively with moderately intense aromas, lively acidity and punchy melon/lime flavours.
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Very fresh and lively with moderately intense aromas, lively acidity and punchy melon/lime flavours.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS - Whiffs of sweat, lime and lanolin kick off a classic Marlborough expression. The palate bursts with lime cordial and green pineapple flavours. A well made, even balanced wine.
FOUR STARS - Whiffs of sweat, lime and lanolin kick off a classic Marlborough expression. The palate bursts with lime cordial and green pineapple flavours. A well made, even balanced wine.
NZ Herald John Hawkesby -
Sauvignon Blanc with all the usual Marlborough characteristics - passionfruit, lemongrass, cut herbs, red capsicum and zesty lime.
Sauvignon Blanc with all the usual Marlborough characteristics - passionfruit, lemongrass, cut herbs, red capsicum and zesty lime.
Vinote Wine Cellar Notes Glenda Neil -
Big pungent full on Marlborough style, lots of crisp lemony fruit and sweet herbs. Presses all the right buttons as a top quality drop should do, give this one till Christmas to get into its stride.
Big pungent full on Marlborough style, lots of crisp lemony fruit and sweet herbs. Presses all the right buttons as a top quality drop should do, give this one till Christmas to get into its stride.
Essentially Food Michael Cooper -
FIVE STARS - Lives up to its glowing reputation, with rich flavours of grapefruit, gooseberries and lime, slightly minerally and dry. It's a more complex style than most, with real individuality.
FIVE STARS - Lives up to its glowing reputation, with rich flavours of grapefruit, gooseberries and lime, slightly minerally and dry. It's a more complex style than most, with real individuality.
Bob Campbell MW BobsWineReveiws.com -
Tangy,grassy Sauvignon Blanc with character and moderately intense flavours. Good acidity gives a drying finish. The wine has a pleasing textural quality and good length.
Tangy,grassy Sauvignon Blanc with character and moderately intense flavours. Good acidity gives a drying finish. The wine has a pleasing textural quality and good length.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Plenty of racy zing sets this wine off well for its variety and region.Excellent nose,good balance and a thoroughly decent ripe fruit statement makes for a wine that is refreshing as much as it is satisfying.
Plenty of racy zing sets this wine off well for its variety and region.Excellent nose,good balance and a thoroughly decent ripe fruit statement makes for a wine that is refreshing as much as it is satisfying.
WineNZ Vic Williams -
A small amount (6%) of barrel fermentation has added a savoury straw-like character to the usual panoply of capsicum and passionfruit aromas. The flavour profile is smoother than most with rich fruit a classily mouthfilling finish.
A small amount (6%) of barrel fermentation has added a savoury straw-like character to the usual panoply of capsicum and passionfruit aromas. The flavour profile is smoother than most with rich fruit a classily mouthfilling finish.
The Press (Christchurch) Tasting Panel. -
You will recognise this wine instantly.It's like falling into a gooseberry bush.Zesty and refreshing,intensely fruity,it is everything you'd expect from this now iconic grape. Despite its youth,it has good lenght,best savoured on a sunny afternoon or with poultry and salad.
You will recognise this wine instantly.It's like falling into a gooseberry bush.Zesty and refreshing,intensely fruity,it is everything you'd expect from this now iconic grape. Despite its youth,it has good lenght,best savoured on a sunny afternoon or with poultry and salad.
The Marlborough Express Deborah Walton / Peter Morice -
The colour of pale straw. Aroma: A soft gentle aroma, no aggression here.Tomato leaf and capsicum predominate.Floral with blackcurrant notes.Taste: Tingly acids provide some zing on the front of the palate; slosh the wine around the mouth and really enjoy those crisp clean grass and gooseberry flavours. The wine flattens out a little mid-paltae before livening to a citrus finish that lingers,delivering richness and warmth.This pleasant wine has class.
The colour of pale straw. Aroma: A soft gentle aroma, no aggression here.Tomato leaf and capsicum predominate.Floral with blackcurrant notes.Taste: Tingly acids provide some zing on the front of the palate; slosh the wine around the mouth and really enjoy those crisp clean grass and gooseberry flavours. The wine flattens out a little mid-paltae before livening to a citrus finish that lingers,delivering richness and warmth.This pleasant wine has class.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS...Winestate, Sauvignon Blanc and blends. Very fresh and lively with moderately intense aromas, lively acidity and punchy melon/lime flavours.
FOUR STARS...Winestate, Sauvignon Blanc and blends. Very fresh and lively with moderately intense aromas, lively acidity and punchy melon/lime flavours.
Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2008
NZ Listener Micheal Cooper -
Mouthfilling and dry, with citrusy, appley aromas and flavours in an uncomplicated but very fresh and vibrant, highly enjoyable style.
Mouthfilling and dry, with citrusy, appley aromas and flavours in an uncomplicated but very fresh and vibrant, highly enjoyable style.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
Fresh and vibrant with citrusy, appley aromas and flavours in uncomplicated, fruit-driven style.
Fresh and vibrant with citrusy, appley aromas and flavours in uncomplicated, fruit-driven style.
Mount Vernon Pinot Gris 2008
Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines Michael Cooper -
FOUR STARS - From Lawson's Dry Hills, the bargain-priced 2008 vintage is a mouthfilling, finely textured wine with good depth and purity of peach, pear and spice flavours - sweet fruit characters, crisp acidity and a floral bouquet.
FOUR STARS - From Lawson's Dry Hills, the bargain-priced 2008 vintage is a mouthfilling, finely textured wine with good depth and purity of peach, pear and spice flavours - sweet fruit characters, crisp acidity and a floral bouquet.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS AND BEST OF REGIONAL NEW ZEALAND.
FOUR STARS AND BEST OF REGIONAL NEW ZEALAND.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2007
Decanter Tasting Panel. -
RECOMMENDED THREE STARS - Yeasty, creamy, buttery, mineral notes. Complex, balanced. Excellent freshness and great concentration, layered and long.
RECOMMENDED THREE STARS - Yeasty, creamy, buttery, mineral notes. Complex, balanced. Excellent freshness and great concentration, layered and long.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2007
Decanter Andrew Jefford -
Flowers, orchard fruits and orange cream: a real Gewürztraminer nose. On the palate, it's taut, heady, tight and phenolic, with gentle acidity and ample alcohol; satisfying, complex and very true to the variety.
Flowers, orchard fruits and orange cream: a real Gewürztraminer nose. On the palate, it's taut, heady, tight and phenolic, with gentle acidity and ample alcohol; satisfying, complex and very true to the variety.
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - 91 points.....One of the most consistant and excellent Gewürztraminers made in New Zealand, this vintage offering is shaping up to be another beauty. The nose is classically perfumed, showing rose petals, tropical fruit and subtle spices. The palate is concentrated (7g/L) with a silky, almost oily texture with nicely balanced acidity. The finish is long and attractive. At its best: now - 2010.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - 91 points.....One of the most consistant and excellent Gewürztraminers made in New Zealand, this vintage offering is shaping up to be another beauty. The nose is classically perfumed, showing rose petals, tropical fruit and subtle spices. The palate is concentrated (7g/L) with a silky, almost oily texture with nicely balanced acidity. The finish is long and attractive. At its best: now - 2010.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
A variety that has always done well for Lawson's Dry Hills since their opening vintage(1992). Strong, well structured and quite robust in its body. Plenty of true Gewürztraminer fruit and body, still youthful , however everthing is certainly working.
A variety that has always done well for Lawson's Dry Hills since their opening vintage(1992). Strong, well structured and quite robust in its body. Plenty of true Gewürztraminer fruit and body, still youthful , however everthing is certainly working.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS..Winestate, Wine of the Year Awards, September 2008.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS..Winestate, Wine of the Year Awards, September 2008.
Sunday Star Times John Saker -
Gewürztraminer with asian food has became something of a cliché, but hey, it works. One sniff of the extroverted lychee and spice flavours this one offers will convince you: good Feng Shui..
Gewürztraminer with asian food has became something of a cliché, but hey, it works. One sniff of the extroverted lychee and spice flavours this one offers will convince you: good Feng Shui..
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FOUR STARS (91)....One of the most consistant and excellent Gewürztraminers made in New Zealand,this vintages offering is shaping upto be another beauty. The nose is classically perfumed showing rose petals,tropical fruit and subtle spices. The palate is concentrated (7g/L) with a silky,almost oily texture and nicely balanced acidity. The finish is long and attractive. At its best now through to 2010.
FOUR STARS (91)....One of the most consistant and excellent Gewürztraminers made in New Zealand,this vintages offering is shaping upto be another beauty. The nose is classically perfumed showing rose petals,tropical fruit and subtle spices. The palate is concentrated (7g/L) with a silky,almost oily texture and nicely balanced acidity. The finish is long and attractive. At its best now through to 2010.
Decanter Linda Murphy -
FIVE STARS...Expressive lychee,rose petal and spice explode from the bottle. Spicy, luscious and very refreshing
FIVE STARS...Expressive lychee,rose petal and spice explode from the bottle. Spicy, luscious and very refreshing
Sunday Star Times John Saker -
Gewürztraminer with Asian food has become something of a cliché, but it works. One sniff of the extroverted lychee and spice flavours this one offers will convince you: good Feng Shui.
Gewürztraminer with Asian food has become something of a cliché, but it works. One sniff of the extroverted lychee and spice flavours this one offers will convince you: good Feng Shui.
Taste NZ Tasting Panel -
Incredible concentration of rose petal, anise, liquorice and oriental spice flavours. A wine with a great pedigree. Long with restrained lusciousness. A proven winner in thye cellar.
Incredible concentration of rose petal, anise, liquorice and oriental spice flavours. A wine with a great pedigree. Long with restrained lusciousness. A proven winner in thye cellar.
Daily Telegraph (UK) Jonathon Ray -
Founded in 1992, Lawson's Dry Hills is celebrated for opulent Gewürtraminer, while it's Alsace-like Pinot Gris is also catching on fast.
Founded in 1992, Lawson's Dry Hills is celebrated for opulent Gewürtraminer, while it's Alsace-like Pinot Gris is also catching on fast.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
NO 1 TOP NEW ZEALAND GEWÜRZTRAMINER FIVE STARS BEST BUY It's hard to remember the last time Ross ans Barbara Lawson's winery made a Gewürztraminer that was less than outstanding. This one follows the established Lawson's Dry Hills style - a viscous torrent of concentrated, floral, spicy fruit. Ravishingly flavoursome and extroverted.
NO 1 TOP NEW ZEALAND GEWÜRZTRAMINER FIVE STARS BEST BUY It's hard to remember the last time Ross ans Barbara Lawson's winery made a Gewürztraminer that was less than outstanding. This one follows the established Lawson's Dry Hills style - a viscous torrent of concentrated, floral, spicy fruit. Ravishingly flavoursome and extroverted.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
Top Tip - Exceptional quality.
Top Tip - Exceptional quality.
Dominion Post Warren post -
Lawson's has a reputation for consistently producing some of New Zealand's most impressive and concentrated Gewürztraminers, wines that are always big on roses, lychees, ginger and often cinnamon. Will become even richer and rounder with age.
Lawson's has a reputation for consistently producing some of New Zealand's most impressive and concentrated Gewürztraminers, wines that are always big on roses, lychees, ginger and often cinnamon. Will become even richer and rounder with age.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - TOP IN CATEGORY. Benchmark stuff. Weighty and richly perfumed, with superbly concentrated ginger and spice flavours. Powerful, intensely varietal wine, rated highly by all panelists.
FIVE STARS - TOP IN CATEGORY. Benchmark stuff. Weighty and richly perfumed, with superbly concentrated ginger and spice flavours. Powerful, intensely varietal wine, rated highly by all panelists.
Lawson's Dry Hills Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2007
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Relatively low on sweetness, this wine's richness is derived from its strong, oily Gewürztraminer characters, vibrant acidity and overall intensity. A product of an excellent vintage, it is settled and harmonious.
FOUR STARS - Relatively low on sweetness, this wine's richness is derived from its strong, oily Gewürztraminer characters, vibrant acidity and overall intensity. A product of an excellent vintage, it is settled and harmonious.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2007
Wine Orbit Sam Kim. -
Partial barrel fermentation(20%) in French oak barriques and extended lees contact has produced a stunning Pinot Gris with a lifted bouquet showing ripe stone fruit, pear and subtle spice notes. The precise fruit definition is excellent. The palate is concentrated with a suble sweetness(5.3g/L), a beautifully textured mid range and it finishes with refreshing acidity. Gloriously well balanced and structured with a persistent finish. At its best: now - 2010.
Partial barrel fermentation(20%) in French oak barriques and extended lees contact has produced a stunning Pinot Gris with a lifted bouquet showing ripe stone fruit, pear and subtle spice notes. The precise fruit definition is excellent. The palate is concentrated with a suble sweetness(5.3g/L), a beautifully textured mid range and it finishes with refreshing acidity. Gloriously well balanced and structured with a persistent finish. At its best: now - 2010.
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
FIVE STARS - WINE OF THE WEEK. Enticingly scented, with mouth-filling body, deep peach, pear and spice flavours and a slightly oily richness
FIVE STARS - WINE OF THE WEEK. Enticingly scented, with mouth-filling body, deep peach, pear and spice flavours and a slightly oily richness
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Typical of the fruit-bomb style of Pinot Gris, oozing stone, pip and tropical fruits, suggesting pawpaw and mango. Rich and mouth filling, with a pleasant slightly oil texture and a suggestion of nuttiness.
Typical of the fruit-bomb style of Pinot Gris, oozing stone, pip and tropical fruits, suggesting pawpaw and mango. Rich and mouth filling, with a pleasant slightly oil texture and a suggestion of nuttiness.
Living Magazine NZ John Hawkesby -
A Marlborough producer of renown. Full bodied, off-dry style with lots of fruit - the usual suspects...pear, orange, vanilla and cinnamon. Lovely quince, candied pear and spicy finish, GOOD VALUE.
A Marlborough producer of renown. Full bodied, off-dry style with lots of fruit - the usual suspects...pear, orange, vanilla and cinnamon. Lovely quince, candied pear and spicy finish, GOOD VALUE.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Top Tip - Exceptional quality. One of the best Pinot Gris wines that we have tasted this year at Tizwine. The flavours are big and bold, jammed full of ripe and juicy fruit, whilst the texture is velvety. Great on its own or with food.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - Top Tip - Exceptional quality. One of the best Pinot Gris wines that we have tasted this year at Tizwine. The flavours are big and bold, jammed full of ripe and juicy fruit, whilst the texture is velvety. Great on its own or with food.
