Rodney Fletcher Vintners : our New Zealand wines

New Zealand

Not so long ago we could have sold our allocation of Cloudy Bay of any grape variety many times over and at whatever price we picked. Times have changed, demand has settled and, on the odd occasion, we have found ourselves offering a few bottles of the Chardonnay on our 'bin end' list. The Cloudy Bay bonanza did plenty of good for the New Zealand wine industry in terms of publicity, however, and the quality from other producers has rocketed in their attempt to cash in on the craze. Cloudy Bay remains the benchmark and, for many, the one and only Kiwi Sauvignon (you can enquire, but the chances of us having any spare remain very slim). However, for those for whom it is the drink and not the name which is important, and for whom price remains a factor in the purchase, we can offer a selection of very fine Sauvignons, all of which carry the unmistakable aroma, freshness and hints of grass and gooseberry which can only be found in wines from this grape and country, and all for less than the price of a good Sancerre

White £ per bottle case

Moko Black Marlborough Sauvignon 2009 8.62 103.40 at a good price for a Marlborough Sauvignon of this quality, packed with the characteristic flavours of gooseberry & passion fruit, made by young winemaker Ant Moore

Aotea Nelson Sauvignon 2009 9.13 109.51 attractive, underplayed style with perfect balance of acidity and dry flavour

Stanley Estates Sauvignon 2009, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 9.73 116.80 From this tiny microclimate outside Blenheim, the first vintage bottled under their own label, British couple Bridget Ennals & Steve Pellet have produced a unique wine, packed with the gooseberry & apple flavours expected from a Marlborough Sauvignon but with extra dimensions of currant & capsicum, amongst others. Drink now or keep for up to 3 years www.stanleyestates.co.nz

Tindall Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon 2008 10.77 129.25 a full bodied wine with decent weight, fresh & zesty and (halves) 5.97 143.35 showing superb varietal characteristics

Red

Southbank Estate 'The Terraces' Hawkes Bay 9.69 116.33 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 aged for 2 years in new & seasoned oak, dark ruby in colour, flavours of vanilla & sweet spice and a firm backbone

Tindall Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008 12.67 152.05 soft, smooth & supple, single estate wine showing superb varietal characteristics

Johner Estate Gladstone Pinot Noir 2004, Wairarapa 19.00 227.95 an open wine with spicy blackberry & blueberry fruit, a touch of clove and a long, lingering finish

Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough 17.65 211.80

Sparkling

Cloudy Bay Pelorus NV 14.28 171.36

Prices are all inclusive of VAT

Minimum order is one case (of 12 bottles or equivalent) which may be mixed from any of our wines listed

Delivery is free for all orders within our own delivery area (currently London and most surrounding counties) and for 3+ case orders throughout the remainder of the UK, excluding Highlands & Islands (please enquire for rates). Orders of less than 3 cases sent by third party carrier will be charged at cost or below (around £5.20 per case excluding VAT)

Please contact us for any further information : wine@rfvintners.co.uk

Tel : 01892 724314 / 724209

Rodney Fletcher Vintners are independent Kent wine merchants & shippers supplying trade & private customers throughout the UK