NZ premium Bordeaux style Reds - what do you buy?

[Bick]

I'm interested in hearing (probably from those of you in NZ) which of the NZ premium Bordeaux style wines you regularly buy?

I imagine the likely short list includes the likes of Coleraine, Unison Selection, Esk Valley Terraces, Larose, Goldwater Goldie, Cornerstone, Craggy Range, Benfield and Delemare, Providence, even?

Does anyone get any of these each year, and does anyone get Stonyridge en primeur? (Has anyone even had Providence?)

Curious to know where folk put their money, year in year out.

I can't really afford to try all the wines I've not previously had from that list, so this would be interesting to hear. Thanks.

[Craig(NZ)]

Hi Bick

You have a pretty good list. I regularly buy Coleraine, in good vintages reasonable quantities. 05 is a excellent vintage and price is reasonable for such an icon

Also of course Unison Selection I buy every year.

Stonyridge Larose because value for moneywise it loses out, I only buy the odd bottle here and there. If you do buy shop around. I have seen the 05 for $89 at one retailer and $220 at another.

Providence I have tried and it is very good though it is over $200 and I dont think its retailed in NZ anywhere? I sure havent seen it for many years though you can buy it (by the case???) if you contact the vineyard.

If you like st emillion styled wines id recommend the 05 Puriri Hills reserve from Clevedon which is more fair value for money than some. Also Craggy Sophia is a pretty good buy.

C

[Bick]

Many thanks Craig. I'll have to try the Unison (just checked and Caro's actually have some of the 2005). A full case of Providence at $200/btl probably isn't going to happen though!

[michaelw]

In Aus, Larose is very hard to come by at retail or auction. I have been buying en primeur for about 5 years now and share my allocation with a couple of friends. It costs about A$87 landed and delivered in Aus which, while being expensive, isn't too bad in reality. To get this wine you must take up your allocation each year or you fall off the list - not unlike some cult/icon Australian winery mailing lists.

[KeithT]

In addition to those already mentioned I would suggest Villa Maria, Vidal and CJ Pask.

They offer very good value for money and are often a match for the more expensive brands.

KeithT

[Ian S]

Coleraine, Awatea from Te Mata
Cornerstone
CJ Pask
have all been good at some point

though there's a few more I'd like to try over time, mainly from Hawkes Bay