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
Pear, cinnamon and quince bouquet, pear and apple flavours, good texture and concentration, dry and seductive, forward and accessible with soft, balancing acidity. A lovely wine to drink
Pear, cinnamon and quince bouquet, pear and apple flavours, good texture and concentration, dry and seductive, forward and accessible with soft, balancing acidity. A lovely wine to drink
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - TOP IN CATEGORY. Floral, medium style with lush, strongly varietal flavours of pears, citrus fruits and spices. Finely balanced, sweet-fruited and rich.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - TOP IN CATEGORY. Floral, medium style with lush, strongly varietal flavours of pears, citrus fruits and spices. Finely balanced, sweet-fruited and rich.
The Press (Christchurch) Kate Fraser -
An aromatic wine with weight, this is an impressive Marlborough Pinot Gris. Layers of flavours - candied citrus to distinctive ripe pear notes, even a flicker of spice. A weighty palate - 14% alcohol - an appealing off-dry style.
An aromatic wine with weight, this is an impressive Marlborough Pinot Gris. Layers of flavours - candied citrus to distinctive ripe pear notes, even a flicker of spice. A weighty palate - 14% alcohol - an appealing off-dry style.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2007
The Marlborough Express Peter Morice/Deborah Walton. -
Colour: Garnet with flashes of crimson. Aroma: Smoky wood, cloves and plums combine with some brisker green herbal notes. Vanilla and spicy meat aromas add interest and complexity. Taste: Plums, dark berry fruit and chocolate combine with some spicy notes in this warming wine with lively tannins. Enjoyable, oaky, old fruit flavours combine with classic herbal notes and that warmth we've mentioned runs across the palate. A soft, ripe, rich wine that's very rewarding - right out to the long luscious aftertaste. Price: If you can find a bottle, grab it. At around $29.00, it's superb.
Colour: Garnet with flashes of crimson. Aroma: Smoky wood, cloves and plums combine with some brisker green herbal notes. Vanilla and spicy meat aromas add interest and complexity. Taste: Plums, dark berry fruit and chocolate combine with some spicy notes in this warming wine with lively tannins. Enjoyable, oaky, old fruit flavours combine with classic herbal notes and that warmth we've mentioned runs across the palate. A soft, ripe, rich wine that's very rewarding - right out to the long luscious aftertaste. Price: If you can find a bottle, grab it. At around $29.00, it's superb.
Jane Skilton MW Jane Skilton MW -
The 2007 Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir has a very enticing aroma with lots of rhubarb, dark plum and sweet spice. The palate is soft and sweet, juicy cherry fruit to the fore, and just a bit of noticeable oak coming through, giving a slight mocha/coffee edge.
The 2007 Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir has a very enticing aroma with lots of rhubarb, dark plum and sweet spice. The palate is soft and sweet, juicy cherry fruit to the fore, and just a bit of noticeable oak coming through, giving a slight mocha/coffee edge.
The Press (Christchurch) David Killick -
A jewel - like, Ruby red and translucent in colour, this wine is packed with intense current and cherry flavours, and its oh so smooth - nothing furry or tannics as with heavier reds. I liked the vanilla and oak notes, and it has great length.
A jewel - like, Ruby red and translucent in colour, this wine is packed with intense current and cherry flavours, and its oh so smooth - nothing furry or tannics as with heavier reds. I liked the vanilla and oak notes, and it has great length.
WineNZ Tasting Panel. -
Fresh, lifted, floral nose. Ripe and tasty, packed with cherry, strawberry and savoury spice. Clean, fresh, mid-weight wine showing really good concentration and complexity. The oak influence is moderate and nicely integrated, all finishing up with superb tannins. A great food style.
Fresh, lifted, floral nose. Ripe and tasty, packed with cherry, strawberry and savoury spice. Clean, fresh, mid-weight wine showing really good concentration and complexity. The oak influence is moderate and nicely integrated, all finishing up with superb tannins. A great food style.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
A spicy wine with mouthfilling sweet fruit and toasty oak, savoury hints of mushrooms and a firm finish.
A spicy wine with mouthfilling sweet fruit and toasty oak, savoury hints of mushrooms and a firm finish.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Youthful yet expanding style, good life and some fresh fruit with vibrancy and the potential to open right up through 2009. A stylish young Pinot Noir expanding nicely as fine wines from this variety do. Will be great by christmas.
Youthful yet expanding style, good life and some fresh fruit with vibrancy and the potential to open right up through 2009. A stylish young Pinot Noir expanding nicely as fine wines from this variety do. Will be great by christmas.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOURS STARS - BEST OF REGIONAL NEW ZEALAND. Fragrant and ruby hued with strong plum, cherry and spice flavours. Showing some savoury complexity and supple tannins.
FOURS STARS - BEST OF REGIONAL NEW ZEALAND. Fragrant and ruby hued with strong plum, cherry and spice flavours. Showing some savoury complexity and supple tannins.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2007
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - BEST BUY -"A great example of what age can do for a Riesling" noted Jane Boyle. It's an inviting comfortable wine - fresh lime and white pepper balancing the toast and honey the years have bestowed, all nicely wrapped in a papery texture. A good wine to have on hand for a visiting Riesling lover.
FOUR STARS - BEST BUY -"A great example of what age can do for a Riesling" noted Jane Boyle. It's an inviting comfortable wine - fresh lime and white pepper balancing the toast and honey the years have bestowed, all nicely wrapped in a papery texture. A good wine to have on hand for a visiting Riesling lover.
Bob Campbell MW Bob Campbell M.W. -
Lawson's Dry Hills is currently selling this terrific wine from a vintage that was better than either 2008 or 2009 - and it is showing the benefit of bottle age. I would expect to pay a premium for such a wine; at $19.00 its about the best value wine in the country!. Bottle aged med/dry Riesling with nice toasty complexity beginning to dominate the citrus characters. The texture is also showing the benefit of cellaring as the acidity mellows. A good advertisement for the virtus of aged Riesling.
Lawson's Dry Hills is currently selling this terrific wine from a vintage that was better than either 2008 or 2009 - and it is showing the benefit of bottle age. I would expect to pay a premium for such a wine; at $19.00 its about the best value wine in the country!. Bottle aged med/dry Riesling with nice toasty complexity beginning to dominate the citrus characters. The texture is also showing the benefit of cellaring as the acidity mellows. A good advertisement for the virtus of aged Riesling.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FIVE STARS - TOP IN CATEGORY - Winestate, Wine of the Year Awards - September 2008. Rush of limes on the nose, with lovely toasty aged characters. Great flavours - all honeyed and toasty.
FIVE STARS - TOP IN CATEGORY - Winestate, Wine of the Year Awards - September 2008. Rush of limes on the nose, with lovely toasty aged characters. Great flavours - all honeyed and toasty.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Wine Orbit Sam Kim -
FOUR STARS (92)..The grapes were sourced from six sites in the Waiau, Waihopai and Omaka Valleys providing a good spectrum of flavours in the wine,partially fermented in older French oak barriques (6.5%). The nose is intense and piercing with current, dried herb and musky notes. Initially the palate was tight and closed, with time in the glass it opened up beautifully displaying sweet fruit, nicely flowing texture and zesty acidity. At its best now till 2009.
FOUR STARS (92)..The grapes were sourced from six sites in the Waiau, Waihopai and Omaka Valleys providing a good spectrum of flavours in the wine,partially fermented in older French oak barriques (6.5%). The nose is intense and piercing with current, dried herb and musky notes. Initially the palate was tight and closed, with time in the glass it opened up beautifully displaying sweet fruit, nicely flowing texture and zesty acidity. At its best now till 2009.
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
Passionfruit and lime,some minerality,well balanced with good concentration.
Passionfruit and lime,some minerality,well balanced with good concentration.
Decanter Tasting Panel -
Intense green apple, herbaceous nose. Palate similarly intense. Layers of flavour, very long.
Intense green apple, herbaceous nose. Palate similarly intense. Layers of flavour, very long.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Running fresh and alive. A sound, tasty food wine with plenty of time ahead. Aromatic styles have always been a Lawson's specialty and this label has a long history of success.
Running fresh and alive. A sound, tasty food wine with plenty of time ahead. Aromatic styles have always been a Lawson's specialty and this label has a long history of success.
The Marlborough Express Deborah Walton / Peter Morice -
Unscrew the lid and enjoy the pungency. This wine delivers plenty of those lovely classic Marlborough aromas; it's grassy, savoury, sweaty, laced with gooseberries and a dash of citrus. Words like bold, crisp, fresh and pungent best describe this wine's nose. This Sauvignon Blanc has lovely mouthfeel, there's a slight creaminess to it's texture and the tingy acids travel right across the palate - start to finish. crisp, intense and refreshing the taste currants, grass and gooseberries dominates the front of the palate, eventually teaming up with a dash of sweetness towards the finish. That gentle creamy sensation really makes its presence fely at the finish whilst the aftertaste is laced with lime citrus and remains cleansing. Even tough it's a baby; this powerful wine is lovely and is sure to improve even more with a little time in the bottle.
Unscrew the lid and enjoy the pungency. This wine delivers plenty of those lovely classic Marlborough aromas; it's grassy, savoury, sweaty, laced with gooseberries and a dash of citrus. Words like bold, crisp, fresh and pungent best describe this wine's nose. This Sauvignon Blanc has lovely mouthfeel, there's a slight creaminess to it's texture and the tingy acids travel right across the palate - start to finish. crisp, intense and refreshing the taste currants, grass and gooseberries dominates the front of the palate, eventually teaming up with a dash of sweetness towards the finish. That gentle creamy sensation really makes its presence fely at the finish whilst the aftertaste is laced with lime citrus and remains cleansing. Even tough it's a baby; this powerful wine is lovely and is sure to improve even more with a little time in the bottle.
NZ Herald Jo Burzynska -
Marlborough has an international reputation for producing pungent vibrantly fruited Sauvignon Blancs. This wonderfully zingy example surfs through its waves of herbs, cut grass, mineral and melon on a crisp grapefruit acidity.
Marlborough has an international reputation for producing pungent vibrantly fruited Sauvignon Blancs. This wonderfully zingy example surfs through its waves of herbs, cut grass, mineral and melon on a crisp grapefruit acidity.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - EQUAL TOP IN CATEGORY. Full bodied, ripe style with passionfruit flavours showing concentration. Highly satisfying wine.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS - EQUAL TOP IN CATEGORY. Full bodied, ripe style with passionfruit flavours showing concentration. Highly satisfying wine.
www.sommnet.com Keith Stewart -
Classy wine, already looking like one of the best 2007 Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. Mid palate is cool and fruit lined, without losing an edge of ebullience. Hints of nettle-like herbs at the finish, but mostly the flavours are pure fruit, clean and effortless. Lingering finish adds a hint of citrus - Classy.
Classy wine, already looking like one of the best 2007 Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. Mid palate is cool and fruit lined, without losing an edge of ebullience. Hints of nettle-like herbs at the finish, but mostly the flavours are pure fruit, clean and effortless. Lingering finish adds a hint of citrus - Classy.
Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2007
Jane Skilton MW Jane Skilton MW -
The 2007 Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay is a good example; clean, fruit driven and fresh with stonefruit and ripe apple flavours.
The 2007 Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay is a good example; clean, fruit driven and fresh with stonefruit and ripe apple flavours.
The Marlborough Express Deborah Walton / Peter Morice -
Peaches, citrus, soda, warm hay and a dot of creaminess with a pleasant aroma, but a little reserved. All the action is on the palate, weighty with plenty peach and nectarine flavours and some pleasant acid tingle to cut through the fruit driven style. This is one of the very best Unoaked Chardonnays we've tried - it has depth of flavour not often experienced without the addition of some oak work.
Peaches, citrus, soda, warm hay and a dot of creaminess with a pleasant aroma, but a little reserved. All the action is on the palate, weighty with plenty peach and nectarine flavours and some pleasant acid tingle to cut through the fruit driven style. This is one of the very best Unoaked Chardonnays we've tried - it has depth of flavour not often experienced without the addition of some oak work.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
WINE OF THE YEAR - Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2007....What a joy to find a wine as delightful as this with uncluttered fruit yet with complexity and drinkability that can only from the fruit base behind it. A delightful wine, full of fruit flavours that surprise and amaze from Chardonnay, obviously made with flair and imagination. Plenty of lees-originated creaminess and a touch of pineapple nuance gives flavour, balance and appeal. A little beauty. Uncomplicated and a great fruit statement.
WINE OF THE YEAR - Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2007....What a joy to find a wine as delightful as this with uncluttered fruit yet with complexity and drinkability that can only from the fruit base behind it. A delightful wine, full of fruit flavours that surprise and amaze from Chardonnay, obviously made with flair and imagination. Plenty of lees-originated creaminess and a touch of pineapple nuance gives flavour, balance and appeal. A little beauty. Uncomplicated and a great fruit statement.
Hospitality Magazine Vic Williams -
Fresh and clean, this is the varietal character of Chardonnay unencumbered by oak or malolactic fermentation. Lemon and peach aromas with tropical fruit and floral notes create an attractive nose. On the palate, citrus and stonefruit flavours are complemented by subtle, yeast-derived creaminess. This dry wine is elegant with a crisp acidity that is softened by the creamy texture in the mid-palate, and has a lovely, long finish.
Fresh and clean, this is the varietal character of Chardonnay unencumbered by oak or malolactic fermentation. Lemon and peach aromas with tropical fruit and floral notes create an attractive nose. On the palate, citrus and stonefruit flavours are complemented by subtle, yeast-derived creaminess. This dry wine is elegant with a crisp acidity that is softened by the creamy texture in the mid-palate, and has a lovely, long finish.
The Press (Christchurch) Kent Slocombe -
Chardonnay is the tofu of the wine world - it will take on any of number flavours such as oak and yeast lees and any other wine-making ingredient thrown at it, but left to itself it can be rather ordinary. Here, attractive citrus and stone fruit aromas followed by a crisp and lingering mouth presence leave an impression as clean and refreshing as an autumn shower. Moderately mouth filling, this dry, fruit driven offering from a consistently good producer will satisfy without creating a "wow" moment.
