Starts off with hints of bell pepper and grapefruit, then adds stone fruit flavors on the palate. It remains focused and citrusy throughout, with a strong, minerally core. Powerful, yet lingers elegantly on the finish.
— J.C.
(5/1/2006)
This is herbal and bell-peppery but not to an extreme, balanced by citrus and pineapple fruit. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with an appealing, slightly oily texture and great length. Drink now; probably would be great with ceviche.
— J.C.
(5/1/2009)
Almost seems creamy, perhaps because half of the juice was fermented in neutral barrels. Grapefruits, green plums and a pinch of black pepper lead into a long, broad finish.
— J.C.
(5/1/2001)
From the Awatere Valley, this wine is densely packed with tightly wound fruit flavors reminiscent of passion fruit, melon and grapefruit. A touch of smoke adds complexity. Fairly full-bodied, with good length and intensity, it picks up some extra spice notes on the finish. As good as it is now, it may even improve over the next six months. Editors’ Choice.
— J.C.
(9/1/2003)
The Awatere is a subregion of Marlborough receiving more and more notice for its distinctive Sauvignons and Pinots. Vavasour was an early pioneer, and the 2007 is especially successful, offering up some slightly sweaty, nettle-y aromas to go along with hints of ripe melons and nectarines. It’s nicely concentrated, with a slightly oily mouthfeel and good persistence.
— J.C.
(12/31/2007)
Although this brand has been going for under a decade, it has become a perennial favorite, showing great harmony and balance in its combination of sweet pea and citrus aromas and flavors. Drink it over the next year.
— J.C.
(9/1/2011)
The Awatere is a Marlborough subregion whose wines are often a touch more edgy than those grown in the main valley. After nine months in French oak, this wine’s black cherry fruit is marked by touches of vanilla and toast, a slightly creamy mouthfeel and a crisp, refreshing finish. Approachable now, but should develop more nuance over the next year or two.
— J.C.
(4/1/2011)
This label has had its ups and downs over the years. The 2010 Pinot Noir is one of the successes, and it boasts an effusive nose of roses, cherries, dusty earth and mocha. It’s medium to full in the mouth, delivering cherry fruit and underpinnings of earth and spice. The finish is long, spicy and firm without being hard.
— J.C.
(4/1/2013)