Tasting Panel - Best of the Best 2019

It’s the dish Champions League! Drinks Editor Yvonne Lorkin rounds up the wines and beers that topped our tastings over the past year.

Nautilus Cuvée Marlborough Brut NV ($39) - Gold Medal

If Nautilus winemaker Clive Jones’ initials were CG then we’d be cool with it because that’d stand for ‘complete genius’ – and that’s what his sparkling wine skills represent. “Lovely lees complexity, great presence and a texturally delicious mouthfeel,” announced Yvonne, while Cameron commented on the alluring roasted orchard fruits, toasty bouquet and long, rich finish that made this wine an easy winner. Made in the traditional method from 70 per cent pinot noir and 30 per cent chardonnay, it’s aged on its lees for three years before being disgorged to develop its famously delicious, biscuity, toasty flavours and, according to Rebecca, racy apple nuances. An absolute rock star that should be on your try-before-you-die list.

Daniel Le Brun Marlborough Vintage 2010 ($39.99) - Gold Medal

Rebecca immediately noted its cleansing, fresh, marzipan notes, its elegant style and electricity on the palate. “I also love the biscuity nature of this wine,” commented Yvonne, “the almond meal, rising dough and serious mid-palate richness”. “It’s a very satisfying wine; long and flavoursome but with real finesse and delicacy,” added Cameron. Its cashew nut complexity and sophisticated, classy characters give this wine real generosity and drinkability. Stunning stuff.

Sawmill Brewery eXtra Pale Ale (XPA) 330ml ($21.99 x 6pk) 4.9% abv - Gold Medal

Yvonne loved the fresh acidity and hop layers in this exceptionally flavoursome beer. “Superb drinkability and balance, plus the astringency is complex and carries real personality.” Michael agreed, applauding its attractive aromas, its lean, clear, generous mouthfeel and its lovely bitterness. “Ultra-pale, fresh and fruity, clean and balanced, I could quite happily drink it all day,” announced Martin.

8 Wired Cucumber Hippy Berliner Weisse 440ml ($75 x 12pk) 4% abv - Gold Medal

“Wow! Wonderfully fresh cucumbers! Zingy and fruity and you SO should try this with a shot of Hendrick’s Gin,” urged Martin. Michael loved its gorgeous vinaigrette nose and sharp saltiness, “refreshing as an ice bath – yumbo!” Yvonne was suitably wowed by its nuances of white pepper and cucumber and its herbaceous, sour and seriously tangy mouthfeel.

te Pā Reserve Collection St Leonard’s Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 ($49.99) - Gold Medal

This wine made an immediate impact on our judges. “Each sip is a wow moment,” said Yvonne, while Jane was impressed with its intense fruit purity, ripe fig notes, lovely, almondy oak and its “completeness”. It’s a harmonious, juicy, highly appealing example that’s hard to put down. Softly smoky, whipcrack fresh and bursting with stone fruit and citrus, winemaker Sam Bennett’s spectacular chardonnay will wow the crowds. That’s if you can bring yourself to share it.

Brancott Estate Letter Series ‘O’ Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 ($19.99- $29.99) - Gold Medal

That this wine romps in at under $30 is a total headscratcher because it outclassed wines three times the price, and that it can be found discounted to $19.99 is even crazier. “Such an outstanding wine,” announced Yvonne. “Perfumed with spiced popcorn and grilled grapefruit, it’s richly layered with stone fruit, struck match and caramelised oak elements. It unveils new flavours with every sip.” Corey agreed, applauding the fine lemon curd and toasty textures. It is absolutely a joy to drink and represents a juicy, intensely fresh walk on the wild side.

Auntsfield Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 ($45) - Gold Medal

Holy moly! This is an aristocrat if ever there was one. “Dark, fleshy, bold and fruity,” said Cameron. Corey was equally impressed, adding dense cherry, black doris and spiced currant characters to the mix, while Ric salivated over its big, ripe, juicy mouthfeel and beyond lovely drinkability. The team at Auntsfield have created a seriously impressive wine with layers of dried herbs and firm, sweet tannins. Totally deserving of the top spot.

Akarua Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2017 ($45) - Gold Medal

“Love!” noted Yvonne at the first sip. “It’s dark, glossy and inky in the glass, seriously juicy and succulent.” Jane agreed: “Gorgeous colour and really lifted on the nose, it’s a floral, fruity, sensational wine that’s nicely integrated and harmonious, soft, velvety and incredibly ripe.” This pure and delightful pinot also impressed the pants off Colin. “Lustrous colour, lush, classy, fruit, good use of stems. Ripe but refined.”

Outlier Cartel Cloudburst Oat Cream Douple IPA 440ml ($10.90) 8.5% abv 75 ibu - Gold Medal

Wow. Wow. And triple wow. This incredibly balanced beauty from brewer Carlos de la Barra and his team pulls in huge hoppiness on the nose, hints of mānuka honey and is quietly persistent, according to Cameron. The hops hit Martin in the face with rocking resinosity (new word). “Light on its feet for such a big beer,” he marvelled. “Totally smashable,” Yvonne agreed, noting its rich yet refreshing texture and bitterness.

Tuatara XV Russian Imperial Stout 500ml ($19.99) 11% abv 90 ibu - Gold Medal

“I LOVE this deliciously rich, rumpty, brew with its espresso-hued foamy head and aromatic intensity on the nose that’s matched by a long, creamy finish – great stuff!” announced Yvonne on the first sip of this beer. Cameron felt it was as rich as a Turkish coffee mix, with creamy cocoa and dark smoky tones. “Other-worldly, powerful but benevolent,” sighed Martin, instructing future drinkers to pour over quality vanilla ice cream immediately.

Vidal Estate Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($20) - Gold Medal

A unanimous winner. To quote the 90s Britpop sensations Jesus Jones: “Right here right now – there is no other place I want to be!” said Yvonne of this miraculously tasty Marlborough sauvignon, crafted by Hugh Crichton and his team at Vidal Estate. “It’s juicy, rich and erupts with huge herbaceousness, jalapeño and lime.” Ross agreed, saying that with its sweet floral and white nectarine notes, it gets better with every sip. Cameron applauded its solid, crisp, refreshing character and deliciously dry length of flavour. This is a true champion sauvignon blanc and the fact that you can buy it for $20 or less from your average supermarket is mind-blowing.

Waimea Estate Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($19.99) - Gold Medal

“Such a pretty wine, showing classic herbs, nettles, florals and incredible concentration; this is a seriously attractively fruity wine,” noted Jane. While agreeing on the ‘nettle’ front, it was the length of flavour that impressed James. “Powerful,” said Colin. “Here’s a wine with intense depth of flavour and lovely balance.” The team at Waimea have Nelson sauvignon blanc nailed.