Chardonnay is the tofu of the wine world - it will take on any of number flavours such as oak and yeast lees and any other wine-making ingredient thrown at it, but left to itself it can be rather ordinary. Here, attractive citrus and stone fruit aromas followed by a crisp and lingering mouth presence leave an impression as clean and refreshing as an autumn shower. Moderately mouth filling, this dry, fruit driven offering from a consistently good producer will satisfy without creating a "wow" moment.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2006
Wine Orbit Sam Kim. -
It's savoury on the nose displaying beeswax, spicy oak and a hint of mushroom notes. The palate is medium-weighted showing a soft texture and crisp acidity leading to a firm dry finish.
It's savoury on the nose displaying beeswax, spicy oak and a hint of mushroom notes. The palate is medium-weighted showing a soft texture and crisp acidity leading to a firm dry finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2006
San Francisco Chronicle Derrick Schneider -
All of Gewürztraminer's typical aromas - lychee, rose petals and orange blossoms, pour out of this off-dry wine in a cascade. A vibrant acidity keeps the wine from being too heavy, but doesn't distract from the creamy, floral taste.
All of Gewürztraminer's typical aromas - lychee, rose petals and orange blossoms, pour out of this off-dry wine in a cascade. A vibrant acidity keeps the wine from being too heavy, but doesn't distract from the creamy, floral taste.
The Independent Wine Monthly (N.Z.) Jane Skilton MW -
The Lawson's Dry Hills has a heavenly nose; very attractive aromas of sweet spice, rose petal and lychee with a touch of orange blossom. A silky textured wine, soft and generous with the residual sweetness beautifully balanced by acidity. A finely tuned wine that exhibits complexity and great length. An excellent expression of the variety; dense yet with style.
The Lawson's Dry Hills has a heavenly nose; very attractive aromas of sweet spice, rose petal and lychee with a touch of orange blossom. A silky textured wine, soft and generous with the residual sweetness beautifully balanced by acidity. A finely tuned wine that exhibits complexity and great length. An excellent expression of the variety; dense yet with style.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Best of the Best Wine Guide 2007.(30/01/2008) - Youngish and fresh, yet quite potent with its ginger and cinnamon spices and traditional lychee backdrop. Just a nudge of sweetness, balanced with 14.5% alcohol. A fine Gewürztraminer, full of flavour and with many food uses. Perhaps a serious style but has wide appeal with its gutsy drinkability. Long life wine also.
Best of the Best Wine Guide 2007.(30/01/2008) - Youngish and fresh, yet quite potent with its ginger and cinnamon spices and traditional lychee backdrop. Just a nudge of sweetness, balanced with 14.5% alcohol. A fine Gewürztraminer, full of flavour and with many food uses. Perhaps a serious style but has wide appeal with its gutsy drinkability. Long life wine also.
Sunday Star Times Lauraine Jacobs -
FIVE STARS. This Gewürztraminer is beautifully rounded and brims with fruit and all the spice that's needed - Food matched with dhal soup from the Holiday Inn, Suva and Mushroom and lentil gratin.
FIVE STARS. This Gewürztraminer is beautifully rounded and brims with fruit and all the spice that's needed - Food matched with dhal soup from the Holiday Inn, Suva and Mushroom and lentil gratin.
NZ Herald Jo Burzynska -
"Gewürz" is German for spice, and there's certainly plenty in one of New Zealand's benchmark examples. Star anise, nutmeg and ginger abound in its rich and perfumed palate of rosewater and lychee. A spicy specimen suitable for pairing with highly spiced or sweet and sour asian dishes, as well as the traditional matches such as liver pâtés and strong cheeses
"Gewürz" is German for spice, and there's certainly plenty in one of New Zealand's benchmark examples. Star anise, nutmeg and ginger abound in its rich and perfumed palate of rosewater and lychee. A spicy specimen suitable for pairing with highly spiced or sweet and sour asian dishes, as well as the traditional matches such as liver pâtés and strong cheeses
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Tasting Panel -
Lawson's Dry Hills is Marlborough's most distinguished Gewürztraminer maker. Past vintages have won more gongs than a U.S. Army five star general. They consistently achieve great concentration and character in their wines. When I asked Ross Lawson how he did it, he shrugged his shoulders and said " It's all in the vineyard, I guess"... Pungent, flavoursome wine with a floral nose and strong varietal Turkish delight characters. Avery Alsace style Gewürztraminer with lovely fruit purity.
Lawson's Dry Hills is Marlborough's most distinguished Gewürztraminer maker. Past vintages have won more gongs than a U.S. Army five star general. They consistently achieve great concentration and character in their wines. When I asked Ross Lawson how he did it, he shrugged his shoulders and said " It's all in the vineyard, I guess"... Pungent, flavoursome wine with a floral nose and strong varietal Turkish delight characters. Avery Alsace style Gewürztraminer with lovely fruit purity.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS......A beautifully rounded wine, brimming with fruit and spice in an intensley concentrated fashion.
FIVE STARS......A beautifully rounded wine, brimming with fruit and spice in an intensley concentrated fashion.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith. -
Laswon's Dry hills Marlborough Gewürztraminer (about $22.00) is probably the most consistent of this variety - some of its vines are now over twenty years old, having survived the years when this variety was unaccountably out of fashion. It's fragrant with hints of eau de cologne, guave, roses, lychees and ginger. Powerful in the mouth with an attractive oily texture and a tingly hot finish.
Laswon's Dry hills Marlborough Gewürztraminer (about $22.00) is probably the most consistent of this variety - some of its vines are now over twenty years old, having survived the years when this variety was unaccountably out of fashion. It's fragrant with hints of eau de cologne, guave, roses, lychees and ginger. Powerful in the mouth with an attractive oily texture and a tingly hot finish.
The Press (Christchurch) Tasting panel -
Ross and Barbara Lawson built their reputation for top aromatics on Gewürztraminer and last year's vintage is up there with the best. It has a strong lychee nose, a 14.5% alcohol kick and a lychee/ginger taste that lasts and lasts until well after the bottle is empty. If you like your gewürz powerfully spicy, this is the one for you.
Ross and Barbara Lawson built their reputation for top aromatics on Gewürztraminer and last year's vintage is up there with the best. It has a strong lychee nose, a 14.5% alcohol kick and a lychee/ginger taste that lasts and lasts until well after the bottle is empty. If you like your gewürz powerfully spicy, this is the one for you.
Wine On Line (US) Michael Franz -
Lawson's Dry Hills is widely regarded as New Zealand's premier Gewürztraminer producer, though that may not get you terribly excited if you haven't experienced kiwi Gewürz. Since
Lawson's Dry Hills is widely regarded as New Zealand's premier Gewürztraminer producer, though that may not get you terribly excited if you haven't experienced kiwi Gewürz. Since
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
Weighty, with very good depth of ripe pear and spice flavours....THREE STARS.
Weighty, with very good depth of ripe pear and spice flavours....THREE STARS.
Lawson's Dry Hills Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc 2006
The Press (Christchurch) Kate Fraser -
WE'RE DRINKING - LIFE AND SOUL, Lawson's Dry Hills 2006 Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This intense Sauvignon Blanc surges with flavours. An aroma of passionfruit flowers is well matched with vibrant, faintly spicy lemons and capsicum, with a touch of French oak. The finish is concentrated, dry and clean. The weight and flavour intensity mean it drinks well by itself, but the faint spiciness is a hit with mussels steamed in finely sliced leeks, garlic, a glass of wine and new season's flat-leaf parsley
WE'RE DRINKING - LIFE AND SOUL, Lawson's Dry Hills 2006 Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This intense Sauvignon Blanc surges with flavours. An aroma of passionfruit flowers is well matched with vibrant, faintly spicy lemons and capsicum, with a touch of French oak. The finish is concentrated, dry and clean. The weight and flavour intensity mean it drinks well by itself, but the faint spiciness is a hit with mussels steamed in finely sliced leeks, garlic, a glass of wine and new season's flat-leaf parsley
Wineside Tasting Panel -
Ross Lawson of Lawson's Dry Hills says the vintage was ideal. "We had an early start with good heat, later it cooled down a little and the longer ripening preserved wonderful flavours and textures. As a result we selected exceptional fruit from the Hartford and a neighbouring vineyard and made a stand alone 'Limited Release' wine. Intense passionfruit and pungent aromas just leap out of the glass!. Unfortunately there are only 200 cases and it is only available from the cellar door"
Ross Lawson of Lawson's Dry Hills says the vintage was ideal. "We had an early start with good heat, later it cooled down a little and the longer ripening preserved wonderful flavours and textures. As a result we selected exceptional fruit from the Hartford and a neighbouring vineyard and made a stand alone 'Limited Release' wine. Intense passionfruit and pungent aromas just leap out of the glass!. Unfortunately there are only 200 cases and it is only available from the cellar door"
NZ Herald Joelle Thomson -
Few wines labelled "limited release"are made in limited supplies but this is. It's a zingy dry white that sells from the cellar door in Marlborough and continues the trend of Lawson's Dry Hills high quality intense tasting Sauvignon Blancs.
Few wines labelled "limited release"are made in limited supplies but this is. It's a zingy dry white that sells from the cellar door in Marlborough and continues the trend of Lawson's Dry Hills high quality intense tasting Sauvignon Blancs.
www.sommnet.com Keith Stewart -
Light green/straw. Fragrant, aromatic nose has a pure gooseberry note and lovely softness. Fresh, intense impact with a perfumed quality and a clear, clean bright feel. Mid palate is razor sharp, bright and fresh, with a fine line of intense gooseberry fruit through its heart. Finishes bright and crisp. Very snappy stuff.
Light green/straw. Fragrant, aromatic nose has a pure gooseberry note and lovely softness. Fresh, intense impact with a perfumed quality and a clear, clean bright feel. Mid palate is razor sharp, bright and fresh, with a fine line of intense gooseberry fruit through its heart. Finishes bright and crisp. Very snappy stuff.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2006
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
POINTS 90 / 100.
POINTS 90 / 100.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
OUTSTANDING BEST VALUE WINE....We all liked this Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris.From its intense melon skin, lychee and spice aromas right through to its lovely defined fruit that follows seamlessly onto the palate in waves of melon and citrus. It has that slight textural grip typifies good Pinor Gris and the sweetness has been well controlled. Very well balanced wine and very long. THIS REALLY IS EXCELLENT.
OUTSTANDING BEST VALUE WINE....We all liked this Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris.From its intense melon skin, lychee and spice aromas right through to its lovely defined fruit that follows seamlessly onto the palate in waves of melon and citrus. It has that slight textural grip typifies good Pinor Gris and the sweetness has been well controlled. Very well balanced wine and very long. THIS REALLY IS EXCELLENT.
Vintage Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel -
A big Pinot Grig modelled on the best of Alsace. Bright straw colour with pale straw hue, very deeply coloured for such a young Pinot Gris. Strong varietal nose with ripe pear top notes, followed by musk and a hint of ripe mandarin. The palate is generous, full bodied and totally mouthfilling. Flavours of ripe pear, lychee, musk and ripe mandarin fill every corner of the palate. Spicy back palate. Cellar 2-3 years.
A big Pinot Grig modelled on the best of Alsace. Bright straw colour with pale straw hue, very deeply coloured for such a young Pinot Gris. Strong varietal nose with ripe pear top notes, followed by musk and a hint of ripe mandarin. The palate is generous, full bodied and totally mouthfilling. Flavours of ripe pear, lychee, musk and ripe mandarin fill every corner of the palate. Spicy back palate. Cellar 2-3 years.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS...
FOUR STARS...
Decanter Tasting Panel -
THREE STARS..
THREE STARS..
The Press (Christchurch) Graham Stringer -
It was all planned out. Taste over two nights, first with barbecued fish and fresh herb relish. then chilli lime chicken. The fly in the ointment was I made a pig of myself on day one. This wone wine was such easy drinking - with its seductive flavours spiced pears and apples, a hint of peach, its mouthfilling, slightly oily texture and a spicy zing in its tail - that it didn't make day two. A good pinot gris is a delight to drink, and this one was delightful.
It was all planned out. Taste over two nights, first with barbecued fish and fresh herb relish. then chilli lime chicken. The fly in the ointment was I made a pig of myself on day one. This wone wine was such easy drinking - with its seductive flavours spiced pears and apples, a hint of peach, its mouthfilling, slightly oily texture and a spicy zing in its tail - that it didn't make day two. A good pinot gris is a delight to drink, and this one was delightful.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
'It's all here!' enthused one judge. Partly barrel fermented style, fresh and vibrant, with a musky, perfumed bouquet, mouthfilling body and slightly oily mouthfeel. Strong peach, pear and spice flavours, showing excellent varietal character and harmony...FIVE STARS.
'It's all here!' enthused one judge. Partly barrel fermented style, fresh and vibrant, with a musky, perfumed bouquet, mouthfilling body and slightly oily mouthfeel. Strong peach, pear and spice flavours, showing excellent varietal character and harmony...FIVE STARS.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2006 is an intense wine with texture and complexity, a little barrel fermentation, hints of apples, toffee and nuts, a firm, slightly hot finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2006 is an intense wine with texture and complexity, a little barrel fermentation, hints of apples, toffee and nuts, a firm, slightly hot finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2006
The Times (UK) Jane MacQuitty -
"My kind of Rosé: all voluptuous, ripe, grapey, full-flavoured punch. 13% alcohol, Pinot Noir fruit with an impressive jewel-pink colour and a delicate, gamey, faintly strawberry scented finish".
"My kind of Rosé: all voluptuous, ripe, grapey, full-flavoured punch. 13% alcohol, Pinot Noir fruit with an impressive jewel-pink colour and a delicate, gamey, faintly strawberry scented finish".
Winestate Magazine Michael Cooper -
Fresh and lively with strawberry / plum flavours and a sliver of sweetness balanced by tangy acidity.
Fresh and lively with strawberry / plum flavours and a sliver of sweetness balanced by tangy acidity.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
Fresh and lively with strawberry/plum flavours and a sliver of sweetness balanced by tangy acidity.
Fresh and lively with strawberry/plum flavours and a sliver of sweetness balanced by tangy acidity.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2006
Jane Skilton MW Jane Skilton MW -
There's somthing bracing about good dry Riesling. So we were pleased to come across the 2006 Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling as it made a nice change from all the sweeter numbers that cross our paths. The nose is packed with lime marmalade and orange zest, beeswax and, at two years old, is starting to show a little touch of toasty, kerosine bottle development. The palate is elegant and taut, with good intensity and plenty of length. A lovely crisp citrussy finish with some very nice secondary characters developing and added complexity. Attractive drinking now though it looks to have a few more years up its sleeve.
