Cameron Douglas MS, reviews The Marlborist 2020 wines.
We're so fortunate to have individuals like Cameron Douglas Master Sommelier here in New Zealand with such an incredible amount of knowledge of the wines of the world and an intimate understanding of Marlborough. We've been waiting in anticipation to hear his thoughts on our first releases.
Published just in time for Sauvignon Blanc Day, 6th May, Grande Sauvignon sits proudly as his ‘Wine of the Week’ this week. Thanks for your lovely words, Cam. We look forward to bringing you on our journey as we celebrate all things Marlborough.
The Marlborist Grande Sauvignon 2020 – 94 Points, Excellent (sold out)
Very attractive bouquet, ripe, fresh, pure and new. I really like the texture of this wine with a fine almost mealy mouthfeel emphasising the use of lees and acidity to drive these ideas through the palate. Citrus and fresh white-fleshed orchard fruits, just a whisper of tropical fruit then a fine fresh green herb quality. Excellent balance and length with complexity and youthful charm. Well made with good drinking from the day of purchase and through to 2025+.
The Marlborist Chardonnay 2020 – 93 Points, Excellent
The bouquet delivers nice complexity with a fine lees and spice lift then aromas and flavours of fresh and baked stone fruit, red apple and a baked custard note before the compexity of French oak and baking spices layer through. Dry with a near full-bodied weight, fine satin texture with acidity and fine wood tannins to lay the foundation. Fruit flavours of yellow and white flesh, citrus and a fine raw cashew nut quality add complexity to athis youthful and totally drinkable example. The use of higher solids in the winemaking show as a touch of gunlint and wild spice along with a floral charm and mineral quality. Best drinking from 2022 through 2028+.
The Marlborist Pinot Noir 2020 – 93 Points, Excellent (sold out)
There's no mistaking the power and impact of the wine. It is varietal and has pinosity, a youthful complexity, some floral charms and plenty of energy in the scents of oak. There's a purity of fruit with aromas and flavours of dark cherry and wild forest berries. Oak flavours cement the texture partnering with acidity to contrast the fruit, but also deliver a signature of toasty baking spices and firm-ish youthful tannins, adding to the complexity. A wine that still requires more cellar time if you can be patient. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029+.