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The
wines of Goldwater Estate, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
18 Causeway Road, Putiki Bay,
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Phone: (09) 372 7493 Fax: (09) 372 6827
E-mail: goldwine@compuserve.com
UK agent: Hallgarten (01582 722 538)
Goldwater Estate is a high-level
producer based on Waiheke Island (just off Auckland, in North Island).
Land is at a premium on the island, so the 13 hectares planted there
(which produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay) are
supplemented by 35 hectares in Marlborough under long-term contract
(Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay). The Waiheke reds are expensive and
sought after.
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2001,
Marlborough
Pale coloured. Rounded nose is quite rich, with a spicy edge, but
is not overblown. Fresh, grassy, rounded palate. Quite a full style of
Sauvignon. Very good (£7.99 Majestic)
Zell Chardonnay 2000, Waiheke
Island
Still fairly taut and youthful, with some smoky, toasty complexity
to the rich fruit on the nose. Quite a richly textured palate with
some classy herb-tinged fruit and well-integrated oak. Very good+ (c.
£20)
Roseland Chardonnay 1999,
Marlborough
Ripe, rounded nose with a sweet caramel and herby edge to the
fruit. Simple fruity style with juicy, citrussy fruit on the bright
palate. Good/very good (c. £8)
Esslin Merlot 1999, Waiheke
Island
Full red colour with a fading edge. Intense, spicy, richly berry
fruited nose. Concentrated, juicy berry fruit on the palate with some
spicy tannins. Rich but restrained, and very tasty. Very good+ (£20+)
Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 1998,
Waiheke Island
Deep red colour slightly fading at the rim. Wonderfully intense
nose showing bright berry fruit: quite sweet but with a rich savoury/spicy
edge. The chunky palate displays rich fruit, some tannins and a spicy
finish. This is super stuff: concentrated but restrained in quite an
old-world style. Nice balance. Very good/excellent (£20+)
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wines tasted
February 2002
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