Murdoch James Estate, "Fraser" Pinot Noir 2003; Isabel Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2006; Martinborough Vineyard, Te Tera Pinot Noir, 2004
Murdoch James Estate, "Fraser" Pinot Noir 2003, Martinborough, 13%, €37.50Unlike more than 90 per cent of the New Zealand wine industry, Murdoch James prefers corks to screwcaps, but then it believes that its wine, such as this top-of-the-range Pinot, requires time to reveal its class. This rich and smooth wine has hints of dark cherry, plum and leather and finishes with nuanced elegance. Waterford Wine Vault; Gibneys, Malahide, Co Dublin; Chester Beattys, Ashford, Co Wicklow; Next Door, branches.
Isabel Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2006, 13%, €18.95This is a textbook example of where Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc can go: vivid tropical nose but interestingly rich and complex in the mouth, with a lively finish. A class act. Cheers, Delgany, Co Wicklow; Foley's, Sligo; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, Co Dublin; Karwig Wines, Cork; Mitchell & Son, Kildare Street, D2, and Glasthule, Co Dublin; Mortons, Galway; Thomas's, Foxrock, Dublin 18.
Martinborough Vineyard, Te Tera Pinot Noir, 2004, 13.5%, €22.99The lightweight brother of this notable winery's senior Pinot Noir, in terms of both price and texture. Te Tera has an appealing gamy profile, however, with lots of cherry and berry fruit to add interest. From www.jnwine.com; World Wide Wines, Dunmore, Co Waterford; Kenmare Fine Foods, Co Kerry; Partridge's, Gorey, Co Wexford.