Spy Valley Wines from New Zealand

Spy Valley Riesling 2005
A very bright floral nose with citrus, peach, chamomile, and apple notes. On the palate there are nice, slightly ripe flavors of apples and peaches. Nice. It reminds me of a cross between Washington State Riesling and a Cheap German Riesling. Refreshing. 86 Points


Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2006
(All estate fruit. Spends up to 12 months on the lees) Nice rich nose with a noticeable yeasty note that is reminiscent of some Alsace Pinot Gris, however with much riper fruit aromas. Round and creamy on the palate with apple and nectarine notes. 87 Points


Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006
(50% is estate fruit, and 50% is sourced from locations both up the river valley and down. Spends 4 months on the lees) A very vibrant, grassy and spicy nose. However, on the palate the wine shows much riper passion fruit, tropical fruit, and grapefruit notes. Racy and delicious. 90 Points


Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2005
(Estate grown, 12 months in French oak) The Spy Valley winery benefits from having vineyards farther up the Wairau Valley. While this does force them to purchase Sauvignon grapes from other parts of the valley in order to make a complex Sauvignon Blanc, it greatly benefits their Pinot Noir vines. Very good aromas of blackberry, spice, medicinal herbs, smoke, and earthy autumn notes(?). Very soft on the palate with great acidity and good concentration. It displays notes of black cherry, berry fruit, and spice with nice tannins. This is still a little tight, but it is an undeniably great Pinot Noir, and definitely the best this group. 92 Points