Take a step sideways into two wines from brands that have recently gone through some major rebranding. The labels are slick, the stories are solid and most important, the wines are seriously good.
Bannockbrae Goldfields Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014, $30
This is one heck of an exotically perfumed pinot made for the Bannockbrae team by world-class winemaking wahine, Sarah-Kate (SK) Dineen. Boasting plum, black tea, hedgerow fruit, savoury and peppery notes and a chunk of cherry on the palate, it has freshness, buoyancy and real character. The spice layers and solid tannic grip make for real interest on the finish too. Huge potential here. bannockbrae.co.nz
Mahana Clays and Gravels Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2014, $25
Previously known as Woollaston Estate, this is sauvignon blanc made 'off road' in that it's about as far removed from the clean, green, crispy clean style that New Zealand is famous for. Ripe fruit was fermented on its skins (to extract chew and astringency for texture), then the wine was aged for 12 months in a combination of oak puncheons and acacia barrels and the lees stirred regularly to add layers of silky creaminess. The result is a sauvignon showing lemongrass, pepper, lime, lean acidity and toasty oak complexity. Outstanding stuff. mahana.nz
