The Auswine Forum

I have the option of buying some 2001 Larose. Has anyone tried, or alternatively does anyone have a view on the vintage in NZ?

Thanks

My Notes

2001 Stonyridge Larose One of New Zealand’s great wines. Arguably New Zealands best Bordeaux blend. Waiheke Islands greatest. 2001 was a difficult year on the island, but Stonyridge has put together an excellent effort. Nose is very typical Stonyridge, hints of violets and herbs amongst black fruits. The first thing you notice on the palate is the acids are a little higher than usual (said to be a result of the high 15% Petit Verdot) but this wine is very much in the standard Stonyridge style. It is not as big as vintages such as 94, 96, 99 or 00, but shows typical fine, restrained black fruits, good complexity, fine acids and tannin leading into a long finish. It’s very drinkable and shows plenty of interest and complexity. The wine shows all the breed of Stonyridge and all the class, if not the size of a top vintage. How it will age is the question I would not try to answer, though it certainly needs 3-5 years to open up its compact frame. There is no doubt that the price of Stonyridge puts it into special occasion mode for even the most well off, but as I have said before, at least in this instance, the label delivers. 11/02 $125 17.5+/20

www.kiwiwinefanclub.co.nz

Cheers

Craig

Good to see you Craig

btw u tried the 02 Feltons or anyother pinots?
michel

Just personally Brett I found the 2001 Larose disappointing. Sure it was a nice wine and all but $30-$40 nice not $120 nice. I've always been of the opinion that unless you have the financial resources to afford to buy (and drink) from a particular estate every vinatage you should stick to the best years for this type of (grand marque) wine. Part of the reason you are probably buying is the label and to try a great wine that will impress. It doesn't look like you are a regular follower of Stonyridge so why make your first (possibly only) purchase from a vintage that is not particularly great. You will (probably IMO) be dissapointed. Why not try and track down some 1996 or 1994 for what will be a similar price on the secondary market.

Regan is right to a point.

I am with him. I wouldnt spend the money on a lesser vintage. My favourite vintages are 94,96,99. I only have ever bought a bottle here, a bottle there. I cant afford to drink this type of wine more than once every year or so.

However I do think this wine is better than a $30-40 wine. Sure there is always diminishing returns, but Stonyridge is the true Waiheke King both by reputation and in reality. There are so many pretenders on the island, and it may be trendy to knock Stonyridge, but you wont find me doing that.

Ive only tried 7 vintages of SRL, and many of them only on one occassion, but every one of them was a delight and impressed. It is a fine wine and in my books deserves its exalted position.

Craig
www.kiwiwinefanclub.co.nz

Thanks guys, invested in 3 bottles and will give one a go