There's somthing bracing about good dry Riesling. So we were pleased to come across the 2006 Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling as it made a nice change from all the sweeter numbers that cross our paths. The nose is packed with lime marmalade and orange zest, beeswax and, at two years old, is starting to show a little touch of toasty, kerosine bottle development. The palate is elegant and taut, with good intensity and plenty of length. A lovely crisp citrussy finish with some very nice secondary characters developing and added complexity. Attractive drinking now though it looks to have a few more years up its sleeve.
Bob Campbell MW Bob Campbell, BobsWineReveiws.com -
Classic med/dry Marlborough Riesling that's now showing the benefit of a couple of years in bottle. It has strong lime/citrus and orange zest flavours with a suggestion of mellow,toasty bottle complexity. Still fresh with plenty of potential for greater bottle age.
Classic med/dry Marlborough Riesling that's now showing the benefit of a couple of years in bottle. It has strong lime/citrus and orange zest flavours with a suggestion of mellow,toasty bottle complexity. Still fresh with plenty of potential for greater bottle age.
Vinote Wine Cellar Notes Glenda Neil -
Delicate,floral aroma with lemon and lime juice flavours,bright fresh and deliciouly crisp on the palate. A beautifully almost dry style that promises to develop further complexity and depth over the next four to five years.
Delicate,floral aroma with lemon and lime juice flavours,bright fresh and deliciouly crisp on the palate. A beautifully almost dry style that promises to develop further complexity and depth over the next four to five years.
NZ Listener Michael Cooper -
Wine of the week - Four and a half stars - Punchy,pure and racy,in a dryish style with classic lemon/lime flavours,showing the benefits of bottle age.
Wine of the week - Four and a half stars - Punchy,pure and racy,in a dryish style with classic lemon/lime flavours,showing the benefits of bottle age.
The Marlborough Express Tasting Panel. -
This Riesling doesn't put a foot wrong with limes, lemons and crisp acidity, it is also smooth and honey-like. Fine with fish or nibbles or by itself on a sunny winter's afternoon.
This Riesling doesn't put a foot wrong with limes, lemons and crisp acidity, it is also smooth and honey-like. Fine with fish or nibbles or by itself on a sunny winter's afternoon.
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
This Riesling is virtually dry with well balanced fresh acidity and with a tasty cocktail of lemon, nectarine and honeysuckle aromas and flavours.
This Riesling is virtually dry with well balanced fresh acidity and with a tasty cocktail of lemon, nectarine and honeysuckle aromas and flavours.
The Press (Christchurch) David Killick -
As the hot summer sun dries out the Marlborough landscape, grapes of all types seem to take on a rich intensity. This Riesling doesn't put a foot wrong with limes and lemons and a crispy, acidic flavour that is also smooth and honey-like. Fine with fish or nibbles or by itself on a sunny winter's afternoon. It could possibly do with more ageing to give it special character.
As the hot summer sun dries out the Marlborough landscape, grapes of all types seem to take on a rich intensity. This Riesling doesn't put a foot wrong with limes and lemons and a crispy, acidic flavour that is also smooth and honey-like. Fine with fish or nibbles or by itself on a sunny winter's afternoon. It could possibly do with more ageing to give it special character.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Exudes lovely bright juicy fruit - orange, lemon, grapefruit and stone fruit, with a rich suggestion of buttered toast and lime marmalade. At two years old this is a stylish wine, drinking deliciously with a long, crisp, but well-balanced aftertaste.
Exudes lovely bright juicy fruit - orange, lemon, grapefruit and stone fruit, with a rich suggestion of buttered toast and lime marmalade. At two years old this is a stylish wine, drinking deliciously with a long, crisp, but well-balanced aftertaste.
WineNZ Peter Saunders -
A lovely balance of lightly honeyed fruit with a gentle sweetness and the citrus/floral flavours of a good Riesling; a wine with balance and harmony, drinking superbly after two years.
A lovely balance of lightly honeyed fruit with a gentle sweetness and the citrus/floral flavours of a good Riesling; a wine with balance and harmony, drinking superbly after two years.
Capital Times Aaron Watson -
Absolutely hitting the spot is Lawson's Dry hills Riesling 2006. Set me on fire - kerosene, grapefruit and some steely complexity on the nose, Mmmm. Its a dry Riesling that is elegant and goes beautifully with food. Plenty of citrus lemon and a touch of apple, honey and even ginger on the finish. Adding to the pleasure is that it has one of the most honest descriptions I've read on a wine label. Perhaps if you have a good product, you don't have to lie about it.
Absolutely hitting the spot is Lawson's Dry hills Riesling 2006. Set me on fire - kerosene, grapefruit and some steely complexity on the nose, Mmmm. Its a dry Riesling that is elegant and goes beautifully with food. Plenty of citrus lemon and a touch of apple, honey and even ginger on the finish. Adding to the pleasure is that it has one of the most honest descriptions I've read on a wine label. Perhaps if you have a good product, you don't have to lie about it.
The Independent Wine Monthly (N.Z.) Jane Skilton MW -
The 2006 Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling is a particularly minerally wine, already developing notes of kerosene on the nose, along with some green apple and citrus. The palate is tight with an intense citrus fruit and mineral/chalky character. Very dry, good length.
The 2006 Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling is a particularly minerally wine, already developing notes of kerosene on the nose, along with some green apple and citrus. The palate is tight with an intense citrus fruit and mineral/chalky character. Very dry, good length.
TiZwine.com Tasting Tasting Panel -
Best Buy - Excellent value and under $20.00.
Best Buy - Excellent value and under $20.00.
Winestate Magazine Michael Cooper -
FOUR AND A HALF STARS. Racy, youthful and fresh with punchy citrusy, limey flavours. Minerally notes adding complexity and a dryish, tight finish. Excellent delicacy, structure and potential.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS. Racy, youthful and fresh with punchy citrusy, limey flavours. Minerally notes adding complexity and a dryish, tight finish. Excellent delicacy, structure and potential.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2006
San Francisco Chronicle Derrick Schneider -
A careful focus on quality and a small amount of oak make this wine a vast departure from the average Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Subtle aromas of candy corn and papaya challenge preconceptions about these wines, though a wash of gooseberry grounds it in the region's typical style. Relativaly delicate acidity carries a rich pineapple and lime zest finish.
A careful focus on quality and a small amount of oak make this wine a vast departure from the average Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Subtle aromas of candy corn and papaya challenge preconceptions about these wines, though a wash of gooseberry grounds it in the region's typical style. Relativaly delicate acidity carries a rich pineapple and lime zest finish.
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Tasting Panel -
Has a very intense nose, with a complex mix of fresh herbs, mint and blackcurrant leaf. Ripe fruit characters like blackcurrant more obvisious on the palate. It finishes with a light grip, but the balance still works.Hooke agreed."Very different. Pungent grapefruit and passionfruit, with a hint of barrel work. Rich flavour with a bit of artefact, but the fruit wins." This is a fine compromise between the unoaked and the fully barrel-fermented styles.
Has a very intense nose, with a complex mix of fresh herbs, mint and blackcurrant leaf. Ripe fruit characters like blackcurrant more obvisious on the palate. It finishes with a light grip, but the balance still works.Hooke agreed."Very different. Pungent grapefruit and passionfruit, with a hint of barrel work. Rich flavour with a bit of artefact, but the fruit wins." This is a fine compromise between the unoaked and the fully barrel-fermented styles.
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
POINTS 88 / 100.
POINTS 88 / 100.
Wine On Line (US) Michael Franz -
Although the Sauvignon Blancs from this producer consistently perform at or near the top of their class, they remain priced notably below that level and are some of the best bargains from New Zealand available here(U.S.). This release shows complex fruit aromas and flavours, with subtle shadings of lime, white melons and green apples. Accents of cut grass and minerals lend even more complexity, yet the wine is very well balanced and integrated. A STEAL FOR THE MONEY.
Although the Sauvignon Blancs from this producer consistently perform at or near the top of their class, they remain priced notably below that level and are some of the best bargains from New Zealand available here(U.S.). This release shows complex fruit aromas and flavours, with subtle shadings of lime, white melons and green apples. Accents of cut grass and minerals lend even more complexity, yet the wine is very well balanced and integrated. A STEAL FOR THE MONEY.
Winestate Magazine Tasing Panel. -
FOUR STARS.
FOUR STARS.
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel - Daniel Sogg. -
88 Points...Serves up a bright beam of tangy lime, guave and grass flavours. Mineral and pretty baby powder nuances accent the finish.
88 Points...Serves up a bright beam of tangy lime, guave and grass flavours. Mineral and pretty baby powder nuances accent the finish.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
Ripe, slightly earthy aromas. Fleshy and full flavoured, with a touch of complexity and a dry finish...THREE AND A HALF STARS.
Ripe, slightly earthy aromas. Fleshy and full flavoured, with a touch of complexity and a dry finish...THREE AND A HALF STARS.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
I love the full-on style of this pungent wine. There is nothing polite about the aromas of citrus peel, grapefruit, herbs and tropical fruit that ravish the nose and seduce the palate, and the lively acidity that dances in the mouth and makes you feel alive. It is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as it should be, but definitely not for the fainthearted.
I love the full-on style of this pungent wine. There is nothing polite about the aromas of citrus peel, grapefruit, herbs and tropical fruit that ravish the nose and seduce the palate, and the lively acidity that dances in the mouth and makes you feel alive. It is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as it should be, but definitely not for the fainthearted.
Your Home & Garden Magazine Bob Campbell MW. -
BEST EARLY RELEASE 2006 - SAUVIGNON BLANC - Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
BEST EARLY RELEASE 2006 - SAUVIGNON BLANC - Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2006
WineNZ Tasting panel -
Fragrant, floral nose with vibrant citrus and peach fruit flavours. Wine of moderate weight showing good concentration, texture and balance
Fragrant, floral nose with vibrant citrus and peach fruit flavours. Wine of moderate weight showing good concentration, texture and balance
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2005
Wine Spectator Tasting Panel -
POINTS 87 / 100.
POINTS 87 / 100.
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Bob Campbell MW. -
94 / FIVE STARS. Lawson's Dry Hills made its first Gewürztraminer in 1992. Inspired by the Alsace model, winemaker Marcus Wright makes little or no acid adjustment, and doesn't lose sleep over a high-ish pH level; the wines age very well. This one is intense and stongly varietal, with pronounced lychee and rose petal flavours. Classic Turkish delight characters leave no doubt about the grape variety. Long, with an ethereal texture, it's an extremely classy wine.
94 / FIVE STARS. Lawson's Dry Hills made its first Gewürztraminer in 1992. Inspired by the Alsace model, winemaker Marcus Wright makes little or no acid adjustment, and doesn't lose sleep over a high-ish pH level; the wines age very well. This one is intense and stongly varietal, with pronounced lychee and rose petal flavours. Classic Turkish delight characters leave no doubt about the grape variety. Long, with an ethereal texture, it's an extremely classy wine.
The Australian Max Allen -
As regular readers may know I'm a big fan of the Gewürz: grape and I go out of my way to seek out examples of new vintages of old friends. This is an old friend and is one of the best vintages I can remember tasting, exuberant, glorious perfume of lychees and musk, with a delicious off-dry,grape-pilpy texture in the mouth.
As regular readers may know I'm a big fan of the Gewürz: grape and I go out of my way to seek out examples of new vintages of old friends. This is an old friend and is one of the best vintages I can remember tasting, exuberant, glorious perfume of lychees and musk, with a delicious off-dry,grape-pilpy texture in the mouth.
Australian Sommelier Nick Stock -
Terrific varietal character, fully blown rose petal and lychee, giving way to honey. This is symphonic in its richness, a magnificent Gewürz: that's clearly suited to the site. It rolls lusciously through the mouth, weighty, rich and fleshy, texture to burn, strong rose flavour, lychee and some smoke through the finish. Layered and graceful.
Terrific varietal character, fully blown rose petal and lychee, giving way to honey. This is symphonic in its richness, a magnificent Gewürz: that's clearly suited to the site. It rolls lusciously through the mouth, weighty, rich and fleshy, texture to burn, strong rose flavour, lychee and some smoke through the finish. Layered and graceful.
NZ Home & Entertainment Tasting Panel -
GOLD - JUDGE'S PICK...Intense and strongly varietal wine with pronounced lychee and rose petal flavours. Classic Turkish delight characters leave no doubt about the grape variety. Long with an ethereal texture. Very classy Gewürztraminer that must rank as one of New Zealand's best.
GOLD - JUDGE'S PICK...Intense and strongly varietal wine with pronounced lychee and rose petal flavours. Classic Turkish delight characters leave no doubt about the grape variety. Long with an ethereal texture. Very classy Gewürztraminer that must rank as one of New Zealand's best.
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Huon Hooke/Bob Campbell MW. -
100 Top New Release Wines - 95 points FIVE STARS...I can't remember when Lawson's failed to win a top award with Gewürz. Wonderfully intense and aromatic, with classic Turkish delight/rose petal characters, a drop-dead texture and a finish that never quits.TOP STUFF.
100 Top New Release Wines - 95 points FIVE STARS...I can't remember when Lawson's failed to win a top award with Gewürz. Wonderfully intense and aromatic, with classic Turkish delight/rose petal characters, a drop-dead texture and a finish that never quits.TOP STUFF.
Wineside Peter Saunders -
This Icon wine with traditional Gewürztraminer spiciness is nicely soft and approachable early . It is opening up well; a stylish wine, quite mouth-filling yet with plenty of drinkability, good body and generous fruit. Great with a roast chicken or some Asian cooking
This Icon wine with traditional Gewürztraminer spiciness is nicely soft and approachable early . It is opening up well; a stylish wine, quite mouth-filling yet with plenty of drinkability, good body and generous fruit. Great with a roast chicken or some Asian cooking
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
TOP FIVE-FOUR STARS. Showing impressive intensity, this is a sturdy, ripe wine with a deliciously smooth texture, deep lychee and spice flavours and a slightly sweet sustained finish.
TOP FIVE-FOUR STARS. Showing impressive intensity, this is a sturdy, ripe wine with a deliciously smooth texture, deep lychee and spice flavours and a slightly sweet sustained finish.
First Glass Wine & Spirits Ltd Kingsley Wood -
The Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2005 is a beautiful wine, it just isn't made like this across the Tasman. In fact there are few places in the world that can replicate our best Gewürztraminer and if you are into the perfume and spice style of wine, this truly delicious.
The Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2005 is a beautiful wine, it just isn't made like this across the Tasman. In fact there are few places in the world that can replicate our best Gewürztraminer and if you are into the perfume and spice style of wine, this truly delicious.
