Textbook Gisborne Chardonnay, marrying ripe peach and pineapple aromas with oaky notes of toasted grain. It’s full and lush, the mouthcoating fruit set off by judicious oak. Finishes toasty and tropical, with plenty of length. Drink now.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Wisps of smoke garnish melon and peach aromas and flavors in this full-bodied, ripe rendition of Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. It’s plump and juicy, laden with fruit, yet finishes with a burst of limes that give it length.
— J.C.
(9/1/2003)
Thornbury is a brand developed by winemaker Steve Bird, then later acquired by Villa Maria’s George Fistonich. This is an intensely aromatic wine, with scents of passion fruit, lime and bell pepper that burst from the glass. On the palate, it’s crisp and medium-bodied, with hints of peach to balance the bit of capsicum. Lively and tangy on the finish.
— W.E.
(7/1/2007)
The nose is grassy and full of grapefruit. In a word, it’s a sharp bouquet. The mouth offers more of that grassiness and touches of green apple and lemon zest. The finish is smooth enough, and it fades off the palate nicely. A touch of spritz keeps things lively.
— W.E.
(8/1/2002)
With a published alcohol level of 14.5%, you wouldn’t think ripeness would be an issue. But this wine, despite a supple mouthfeel and bright cherry flavors, shows some pungent tomato-leaf notes that hold it back. Finishes with some astringency; try again in six months or a year.
— J.C.
(4/1/2004)
Made in a full-bodied, slightly beefy style, with broad shoulders, this does show typical Central Otago flavors of black cherries, beets, cola and coffee. A solid effort from Bannockburn fruit.
— W.E.
(7/1/2007)
Pear, almond and citrus aromas lead the way, followed by flavors of appleskin, pear and dried spices. Pretty, but it doesn’t have a great deal of richness on the palate. Finishes fresh but short. Imported by T.G.I.C. Importers.
— J.C.
(7/1/2005)
Thornbury’s 2005 Sauvignon is rather tropical in style, with ripe fruit flavors enlivened by healthy doses of herb and citrus notes. It’s plump and medium-bodied, finishing with a touch of easy-to-drink softness.
— J.C.
(11/1/2006)