Douglas Haynes with the assistance of Anne Boustead presented a well-received tasting last month and a great turnout. This was an exciting evening, with some very different expressions of wine varieties on hand to taste. Interestingly this vineyard also has its own brand of olive oil.
Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate is a family-owned, boutique winery located in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The wines we tasted were:
- Cest Beau Rose: The introductory wine. This was a non-vintage Viognier base
with both Tempranillo and Semillon that was late harvested in the Moscato
style - Deux Blanco 218: A Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 50/50 blend that was entirely
barrel fermented where the grapes were picked early - Viognier 2020 was also completely barrel-fermented. Viognier is Douglas
passion and this Viognier did not disappoint. - Rosado 2020 is a 100% Tempranillo rose being entirely stainless steel fermented and aged. This wine was one of the highlight wines of the evening.
- Pinot Noir 2014 was a surprise wine from Hawkes Bay with an interesting
back story. The wine was aged in French oak for 10 months and just bottled
before Christmas 2020 - Syrah 2014 had classic Syrah characteristics of dark berry fruits with coffee,
chocolate and subtle spice - Grand Reserve Tempranillo 2015: This is Hawkes Ridge Winery’s premium
wine. It was another highlight of the evening. The wine was only bottled in 2018 and should cellar well - Late Harvest Viognier 2016 is one of three late harvest/noble wines that Hawkes Ridge Winery produce. This wine was bottled in 2018 and although very rich, it was true to Viognier’s varietal characteristics.
Thank you to everyone who supported Hawk Ridge by ordering wines, as well as their olive oil which was on the order form, albeit not tasted. This meeting was great to start our tasting year.