Otago Daily Times Charmain Smith -
Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Gewürztraminer has been a benchmark Marlborough Gewürztraminer for more than a decade and this vintage(2005) is no exception with its charm, wonderfully intense fruit suggesting rose petals, lychees and ginger, with a hint of nuts and a powerful finish(about $22.00).
Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Gewürztraminer has been a benchmark Marlborough Gewürztraminer for more than a decade and this vintage(2005) is no exception with its charm, wonderfully intense fruit suggesting rose petals, lychees and ginger, with a hint of nuts and a powerful finish(about $22.00).
The Press (Christchurch) John Critchley -
Inquiries at a recent food and wine show confirmed that Gewürztraminer is still the most recommended varietal choice to accompany spicy meals. On that basis we tried this one with the Tuesday night curry. Fearing possible taste bud impairment we also sampled a glass or prior. It worked on both levels, proving to be substantial (14%abv) and spicy in it's own right whilst offering an appealing blend of exotic fruit flavours. Very enjoyable.
Inquiries at a recent food and wine show confirmed that Gewürztraminer is still the most recommended varietal choice to accompany spicy meals. On that basis we tried this one with the Tuesday night curry. Fearing possible taste bud impairment we also sampled a glass or prior. It worked on both levels, proving to be substantial (14%abv) and spicy in it's own right whilst offering an appealing blend of exotic fruit flavours. Very enjoyable.
Avenues Magazine Michael East. -
Lychee, ginger and bubble gum, I do love Gewürztraminer both from New Zealand and Alsace. The mouth feel is typically full and oily, this spicy wine provides one of New Zealand's better demonstrations of what can achieved with this noble variety.If you can afford a case than buy one, as this wine will evolve beautifully over the years. Its progressionwill be a joy to behold.
Lychee, ginger and bubble gum, I do love Gewürztraminer both from New Zealand and Alsace. The mouth feel is typically full and oily, this spicy wine provides one of New Zealand's better demonstrations of what can achieved with this noble variety.If you can afford a case than buy one, as this wine will evolve beautifully over the years. Its progressionwill be a joy to behold.
Food Service Sue Courtney -
Lives up to the quality expected of this label with pungent, musky floral aromas and lychee, Turkish delight and orange water flavours in an off-dry package with a persistent finish. Drink on its own or with Thai.
Lives up to the quality expected of this label with pungent, musky floral aromas and lychee, Turkish delight and orange water flavours in an off-dry package with a persistent finish. Drink on its own or with Thai.
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow-In The Cellar -
Complex and exotic, spices and lychees. Turkish delight, rose petal and musk. Off-dry and forward with its soft acidity and luxurious texture.Well priced.
Complex and exotic, spices and lychees. Turkish delight, rose petal and musk. Off-dry and forward with its soft acidity and luxurious texture.Well priced.
Lawson's Dry Hills Late Harvest Riesling 2005
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
Pale gold with a strongly honeyed bouquet. Sweet, concentrated, slightly limey and minerally, with good weight richness...FOUR STARS.
Pale gold with a strongly honeyed bouquet. Sweet, concentrated, slightly limey and minerally, with good weight richness...FOUR STARS.
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS - 94 POINTS. Making good botrytised sweet wine in Marlborough is a hit-and-miss business. Just look at Lawson's Dry Hills sweet wine history ; late harvest Semillon in 2000 and 2001, then a late harvest Gewürztraminer in 2004. Sweet wines were not made in 2002 or 2003. But in 2005 it made its best ever sticky with Riesling. Very sweet and luscious with obvious botrytis influence. Light acidity offsets the wine's citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Residual sugar 125g/L.
FIVE STARS - 94 POINTS. Making good botrytised sweet wine in Marlborough is a hit-and-miss business. Just look at Lawson's Dry Hills sweet wine history ; late harvest Semillon in 2000 and 2001, then a late harvest Gewürztraminer in 2004. Sweet wines were not made in 2002 or 2003. But in 2005 it made its best ever sticky with Riesling. Very sweet and luscious with obvious botrytis influence. Light acidity offsets the wine's citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Residual sugar 125g/L.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Botrytis or noble rot, that shrivels the grapes and concentrates the juices, gives this wine a delicious complexity and balance. It's slightly funky on the nose, with floral and herbal aromas; there a suggestion of honey, nuts butterscotch and marmalade in the mouth and a rich, lush, oily texture, despite that it dances lightly on the tongue and has a lively, crisp finish. A fine example of botrytised Marlborough Riesling, this wine will develop over several years. THIS VINTAGE CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE CELLAR DOOR.
Botrytis or noble rot, that shrivels the grapes and concentrates the juices, gives this wine a delicious complexity and balance. It's slightly funky on the nose, with floral and herbal aromas; there a suggestion of honey, nuts butterscotch and marmalade in the mouth and a rich, lush, oily texture, despite that it dances lightly on the tongue and has a lively, crisp finish. A fine example of botrytised Marlborough Riesling, this wine will develop over several years. THIS VINTAGE CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE CELLAR DOOR.
Bob Campbell MW Bob Campbell -
90/100 Very sweet and luscious wine with obvious botrytis influence.Reasonably light acidity puts focus on opulent fruit flavours. Riesling citrus characters still evident. Lond and impressive.THIS VINTAGE CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE CELLAR DOOR.
90/100 Very sweet and luscious wine with obvious botrytis influence.Reasonably light acidity puts focus on opulent fruit flavours. Riesling citrus characters still evident. Lond and impressive.THIS VINTAGE CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE CELLAR DOOR.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2005
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Huon Hooke/Bob Campbell M.W. -
"100 Top New Release Wines" 94 points/Five Stars..Attractive wine with a "drop-dead" silken texture, great mouthfeel and classic pear, ginger and lanolin flavours. Although it has some fruit and alcohol sweetness, the wine finishes reasonably dry
"100 Top New Release Wines" 94 points/Five Stars..Attractive wine with a "drop-dead" silken texture, great mouthfeel and classic pear, ginger and lanolin flavours. Although it has some fruit and alcohol sweetness, the wine finishes reasonably dry
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
Rich, flavoursome and mouthfilling, pears and guavas, forward with soft acidity and a slightly hot finish.
Rich, flavoursome and mouthfilling, pears and guavas, forward with soft acidity and a slightly hot finish.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Floral aromas, suggestions of mineral and lush fruit - ripe pears and peaches, a suggestion of something exotic - makes this hugely attractive, but it's a big wine with the burn of alcohol on the finish. Good if tempered with well-flavoured but not too rich food.
Floral aromas, suggestions of mineral and lush fruit - ripe pears and peaches, a suggestion of something exotic - makes this hugely attractive, but it's a big wine with the burn of alcohol on the finish. Good if tempered with well-flavoured but not too rich food.
Dominion Post Warren Barton -
Luscious...Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2005. One of the best of the 2005 Pinot Gris so far released, this rich, unctuous and substantial wine(14.5%)has an appealing hint of blossoms on the nose, with trademark pears and tropicals on the palate. Subtle hints of spicy, vanilla oak.
Luscious...Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2005. One of the best of the 2005 Pinot Gris so far released, this rich, unctuous and substantial wine(14.5%)has an appealing hint of blossoms on the nose, with trademark pears and tropicals on the palate. Subtle hints of spicy, vanilla oak.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2005
Decanter Tasting Panel. -
Big, Bold, juicy red berries and cherries. Some spicy oak.
Big, Bold, juicy red berries and cherries. Some spicy oak.
Bob Campbell MW BobsWineReviews.com -
Sweet,supple and slightly spicy Pinot Noir - one of the best I can remember from Lawson's. Beautifully structured with a smooth texture and quite a lengthy finish.
Sweet,supple and slightly spicy Pinot Noir - one of the best I can remember from Lawson's. Beautifully structured with a smooth texture and quite a lengthy finish.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
At three years old this is mellowed with deep, slightly earthy flavours hinting of forest floor and berries with a crisp savoury finish. An interesting older wine.
At three years old this is mellowed with deep, slightly earthy flavours hinting of forest floor and berries with a crisp savoury finish. An interesting older wine.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
Overt, smoky oak on the nose, with cherry, herb and forest floor.The palate is rich and fruity with currant, boysenberry, prune and mixed peel, really charming. Intense and well-weighted with good concentration and depth to balance the spicy/vanilla oak. GOOD.
Overt, smoky oak on the nose, with cherry, herb and forest floor.The palate is rich and fruity with currant, boysenberry, prune and mixed peel, really charming. Intense and well-weighted with good concentration and depth to balance the spicy/vanilla oak. GOOD.
Wine Advocate (USA) Robert Parker -
90/100 POINTS...The 2005 Pinot Noir has a very fragrant, well defined nose with floral notes; rose petals, cherry, wild strawberry and hedgerow. The palate is medium-bodied with good acidity, just a faint touch of astringency, overall this is well balanced.
90/100 POINTS...The 2005 Pinot Noir has a very fragrant, well defined nose with floral notes; rose petals, cherry, wild strawberry and hedgerow. The palate is medium-bodied with good acidity, just a faint touch of astringency, overall this is well balanced.
Winestate Magazine Michael Cooper -
FOUR STARS. The best vintage yet of this label. Fragrant and full coloured, sturdy and complex with cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent ripeness and density.
FOUR STARS. The best vintage yet of this label. Fragrant and full coloured, sturdy and complex with cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent ripeness and density.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2005
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
Pink/orange colour, with a savoury, mushroomy nose. Juicy and fresh, with a fleshy textured palate and a dry, mildly spicy finish.....THREE AND A HALF STARS>
Pink/orange colour, with a savoury, mushroomy nose. Juicy and fresh, with a fleshy textured palate and a dry, mildly spicy finish.....THREE AND A HALF STARS>
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Rosé is a serious rosé, dry with a hint of nuttiness, bright fruit and a firm finish. Like rosés that Provence is famous for, this style is good with a variety of Mediterranean flavours. Ideal with antipasto.
Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Rosé is a serious rosé, dry with a hint of nuttiness, bright fruit and a firm finish. Like rosés that Provence is famous for, this style is good with a variety of Mediterranean flavours. Ideal with antipasto.
Wine and Spirit (U.K.) Catharine Lowe/Jane Parkinson. -
This has quite a meaty nose for a Rosé. Thankfully it also offers lovely raspberry to mingle with Pinot's bramble character. A very summery offering. Delicious.
This has quite a meaty nose for a Rosé. Thankfully it also offers lovely raspberry to mingle with Pinot's bramble character. A very summery offering. Delicious.
The Sunday Times (UK) Jane MacQuitty -
My favourite Rosé this summer is the same as it was last: this gorgeous, strawberry-scented, herb and plum-packed punchy Kiwi offering. For the full article on summer Rosé please see www.timesonline.co.uk
My favourite Rosé this summer is the same as it was last: this gorgeous, strawberry-scented, herb and plum-packed punchy Kiwi offering. For the full article on summer Rosé please see www.timesonline.co.uk
San Francisco Chronicle Linda Murphy -
The Chronicle's Wine Selections - Imported Rosé. THREE STARS - 2005 Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Rosé($15.00us). From New Zealand comes this deliciously elegant Pinot Rosé, which boasts black cherry and raspberry fruit, plenty of spice and a balanced finish with crisp acidity.
The Chronicle's Wine Selections - Imported Rosé. THREE STARS - 2005 Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Rosé($15.00us). From New Zealand comes this deliciously elegant Pinot Rosé, which boasts black cherry and raspberry fruit, plenty of spice and a balanced finish with crisp acidity.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2005
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Best of the Best Wine Guide 2007.(30/01/2008)
Best of the Best Wine Guide 2007.(30/01/2008)
Hawke's Bay Today Yvonne-Marie Lorkin -
FOUR STARS. Minerally, limey aromas with some blatantly floral and honeyed characters coming through.On the palate it has simultaneous weight and delicacy with lingering freshness that make this an impressive white wine that works incredibly well with spicy Thai chicken salad.
FOUR STARS. Minerally, limey aromas with some blatantly floral and honeyed characters coming through.On the palate it has simultaneous weight and delicacy with lingering freshness that make this an impressive white wine that works incredibly well with spicy Thai chicken salad.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Decanter Tasting Panel -
Nice inviting savoury, yeasty aromas. Limey, elegant fruit, good weight, savoury on finish . Drink now.
Nice inviting savoury, yeasty aromas. Limey, elegant fruit, good weight, savoury on finish . Drink now.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders-Best of the Best 2005. -
Tasty and racy, with all the components working together. A lovely gooseberry character gives soul to this wine, an excellent Marlborough statement, fresh as we would expect and yet showing some fruit depth as well. Agreat drink after work or with early coures.
Tasty and racy, with all the components working together. A lovely gooseberry character gives soul to this wine, an excellent Marlborough statement, fresh as we would expect and yet showing some fruit depth as well. Agreat drink after work or with early coures.
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Huon Hook/Bob Campbell M.W. -
100 "Top New Release Wines" 85 points/Four Stars...A weighty wine with appealing flavour, purity and a good mouthfeel. Red and green capsicum with a touch of tomato leaf and a suggestion of passionfruit.
100 "Top New Release Wines" 85 points/Four Stars...A weighty wine with appealing flavour, purity and a good mouthfeel. Red and green capsicum with a touch of tomato leaf and a suggestion of passionfruit.
WineNZ Tasting Panel - Short list. -
Still very youthful and tight, this is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with flavours in the fresh cut grass, red capsicum and lemon peel spectrum. Clean mouth-watering acidity lifts the fruit profile and the wine has a long, persistent finish.
Still very youthful and tight, this is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with flavours in the fresh cut grass, red capsicum and lemon peel spectrum. Clean mouth-watering acidity lifts the fruit profile and the wine has a long, persistent finish.
Delicious Ben Canaider -
Some richer guave flavours and aromas kick this white wine off; then there's a long, keen and nicely mean acidity that takes every flavour from the tip of your tongue to the back of your tonsils. Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc is invariably high-class and serious, yet it's also a happy and friendly wine.
Some richer guave flavours and aromas kick this white wine off; then there's a long, keen and nicely mean acidity that takes every flavour from the tip of your tongue to the back of your tonsils. Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc is invariably high-class and serious, yet it's also a happy and friendly wine.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Tasty, balanced and full of racy characters. A lovely gooseberry character gives soul to this wine, an excellent Marlborough statement, fresh as we would expect and showing some depth as well as life in the fruit.
