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Ian Anderson Sommelier

Ian Anderson Sommelier

3131 days ago

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 90/100

30 year old vines with a 70/30 blend of Sauvignon and Semillon, this wine is aged on lees for 8 months and delivers rich and concentrated aromas and flavours. Delectable melon and passion fruit lingered with grassy, herbal tones. It almost had an effervescent quality. Some peppery notes later. It has a dry, crisp, weighty, fruit-driven finish.

Toi Toi Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Marlborough, New Zealand
3131 days ago

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 88/100

Very pale colour but intensely aromatic. Tropical fruit, sweet citrus, no herbal aromas. On the palate it was well balanced with a lot of sweet fruit and some herbaceous notes. Pineapple featured prominently. It wasn't as crisp a finish as I hoped but it was long and sweet.

Squealing Pig Pinot Noir 2014

Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
3132 days ago

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 90/100

As with the great name, this wine leaves the taster squealing with pleasure. Ripe red fruit is there with a host of other aromas such as floral, vanilla, and earth. The heat of Central Otago replays in the 13.5% and some heat on the finish. While the nose hinted intensity, the palate really demonstrates that with white pepper and spice to match the fruit. The tannins are smooth but still give you that delightful grip on the finish.

Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2013

Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
3132 days ago

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 88/100

It starts with the classic Pinot Noir nose. Intense red berry, leathery, and herbaceous. Good depth and complexity, so you get a lot more than just fruit. The wine itself is rich and velvety. Strong acidity blends well with the fruit and the oak aging shows on the palate with some vanilla. The fruit in the wine ensures it will be enjoyable on its own, but the spices and leather notes make it good for pairing as well. Game springs to mind as well as pork or tangy cheese.

Latitude

Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir 2014

Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
3132 days ago

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 91/100

This was my favourite Pinot from the NZ wine fair (Ottawa 2016). Ripe cherry and cranberry burst out initially. Very intense bouquet with smoky, nutty, herbs, dates and even some cinnamon tones. Medium bodied, beautifully balanced, terrific drying acidity. Really subtle and integrated tannins allow for great structure and a long fruit finish. Typical of the elegance possible in Marlborough.

Ian Anderson Sommelier

Wine BloggerVisit Ian Anderson's Website
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award