Australia's leading wine critic, James Halliday awards Bird in Hand Winery a ground breaking 4 wines with 95+ points!
Bird in Hand wines have eclipsed last years success with a ground breaking 4 wines rated 95 plus points including 96 points for the flagship Nest Egg Shiraz 2008.
This years results further demonstrate Bird in Hand’s commitment to producing world class wines.
An impressive 12 Bird in Hand wines have been awarded 90 points and above.
Bird in Hand was awarded another 5 Star rating, the highest accolade possible, for the fourth year in succession.
These results exemplify Bird in Hand’s progression toward becoming one of the world’s great wineries.
2008 Nest Egg Shiraz – 96 points
2009 Nest Egg Chardonnay – 95 points
2009 Bird in Hand Sauvignon Blanc – 95 points
2009 Bird in Hand Honeysuckle Riesling – 95 points
Bird in Hand Mt Lofty Ranges Shiraz 2008 (current vintage 2007) Deep purple-crimson; the aromatic bouquet is reflected in the bright red and black fruit flavours of the medium-bodied palate, with spice and pepper plus cedary French oak extending its finish. Screwcap.
14.5% alc. Rating 93 Drink 2018
Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir 2009 (substituted with 2010 vintage) Bright, light pink; no suggestion of bottle fermentation, nor age on lees; however, the flavours are complex, with distinct savoury/spicy overtones to the strawberry fruit. Cork.
12.5% alc. Rating 92 Drink 2014
Bird in Hand Clare Valley Riesling 2009 (current vintage 2008) Light straw-green; the bouquet is reticent except for some floral nuances, the palate with abundant lime and lemon flavours running through to to a long finish. Screwcap.
13% alc. Rating 92 Drink 2019
"Mr Pinot Noir" - Larry McKenna's Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir on the cover of Decanter
ESCARPMENT
Escarpment founder/winemaker Larry McKenna is regarded as "Mr Pinot Noir" in New Zealand, recognising his long and passionate affair with the variety. He builds power, complexity and longevity into his wines to such a degree that he is the envy of many winemakers. McKenna left Martinborough Vineyards nearly a decade ago to develop his own vineyard and winery in nearby Te Muna where he continues to make great Pinot Noir. View our range
MARTINBOROUGH VINEYARDS
One of a small band of producers that has been making great wine for a long time - 20 to 30 year is a long time by Kiwi standards. Martinborough Vineyards wines have always excelled and are quietly gaining greater quality and sophistication with every vintage.
"An elegant yet dense wine with candied cherry, plum, oriental spices and nutty oak flavours. Powerful and rather linear with a very long finish. A super-classy wine made with a light touch."
KUMEU RIVER
Kumeu River's very clever winemaker, Michael Brajkovich MW, has been making spectacular Chardonnay for a few decades. With more than a little help from brothers Milan and Paul Michael, he had adapted viticulture and winemaking to produce top results from the Lumeu region northwest of Auckland. View the range
"This flagship wine is the product of a hillside vineyard and fastidious attention there and in the winery. Burgundy is the inspiration - the wine certainly gives a nod in that direction - but the result could more accurately be described as 'sophisticated Kiwi'. Big, yet supremely elegant, with pineapple, peach, mineral, spicy oak and roasted nut characters. Richly textured with a lingering finish. A class act."
Australia's leading wine critic, James Halliday awards Bird in Hand Winery a ground breaking 4 wines with 95+ points! copy.jpg)