Tasty, balanced and full of racy characters. A lovely gooseberry character gives soul to this wine, an excellent Marlborough statement, fresh as we would expect and showing some depth as well as life in the fruit.
The Press (Christchurch) David Killick -
Savvy to savour - Falling into a fruit salad aptly describes a good Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and this latest season's offering lives up to it's promise. Pale straw in colour, it's delicate on the nose. Then an orchard-full of intense fruity character - gooseberry, citrus and peach fills the palate. Very good length allows the taste sensation to linger. Smooth, fruity,idea with food or by itself - what more could you ask for?
Savvy to savour - Falling into a fruit salad aptly describes a good Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and this latest season's offering lives up to it's promise. Pale straw in colour, it's delicate on the nose. Then an orchard-full of intense fruity character - gooseberry, citrus and peach fills the palate. Very good length allows the taste sensation to linger. Smooth, fruity,idea with food or by itself - what more could you ask for?
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Over a couple of hours this developed into a wonderfully fragrant wine oozing tropical and stone fruit with a hint of herbs and mineral, a crisp finish. The intensity and purity of the fruit, the suggestions of other complexities and a long finish are typical of the best Marlborough sauvignons.Delicious now, will develop over the next 12 months or so.
Over a couple of hours this developed into a wonderfully fragrant wine oozing tropical and stone fruit with a hint of herbs and mineral, a crisp finish. The intensity and purity of the fruit, the suggestions of other complexities and a long finish are typical of the best Marlborough sauvignons.Delicious now, will develop over the next 12 months or so.
Winestate Magazine Peter Saunders -
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2005 - FIVE STARS - Winestate magazine - "Best of the recent releases".An excellent Marlborough statement, fresh as we would expect, well balanced and showing some depth as well as life in the fruit. Very good drinking from now on.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2005 - FIVE STARS - Winestate magazine - "Best of the recent releases".An excellent Marlborough statement, fresh as we would expect, well balanced and showing some depth as well as life in the fruit. Very good drinking from now on.
Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2005
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Very good drinkability after 18 months; generous fruit, good balance and spine. Whilts an easy-drinking style, this is a dry and alive wine which has wide appeal for lunch or dinner. Working well now. Great as a by the glass wine at the bar as an aperitif.
Very good drinkability after 18 months; generous fruit, good balance and spine. Whilts an easy-drinking style, this is a dry and alive wine which has wide appeal for lunch or dinner. Working well now. Great as a by the glass wine at the bar as an aperitif.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
The lively fruit so characteristic of Marlborough wine is at its best in this delicious unoaked Chardonnay. There is peach, nectarine, pear and an intriguing suggestion of summer herbs. It's mouth-filling and beautifully balanced with a crisp, refreshing finish.
The lively fruit so characteristic of Marlborough wine is at its best in this delicious unoaked Chardonnay. There is peach, nectarine, pear and an intriguing suggestion of summer herbs. It's mouth-filling and beautifully balanced with a crisp, refreshing finish.
Sunday Star Times Karl du Fresne -
' Unoaked' doesn't have to mean lean or austere, as this gorgeous Marlborough wine shows. Although it has plenty of fresh acidity(there was no malolactic fermentation), it's a surprisingly rich, ripe, full-bodied wine with deliciously concentrated, peachy flavours and a long persistent finish. My tasting notes said it all:"who needs oak?".
' Unoaked' doesn't have to mean lean or austere, as this gorgeous Marlborough wine shows. Although it has plenty of fresh acidity(there was no malolactic fermentation), it's a surprisingly rich, ripe, full-bodied wine with deliciously concentrated, peachy flavours and a long persistent finish. My tasting notes said it all:"who needs oak?".
WineNZ Tasting Panel. -
A lively citrus, peachy flavoured wine with a bright aromatic lift to the palate. There is a good depth of flavour and a strongly textural, creamy note suggesting the wine has been lees stirred. Well made and very attractive, this wine has a dry crisp finish.
A lively citrus, peachy flavoured wine with a bright aromatic lift to the palate. There is a good depth of flavour and a strongly textural, creamy note suggesting the wine has been lees stirred. Well made and very attractive, this wine has a dry crisp finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2004
Jane Skilton MW Jane Skilton MW -
One wiff of the nose of the 2004 Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay and you are transported instantly to good old-fashioned chardonnay, Marlborough-style. An almost decadent nose of butterscotch, brioche and hazelnuts, baked apple, ripe melon, rich and pungent. the palate has plenty of brown biscuit and again ripe apple and melon fruit, straddling the divide between primary and secondary characters very well. Acidity is still bright after four years in the bottle and the wine is drinking well. Most likely at its peak now but should hold a while yet. Hats off to LDH for making a New World Chardonnay that looks better with age!
One wiff of the nose of the 2004 Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay and you are transported instantly to good old-fashioned chardonnay, Marlborough-style. An almost decadent nose of butterscotch, brioche and hazelnuts, baked apple, ripe melon, rich and pungent. the palate has plenty of brown biscuit and again ripe apple and melon fruit, straddling the divide between primary and secondary characters very well. Acidity is still bright after four years in the bottle and the wine is drinking well. Most likely at its peak now but should hold a while yet. Hats off to LDH for making a New World Chardonnay that looks better with age!
www.winetradeonline.co.nz Colin Ford -
Deep yellow in colour. Full and oaky on the nose, this wine is showing considerable development of colour and in its aroma. Secondary fruit characteristics are devloping and the generous oak is now showing. There's a really nice creamy texture to this wine with good intensity of flavour and pleasing concentration on the palate. Mature, rewarding, ready to drink up now.
Deep yellow in colour. Full and oaky on the nose, this wine is showing considerable development of colour and in its aroma. Secondary fruit characteristics are devloping and the generous oak is now showing. There's a really nice creamy texture to this wine with good intensity of flavour and pleasing concentration on the palate. Mature, rewarding, ready to drink up now.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel. -
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Maturing well, bright yellow/green with strong peach and grapefruit flavours, toasty, bottle-aged notes adding complexity, still a crisp lively finish.
THREE AND A HALF STARS - Maturing well, bright yellow/green with strong peach and grapefruit flavours, toasty, bottle-aged notes adding complexity, still a crisp lively finish.
Bob Campbell MW Bob Campbell, BobsWineReveiws.com -
An interesting mix of tangy citrus flavours with toasty bottle development. Still quite youthful thanks in part to crisp acidity. Elegant wine that's better for bottle age.
An interesting mix of tangy citrus flavours with toasty bottle development. Still quite youthful thanks in part to crisp acidity. Elegant wine that's better for bottle age.
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
Not all Chardonnays cellar well, this one has aged beautifully. Peachy,citric,nutty and toasty with a whiff of vanilla from the integrated French oak. It is complex, flavoursome and is at its peak.
Not all Chardonnays cellar well, this one has aged beautifully. Peachy,citric,nutty and toasty with a whiff of vanilla from the integrated French oak. It is complex, flavoursome and is at its peak.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Compared with the fruit-filled Unoaked Chardonnay 2007, this older wine is mellow with nutty, buttery and smokey bacon background tones, but still with hints of citrus and a crisp finish.
Compared with the fruit-filled Unoaked Chardonnay 2007, this older wine is mellow with nutty, buttery and smokey bacon background tones, but still with hints of citrus and a crisp finish.
Hospitality Magazine Vic Williams -
Vanilla, citrus and biscuit aromas are found on the nose. Bottle age has allowed the development of complex toasty notes. The palate is elegant with French oak-derived spice/vanilla/smoky tones that beautifully complement the lemon/citrus fruit flavours. In typical Marlborough style, the finish is long and crisp.
Vanilla, citrus and biscuit aromas are found on the nose. Bottle age has allowed the development of complex toasty notes. The palate is elegant with French oak-derived spice/vanilla/smoky tones that beautifully complement the lemon/citrus fruit flavours. In typical Marlborough style, the finish is long and crisp.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Four years seems ideal for this style(bottle age), a robust and creamy Marlborough Chardonnay opening up very well. Smooth in texture, not mellow nor tiring, but showing the fruit development very well with some bottle age. A lovely glass of wine before dinner with some French bread or with dinner beside a wide range of courses. Still no hurry.
Four years seems ideal for this style(bottle age), a robust and creamy Marlborough Chardonnay opening up very well. Smooth in texture, not mellow nor tiring, but showing the fruit development very well with some bottle age. A lovely glass of wine before dinner with some French bread or with dinner beside a wide range of courses. Still no hurry.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOURS STARS....Lawson's Dry Hills is unusual in regularly releasing its Chardonnay after it has a few years on the clock. This 2004 has plenty of spring in its step: crisp, sharp, toasty and generous.
FOURS STARS....Lawson's Dry Hills is unusual in regularly releasing its Chardonnay after it has a few years on the clock. This 2004 has plenty of spring in its step: crisp, sharp, toasty and generous.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2004
Decanter Stephen Spurrier -
Four Stars - Fine luscious fruit, alcohol/ripness, fruit in balance, very good varietal.
Four Stars - Fine luscious fruit, alcohol/ripness, fruit in balance, very good varietal.
Decanter Tasting panel -
Spicey rose petal nose, very lifted, rich in flavour, slightly fat but with underlying richness to give balance. VERY GOOD.
Spicey rose petal nose, very lifted, rich in flavour, slightly fat but with underlying richness to give balance. VERY GOOD.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders-Best of the Best 2005. -
Lots of strength, 14.5% alcohol, the complex best just starting to unfold and this bold statement will continue to emerge through 2006. This label is becoming an industry standard after years of showing a bold, positive spicy style. Balanced and alive.
Lots of strength, 14.5% alcohol, the complex best just starting to unfold and this bold statement will continue to emerge through 2006. This label is becoming an industry standard after years of showing a bold, positive spicy style. Balanced and alive.
Glengarry Wineletter Glengarry Newsletter -
An outstanding wine made with consummate skill. Wonderfully concentrated, it has a heady, spiced bouquet hinting at ginger and lychees. Harmonious and lush, It finishes on a slightly sweet note.
An outstanding wine made with consummate skill. Wonderfully concentrated, it has a heady, spiced bouquet hinting at ginger and lychees. Harmonious and lush, It finishes on a slightly sweet note.
The Age (Australia) Ralph Kyte-Powell -
WINE OF THE WEEK - FIVE STARS. Say New Zealand white and most people immediately think Sauvignon Blanc, but the kiwis are adept at making great whites from an assortment of other varieties. Gewürztraminer is one and Lawson's Marlborough shows how good it can be. A deep yellow-green, it has an exotically pungent, complex nose with a vinous feel a step on from the simpler, perfumed fruit style that is more common. This has minerally and smoky notes to spicy, rich varietal smells, Turkish delight fruit and a strong floral musky scent. The honeyed, rich palate has a powerful smokey flavour that hints at sweetness, great depth and a long aromatic finish with a little alcoholic warmth. Serious Gewürztraminer. Drink over four years.Food ideas..Rich pate, washed-rind cheese.
WINE OF THE WEEK - FIVE STARS. Say New Zealand white and most people immediately think Sauvignon Blanc, but the kiwis are adept at making great whites from an assortment of other varieties. Gewürztraminer is one and Lawson's Marlborough shows how good it can be. A deep yellow-green, it has an exotically pungent, complex nose with a vinous feel a step on from the simpler, perfumed fruit style that is more common. This has minerally and smoky notes to spicy, rich varietal smells, Turkish delight fruit and a strong floral musky scent. The honeyed, rich palate has a powerful smokey flavour that hints at sweetness, great depth and a long aromatic finish with a little alcoholic warmth. Serious Gewürztraminer. Drink over four years.Food ideas..Rich pate, washed-rind cheese.
NZ Herald Timothy Giles. -
On the subject of fantastic food wines, I'll expose a well kept secret:The Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2004.Vibrantly varietal, it's a wine I make a point of trying every vintage and it's never let me down. Grab some of the 2004 now and you'll soon have the 2005 to compare it to. This wine takes the lover of the big flavours one small sip closer to godliness.SUPER CONSISTENT. ROSE PETALS,LYCHEE AND LIME.
On the subject of fantastic food wines, I'll expose a well kept secret:The Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2004.Vibrantly varietal, it's a wine I make a point of trying every vintage and it's never let me down. Grab some of the 2004 now and you'll soon have the 2005 to compare it to. This wine takes the lover of the big flavours one small sip closer to godliness.SUPER CONSISTENT. ROSE PETALS,LYCHEE AND LIME.
Decanter Micheal Broadbent -
Over the years I have tasted a few transplanted Gewürztraminers but none had the true flavour and character of a Gewürz: from Alsace. I was therefore doubly curious to taste one from grapes grown in the Sauvignon-saturated Marlborough region. Lawson's Dry Hills, vintage 2004 was a revelation. Correct in every way; a palish but distinctive yellow; a well-nigh perfect varietal aroma which embraced lychees, rose petals/ladies face powder and oh dear, greengages, with flavour to match. On the palate fairly dry with substantial but unobtrusive 14% alcohol and a typically blunt, hard finish. Even the bottle itself proclaimed an Alsace lookalike; tall green, slender - but with a screwcap.
Over the years I have tasted a few transplanted Gewürztraminers but none had the true flavour and character of a Gewürz: from Alsace. I was therefore doubly curious to taste one from grapes grown in the Sauvignon-saturated Marlborough region. Lawson's Dry Hills, vintage 2004 was a revelation. Correct in every way; a palish but distinctive yellow; a well-nigh perfect varietal aroma which embraced lychees, rose petals/ladies face powder and oh dear, greengages, with flavour to match. On the palate fairly dry with substantial but unobtrusive 14% alcohol and a typically blunt, hard finish. Even the bottle itself proclaimed an Alsace lookalike; tall green, slender - but with a screwcap.
www.sommnet.com Keith Stewart -
Light yellow/straw. Delicious Turkish delight aroma, has perfume of rose petals and just a twist of spice. Exotically entrancing. Big flavour impact, is sweet with fruit and has a soft slightly milky texture. Delicious favours and spice in the mid palate, where there is intensity and depth as well as a brisk charge of alcohol. Long, warm finish lingers on the rose petal theme with just a hint of ginger.
Light yellow/straw. Delicious Turkish delight aroma, has perfume of rose petals and just a twist of spice. Exotically entrancing. Big flavour impact, is sweet with fruit and has a soft slightly milky texture. Delicious favours and spice in the mid palate, where there is intensity and depth as well as a brisk charge of alcohol. Long, warm finish lingers on the rose petal theme with just a hint of ginger.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
One of the hottest Gewürz: producers in recent years, Lawson's gives us a wine packed with perfume and spices, youthful but opening quite quickly to provide a satisfying wine for lovers of this grape, a fine partner to foods which are not just spicy but robust in their flavours - Almost dry.
One of the hottest Gewürz: producers in recent years, Lawson's gives us a wine packed with perfume and spices, youthful but opening quite quickly to provide a satisfying wine for lovers of this grape, a fine partner to foods which are not just spicy but robust in their flavours - Almost dry.
Hospitality Magazine Jane Skilton MW. -
91/100 - Lawson's produce one of the best Gewürztraminers year after year , the 2004 vintage is highly aromatic with strong musk and turkish delight perfume, spicy mouth filling flavours and a long intense dry finish. A big full-bodied wine.
91/100 - Lawson's produce one of the best Gewürztraminers year after year , the 2004 vintage is highly aromatic with strong musk and turkish delight perfume, spicy mouth filling flavours and a long intense dry finish. A big full-bodied wine.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - Light gold/yellow, fragrant with rose petal aromas and a lush palate offering ginger, lychees and spice flavours.Fresh and concentrated.
FOUR STARS - Light gold/yellow, fragrant with rose petal aromas and a lush palate offering ginger, lychees and spice flavours.Fresh and concentrated.
Capital Times John Saker -
This year is no exception, which is why it is WINE OFTHE WEEK The 2004 is a stunner… a huge, off-dry flavour thunderclap (papaya, lychees, musk) that arcs up to the roof of the mouth, slowly descends and then seems to hang around forever. A great buy at $22.
This year is no exception, which is why it is WINE OFTHE WEEK The 2004 is a stunner… a huge, off-dry flavour thunderclap (papaya, lychees, musk) that arcs up to the roof of the mouth, slowly descends and then seems to hang around forever. A great buy at $22.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2004 has been one of New Zealand’s most consistent Gewürztraminers, and this vintage is no exception. Complexity and taut structure back up the powerful rush of rose petals, lychees and eau de cologne typical of good Gewürztraminer. Give it a few more months in the bottle to reveal its delicious best and it should develop over another two or three years. Four star rating
Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2004 has been one of New Zealand’s most consistent Gewürztraminers, and this vintage is no exception. Complexity and taut structure back up the powerful rush of rose petals, lychees and eau de cologne typical of good Gewürztraminer. Give it a few more months in the bottle to reveal its delicious best and it should develop over another two or three years. Four star rating
Liqourland Top 100 Internation Wine Competition Tasting Panel -
Packed with perfume and spice characters, a wine bound to satisfy Gewürztraminer fans. Superb. GOLD.
Packed with perfume and spice characters, a wine bound to satisfy Gewürztraminer fans. Superb. GOLD.
Wineside Jane Skilton MW -
Regular readers know of my love of Gewürztraminer and Marlborough winery Lawson’s Dry Hills makes one of the best. I tasted the 2004 Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewürztraminer earlier this month and it is every bit as good as the 2003 and 2002. The combination of tantalizing rose petal and spice aromas and lush spicy, almost opulent flavours make it one of New Zealand’s best aromatic wines. Unfortunately more people are discovering the wine and it disappears fast from the shelves.
Regular readers know of my love of Gewürztraminer and Marlborough winery Lawson’s Dry Hills makes one of the best. I tasted the 2004 Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewürztraminer earlier this month and it is every bit as good as the 2003 and 2002. The combination of tantalizing rose petal and spice aromas and lush spicy, almost opulent flavours make it one of New Zealand’s best aromatic wines. Unfortunately more people are discovering the wine and it disappears fast from the shelves.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2004
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Quite a supple wine this vintage, neither heavy nor over-powering after three years and just starting to open out and stretch its legs. Not a wine to rush but enjoy the subtleties and the fruit as they unfold.
Quite a supple wine this vintage, neither heavy nor over-powering after three years and just starting to open out and stretch its legs. Not a wine to rush but enjoy the subtleties and the fruit as they unfold.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS - "An old school New Zealand Pinot Noir" Subtle peppery/oak nose and well structured palate with fine tannins, sweet fruit.
FOUR STARS - "An old school New Zealand Pinot Noir" Subtle peppery/oak nose and well structured palate with fine tannins, sweet fruit.
NZ House and Garden Don Higgins -
Savoury herbs on the nose with subdued fruit and some earthy, spicy characters. A soft, mid weight wine with gentle tannins and enough interest to have you going back for another glass or two.
Savoury herbs on the nose with subdued fruit and some earthy, spicy characters. A soft, mid weight wine with gentle tannins and enough interest to have you going back for another glass or two.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Lawson's releases some of its wine with extra bottle age which gives a mellower charm than the edgy younger wines. This gives the impression of being a lightish wine with hints of raspberries and strawberries, coffee, chocolate and ginger, however there's an underlying concentration and a crisp finish. It's good drinking now but will undoubtedly continue to develop for some time.
Lawson's releases some of its wine with extra bottle age which gives a mellower charm than the edgy younger wines. This gives the impression of being a lightish wine with hints of raspberries and strawberries, coffee, chocolate and ginger, however there's an underlying concentration and a crisp finish. It's good drinking now but will undoubtedly continue to develop for some time.
The Press (Christchurch) Tasting Panel -
Having one of those winter days when all you want to do is hibernate? This Pinot will refresh memories of summer, with the scents of ripening black cherries, soft twilights of cooling earth and the alcohol reflecting the sun's warmth on your cheeks. Soft and spicy mouthfeel, lingering ripe fruit flavours balanced by earthy tannins - this well-intergrated wine will deliver summer back to you.
Having one of those winter days when all you want to do is hibernate? This Pinot will refresh memories of summer, with the scents of ripening black cherries, soft twilights of cooling earth and the alcohol reflecting the sun's warmth on your cheeks. Soft and spicy mouthfeel, lingering ripe fruit flavours balanced by earthy tannins - this well-intergrated wine will deliver summer back to you.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2004
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith. -
Here is a classic Rose made form Pinot Noir. It has a bright cherry red colour, is fragrant with hints of berriess and has a satisfying weight in the mouth and a crisp, lively finish.
Here is a classic Rose made form Pinot Noir. It has a bright cherry red colour, is fragrant with hints of berriess and has a satisfying weight in the mouth and a crisp, lively finish.
The Sunday Times (UK) Jane MacQuitty(The Times) -
Jane MacQuitty's Top 100 Summer wines - Recommended Rose - Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rose 2004. The wine has a delicious, peppery fruit finish.
Jane MacQuitty's Top 100 Summer wines - Recommended Rose - Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rose 2004. The wine has a delicious, peppery fruit finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2004
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
Pale gold wine, drinking superbly now. Classic lemon/lime aromas and flavours in a dryish style, tight, minerally and strikingly intense....FIVE STARS.
Pale gold wine, drinking superbly now. Classic lemon/lime aromas and flavours in a dryish style, tight, minerally and strikingly intense....FIVE STARS.
Australian Sommelier Nick Stock -
This is a bigger, thicker style, richer colour in the glass. Fruits are a mix of lime peel, grapefruit zest and some ripe tropical notes drizzled with honey. Impressive wine, the palate has more citrus zest, crisp and direct, ripe mouth filling sweet fruit pushed from the middle of the wine, all knitting together to finish dry and savoury.
This is a bigger, thicker style, richer colour in the glass. Fruits are a mix of lime peel, grapefruit zest and some ripe tropical notes drizzled with honey. Impressive wine, the palate has more citrus zest, crisp and direct, ripe mouth filling sweet fruit pushed from the middle of the wine, all knitting together to finish dry and savoury.
Decanter Amy Wislocki/Christelle Guibert -
Quite restrained with good weight of peach and citrus fruit. Attractive spice on the finish, full but elegant.
Quite restrained with good weight of peach and citrus fruit. Attractive spice on the finish, full but elegant.
Vintage Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel. -
Five Stars - 95 points. An excellent Riesling from New Zealand. Brilliant straw colour. Powerful aromatic nose with aromas of lime, spice, orange blossom and just a touch of talc. The palate displays strong lime, lemon flavours followed by back palate flavours of lime and orange rind. Crisp acid back bone. Very long aftertaste of lime juice, spice and orange rind. -Celler 3-4 years.
Five Stars - 95 points. An excellent Riesling from New Zealand. Brilliant straw colour. Powerful aromatic nose with aromas of lime, spice, orange blossom and just a touch of talc. The palate displays strong lime, lemon flavours followed by back palate flavours of lime and orange rind. Crisp acid back bone. Very long aftertaste of lime juice, spice and orange rind. -Celler 3-4 years.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Tastes dry with a lovely spine, a hint of lime with some river stone mineral characters which are delicious with food. Young and fresh but no light weight, a wine which will open up beautifully through 2005 and perhaps show best for two years after that.
Tastes dry with a lovely spine, a hint of lime with some river stone mineral characters which are delicious with food. Young and fresh but no light weight, a wine which will open up beautifully through 2005 and perhaps show best for two years after that.
Hospitality Magazine Jane Skilton MW. -
88/100 - A well made, dryish Riesling with an impressive depth of ripe mineral and stone fruit flavours. In the glass the flavours open out, making the wine very enjoyable to drink immediately. However the tight structure and good concentration suggest it would also cellar well.
88/100 - A well made, dryish Riesling with an impressive depth of ripe mineral and stone fruit flavours. In the glass the flavours open out, making the wine very enjoyable to drink immediately. However the tight structure and good concentration suggest it would also cellar well.
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
Four and a half stars - Tightly structured,concentrated wine with lifted lemony,slightly minerally aromas and ripe grapefruit characters.Highly approachable wine,with a hint of sweetness and great all-round balance.
Four and a half stars - Tightly structured,concentrated wine with lifted lemony,slightly minerally aromas and ripe grapefruit characters.Highly approachable wine,with a hint of sweetness and great all-round balance.
Wine Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel. -
An excellent Riesling from New Zealand. Brilliant straw colour, with pale straw hue. Powerful aromatic nose, with aroma of lime, spice orange blossom, and just a touch of talc. The palate displays strong lime, lemon flavours, followed by back palate flavours of lime and orange rind. Crisp acid back bone. Very long aftertaste of lime juice, spice and orange rind. Cellar 3-4 years (2007-2008) Alc./Vol. 13%
An excellent Riesling from New Zealand. Brilliant straw colour, with pale straw hue. Powerful aromatic nose, with aroma of lime, spice orange blossom, and just a touch of talc. The palate displays strong lime, lemon flavours, followed by back palate flavours of lime and orange rind. Crisp acid back bone. Very long aftertaste of lime juice, spice and orange rind. Cellar 3-4 years (2007-2008) Alc./Vol. 13%
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
Floral aromas, ripe fruit hinting of pears and peaches, a tantalizing suggestion of mineral and a satisfying texture, weight and balance suggest this smart Riesling will develop well over several years. 4 star rating / good value
Floral aromas, ripe fruit hinting of pears and peaches, a tantalizing suggestion of mineral and a satisfying texture, weight and balance suggest this smart Riesling will develop well over several years. 4 star rating / good value
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS.
FOUR STARS.
The Sunday Times (UK) Jane MacQuitty. -
New Zealand's gang of twelve... If it's one of the group's top sauvignon you want, go for the starry 2004 Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc - A spicy, gooseberry, nettle and fresh lime delight. I was equally smitten with the same winery's gorgeous rose and lychee-charged 2004 Gewurztraminer, another triumph for Ross and Barbara Lawson who founded their winery not much more than a decade ago...read more about The Twelve in London www.timesonline.co.nz
New Zealand's gang of twelve... If it's one of the group's top sauvignon you want, go for the starry 2004 Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc - A spicy, gooseberry, nettle and fresh lime delight. I was equally smitten with the same winery's gorgeous rose and lychee-charged 2004 Gewurztraminer, another triumph for Ross and Barbara Lawson who founded their winery not much more than a decade ago...read more about The Twelve in London www.timesonline.co.nz
First Glass Wine & Spirits Ltd Tasting Panel. -
Could be the star of the vintage.
Could be the star of the vintage.
NZ Herald Joelle Thomson -
This wine, always one of the best from Marlborough, emerged yet again as a clear winner. It is made with grapes grown on several Marlborough vineyards, a small portion of which were fermented in oak for depth, weight, roundness and balance.
This wine, always one of the best from Marlborough, emerged yet again as a clear winner. It is made with grapes grown on several Marlborough vineyards, a small portion of which were fermented in oak for depth, weight, roundness and balance.
WineNZ Tasting panel -
Fleshy, full-bodied on the mid-palate and gorgeously refined, this wine is one of the best 2004 Sauvignon Blancs I have tasted to date. It is always good, however this vintage's linear fresh style put it firmly in the top tier of Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs.
Fleshy, full-bodied on the mid-palate and gorgeously refined, this wine is one of the best 2004 Sauvignon Blancs I have tasted to date. It is always good, however this vintage's linear fresh style put it firmly in the top tier of Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs.
Vintage Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel -
Rating 95 - Value Five Stars. The long cool dry autumn conditions extended vintage over a two month period.The longer than usual ripening period resulted in intense flavour development and slightly higher acid levels.Brilliant pale straw colour,fresh aromatic nose of ripe gooseberry,spice and tropical fruit.The palate has impressive depth with again ripe gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours dominating and lasting well into the aftertaste,crisp acid backbone-Drink 2005.
Rating 95 - Value Five Stars. The long cool dry autumn conditions extended vintage over a two month period.The longer than usual ripening period resulted in intense flavour development and slightly higher acid levels.Brilliant pale straw colour,fresh aromatic nose of ripe gooseberry,spice and tropical fruit.The palate has impressive depth with again ripe gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours dominating and lasting well into the aftertaste,crisp acid backbone-Drink 2005.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders. -
Something of a legend after so many years! Nicely fresh, balanced and flavoursome; a sound Marlborough Sauvignon with good depth of flavours and nicely balanced. Working well. In a word: A legendary Marlborough style with good depth of flavours and very well balanced.
Something of a legend after so many years! Nicely fresh, balanced and flavoursome; a sound Marlborough Sauvignon with good depth of flavours and nicely balanced. Working well. In a word: A legendary Marlborough style with good depth of flavours and very well balanced.
Food Service Sue Courtney -
Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004 brims with scintillating pungent aromas and mouth filling herb, lime and gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours. This exuberant new vintage Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best so far. Match to green salads or seafood.
Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004 brims with scintillating pungent aromas and mouth filling herb, lime and gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours. This exuberant new vintage Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best so far. Match to green salads or seafood.
Christchurch Mail -
Bright straw colour. Full bouquet with ripe, complex fruit; floral / citrus and capsicum aromas with tropical fruit hints in fine-textured flavour. Moderate weight in elegant, balance finish.
Bright straw colour. Full bouquet with ripe, complex fruit; floral / citrus and capsicum aromas with tropical fruit hints in fine-textured flavour. Moderate weight in elegant, balance finish.
Capital Times John Saker -
Classic - from the gooseberry, limey nose through to the long, slightly prickly finish - WINE OF THE WEEK.
Classic - from the gooseberry, limey nose through to the long, slightly prickly finish - WINE OF THE WEEK.
Dominion Post Warren Barton -
Classy - Typical zesty with intense varietal characters and a slivver of oak that adds some richness and complexity.
Classy - Typical zesty with intense varietal characters and a slivver of oak that adds some richness and complexity.
Otago Daily Times Charmain Smith -
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2004 is another no holds barred sauvignon - tropical fruit with a suggestion of capsicum, a hint of wood smoke and a lovely intensity and long aftertaste. Its one of those fine Marlborough Sauvignons that are delicious when just released as this is, but will develop more complexity over the next 18 months or so.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2004 is another no holds barred sauvignon - tropical fruit with a suggestion of capsicum, a hint of wood smoke and a lovely intensity and long aftertaste. Its one of those fine Marlborough Sauvignons that are delicious when just released as this is, but will develop more complexity over the next 18 months or so.
NZ Herald -
This is the best 2004 Sauvignon Blanc I have yet tasted with fleshy, flavoursome and seductive flavours and textures. It is not just a one-glass wonder, but a linear, focussed wine with fresh vibrant young acids stretching out to a long finish.
This is the best 2004 Sauvignon Blanc I have yet tasted with fleshy, flavoursome and seductive flavours and textures. It is not just a one-glass wonder, but a linear, focussed wine with fresh vibrant young acids stretching out to a long finish.
www.wineoftheweek.com Sue Courtney -
Its back! Scintillating Marlborough Sauvignon aromas with tropical fruit and a hint of musky armpit, lovely balance and richness in the palate and exhuberant flavours of apple, grass, herbs, limes and passionfruit building to a round, mouthfilling finish. Spicey, zesty, crisp and fresh, an excellent example of new vintage Sauvignon Blanc.
Its back! Scintillating Marlborough Sauvignon aromas with tropical fruit and a hint of musky armpit, lovely balance and richness in the palate and exhuberant flavours of apple, grass, herbs, limes and passionfruit building to a round, mouthfilling finish. Spicey, zesty, crisp and fresh, an excellent example of new vintage Sauvignon Blanc.
Lawson's Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2004
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
No little light-weight wine without barrels, but a full flavoured style, robust in its fruit statement. Plenty of butterscotch and alcohol to give a mouth-filling wine, lots of drinkability after two years and ready to be enjoyed with fish, poultry or game. Lovely to enjoy without oak.
No little light-weight wine without barrels, but a full flavoured style, robust in its fruit statement. Plenty of butterscotch and alcohol to give a mouth-filling wine, lots of drinkability after two years and ready to be enjoyed with fish, poultry or game. Lovely to enjoy without oak.
NZ House and Garden Don Higgins -
Pale lemon colour with a lovely citrus blossom and passionfruit nose. The absence of oak allows the fruit to shine through. Beautifully light and delicately creamy with a long, soft finish. Chardonnay for the sauvignon blanc drinker.
Pale lemon colour with a lovely citrus blossom and passionfruit nose. The absence of oak allows the fruit to shine through. Beautifully light and delicately creamy with a long, soft finish. Chardonnay for the sauvignon blanc drinker.
Vintage Direct (AUS) Tasting Panel -
Rating 93-value Five Stars. A fresh aromatic chardonnay, bright straw colour with delicate green hue. Aromas of fig, melon and spice followed by a hint of lemon.The palate is relatively restrained, lemon, citrus flavours emerge followed by grapefruit and melon. good length, crisp acid backbone. Aftertaste of lemon and grapfruit, cellar 2-3 years.
Rating 93-value Five Stars. A fresh aromatic chardonnay, bright straw colour with delicate green hue. Aromas of fig, melon and spice followed by a hint of lemon.The palate is relatively restrained, lemon, citrus flavours emerge followed by grapefruit and melon. good length, crisp acid backbone. Aftertaste of lemon and grapfruit, cellar 2-3 years.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Lawson’s Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2004 is a little raw and frisky at six months with lots here to open up over summer. Quite dry, some lees and mineral characters all adding interest. A beaut young wine to start drinking from March 2005 onwards. In a word: A beaut young wine opening up with some lovely lees and mineral characters oozing out. Start drinking March 2005.
Lawson’s Dry Hills Unoaked Chardonnay 2004 is a little raw and frisky at six months with lots here to open up over summer. Quite dry, some lees and mineral characters all adding interest. A beaut young wine to start drinking from March 2005 onwards. In a word: A beaut young wine opening up with some lovely lees and mineral characters oozing out. Start drinking March 2005.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2003
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
Inviting, complex nose. Citrus fruit showing structure and definition. A nice example of a more mature Chardonnay.
Inviting, complex nose. Citrus fruit showing structure and definition. A nice example of a more mature Chardonnay.
Otago Daily Times Charmain Smith -
This four year old wine shows just how deliciously good oaked Chardonnay can develop with a few years bottle age. It has mellowed and developed a lovely mealy complexity with creamy, nutty toasty flavours backed by citrus and stone fruit and has a fresh, lingering finish. It's drinking well now.
This four year old wine shows just how deliciously good oaked Chardonnay can develop with a few years bottle age. It has mellowed and developed a lovely mealy complexity with creamy, nutty toasty flavours backed by citrus and stone fruit and has a fresh, lingering finish. It's drinking well now.
Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel -
A rare opportunity to buy a mature Chardonnay at its peak. Pale gold, tightly structured and minerally, with concentrated, citrusy flavours, toasty, finty and lingering...FOUR STARS.
A rare opportunity to buy a mature Chardonnay at its peak. Pale gold, tightly structured and minerally, with concentrated, citrusy flavours, toasty, finty and lingering...FOUR STARS.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2003
NZ Home & Entertainment Bob Campbell. -
Intense wine with classic Turkish Delight flavours. Ages well.
Intense wine with classic Turkish Delight flavours. Ages well.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2003
WineNZ Tasting Panel. -
Incredible colour for 2003. The nose is intriguing, lots of dark exotic fruits, also a eucalyptus,menthol edge. The palate has some bramble/cassis and berry fruit flavours with a touch of dried herb.
Incredible colour for 2003. The nose is intriguing, lots of dark exotic fruits, also a eucalyptus,menthol edge. The palate has some bramble/cassis and berry fruit flavours with a touch of dried herb.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Warm and generous, nicely textured, showing some concentration of pinot fruit characters; neither heavy nor over-powering. At three years, just starting to open out, stretch its legs and offer very good drinking for the next couple of years at least.
Warm and generous, nicely textured, showing some concentration of pinot fruit characters; neither heavy nor over-powering. At three years, just starting to open out, stretch its legs and offer very good drinking for the next couple of years at least.
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Huon Hooke/Bob Campbell MW. -
100 TOP NEW RELEASE WINES.85 points - FOUR STARS...An impressive pinot noir from a Marlborough winemaker better known for its aromatic white wines.Moderately intense red with firm tannins and tangy acidity. A bright vibrant and fairly gutsy pinot noir with a classy oak influence.
100 TOP NEW RELEASE WINES.85 points - FOUR STARS...An impressive pinot noir from a Marlborough winemaker better known for its aromatic white wines.Moderately intense red with firm tannins and tangy acidity. A bright vibrant and fairly gutsy pinot noir with a classy oak influence.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
A lively, spicy wine still with lots of berry fruit and good depth of flavour, at three years old it is developing an intriguing hint of earthiness, although it still has the tightness and charm of youth. Drinking nicely.
A lively, spicy wine still with lots of berry fruit and good depth of flavour, at three years old it is developing an intriguing hint of earthiness, although it still has the tightness and charm of youth. Drinking nicely.
Avenues Magazine Michael East -
A smoky nose with plum and cranberry, yet the palate is still a little bit closed. Nonetheless it promoises to unfurl in time. The tannins are soft and not overpowering. This is a very good Pinot at a very good price. It will be very interesting to see how this wine evolves over the next couple of years.
A smoky nose with plum and cranberry, yet the palate is still a little bit closed. Nonetheless it promoises to unfurl in time. The tannins are soft and not overpowering. This is a very good Pinot at a very good price. It will be very interesting to see how this wine evolves over the next couple of years.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Tasting really well at 33 months, held back to develop and that works well. A warm generous style, neither heavy nor over-powering. Just starting to open out, stretch its legs and promise neat things through the summer of early 2006. Not a wine to rush, promising heaps 2006-08.
Tasting really well at 33 months, held back to develop and that works well. A warm generous style, neither heavy nor over-powering. Just starting to open out, stretch its legs and promise neat things through the summer of early 2006. Not a wine to rush, promising heaps 2006-08.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé 2003
Northern Advocate Graeme Barrow -
Plums and mushrooms, slightly savoury, balanced with light tannins.
Plums and mushrooms, slightly savoury, balanced with light tannins.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 2003
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Bob Cambell MW. -
A bright, fresh Marlborough style with ripe lime and lemon flavours. A touch of sweetness is perfectly balanced by crisp acidity to give a drying finish - Four stars - 87 points.
A bright, fresh Marlborough style with ripe lime and lemon flavours. A touch of sweetness is perfectly balanced by crisp acidity to give a drying finish - Four stars - 87 points.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2002
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Huon Hooke/Bob Campbell MW. -
89/FOUR STARS. Appealing developed Chardonnay, hay straw and subtle toast flavours. White peach, spicy oak, yeast lees and some forest floor development. Good example of a wine developing well under screwcap.
89/FOUR STARS. Appealing developed Chardonnay, hay straw and subtle toast flavours. White peach, spicy oak, yeast lees and some forest floor development. Good example of a wine developing well under screwcap.
WineNZ Tasting Panel -
From the 2002 vintage, but bottled under screwcap which has ensured the wine remains vibrant and fresh. A complex multi layered wine with a rich fruit flavour, subtle well integrated oak and a long finish.
From the 2002 vintage, but bottled under screwcap which has ensured the wine remains vibrant and fresh. A complex multi layered wine with a rich fruit flavour, subtle well integrated oak and a long finish.
The Press (Christchurch) Kate Fraser -
Ripe and golden with a nutty, toasty nose and a smooth mouthfeel. The grapes came from four different sites and winemakers Mike Just and Marcus Wright will be please with their work. We need more big but balanced Chardonnays like this one to counter theABC(anything-but-Chardonnay) tpyes. Screwcap closure.
Ripe and golden with a nutty, toasty nose and a smooth mouthfeel. The grapes came from four different sites and winemakers Mike Just and Marcus Wright will be please with their work. We need more big but balanced Chardonnays like this one to counter theABC(anything-but-Chardonnay) tpyes. Screwcap closure.
Cuisine Magazine Michael Cooper -
OFF THE PRESS...Many wineries are selling young Chardonnays from 2004 , but Ross and Barbara Lawson recently released the 2002 vintage of the Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Chardonnay($24.95).With its tropical-fruit and toasty oak flavours with the complexity that comes with bottle-age, it's a delicious wine at the peak of its powers. Drink it now and over the next year.
OFF THE PRESS...Many wineries are selling young Chardonnays from 2004 , but Ross and Barbara Lawson recently released the 2002 vintage of the Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Chardonnay($24.95).With its tropical-fruit and toasty oak flavours with the complexity that comes with bottle-age, it's a delicious wine at the peak of its powers. Drink it now and over the next year.
F & B Magazine Peter Saunders -
Lovely Marlborough Chardonnay, mouth filling and wholehearted.Great value. In a word: Lovely more mature style showing depth in the fruit, mouthfilling and robust.
Lovely Marlborough Chardonnay, mouth filling and wholehearted.Great value. In a word: Lovely more mature style showing depth in the fruit, mouthfilling and robust.
Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith -
It's not often a mature Chardonnay is available off the shelf, Lawsons are releasing this three year old wine. It's funky and mellow, with suggestions of butterscotch and a lively citrus tingle on the finish. As wine ages, the primary fruit flavours disappear, more complex tertiary characters develop and the wine becomes as much about texture and intensity as fruit. This is drinking nicely now. Aged Chardonnay is something you don't normally get to taste unless you cellar wine yourself but don't expect it to be like a fresh young Chardonnay.
It's not often a mature Chardonnay is available off the shelf, Lawsons are releasing this three year old wine. It's funky and mellow, with suggestions of butterscotch and a lively citrus tingle on the finish. As wine ages, the primary fruit flavours disappear, more complex tertiary characters develop and the wine becomes as much about texture and intensity as fruit. This is drinking nicely now. Aged Chardonnay is something you don't normally get to taste unless you cellar wine yourself but don't expect it to be like a fresh young Chardonnay.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2002
TiZwine.com Tasting TiZwine.com Tasting Panel -
RECOMMENDED: This appealing middleweight has spicy oak behind the ripe plum aromas, and good fruit on the palate. Its a little lean on the finish, but still has plenty of appeal.
RECOMMENDED: This appealing middleweight has spicy oak behind the ripe plum aromas, and good fruit on the palate. Its a little lean on the finish, but still has plenty of appeal.
Lawson's Dry Hills Chardonnay 2001
TiZwine.com Tasting TiZwine.com Tasting Panel -
RECOMMENDED: Grapefruit and vanilla notes are backed by pleasantly savoury oak. Its nicely textured, with creamy notes behind the obviously ripe fruit. The finish is clean and refreshing.
RECOMMENDED: Grapefruit and vanilla notes are backed by pleasantly savoury oak. Its nicely textured, with creamy notes behind the obviously ripe fruit. The finish is clean and refreshing.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2000
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FIVE STARS.
FIVE STARS.
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 1999
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FOUR STARS.
FOUR STARS.
Lawson's Dry Hills Riesling 1999
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel -
FOUR STARS.
FOUR STARS.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 1999
Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel. -
FIVE STARS - TOP NEW ZEALAND SAUVIGNON BLANC IN THE TASTING.
FIVE STARS - TOP NEW ZEALAND SAUVIGNON BLANC IN THE TASTING.