In 2011, Wine Enthusiast's tasting panel reviewed more than 16,000 wines. We’ve recently published our Top 100 Best Buys (wines for $15 or less), our Top 100 Cellar Selections (cellar-worthy and highly rated collectibles) and our popular list of The Enthusiast 100 (weekend wines, restaurant purchases and special occasion wines) – now we’re releasing lists from the world’s most popular wine regions, including Australia and New Zealand.
Both Australia and New Zealand had strong offerings in 2011, with wines in an amazing array of styles and origins – To learn more about the wine regions, grape varieties and producers from Australia and New Zealand be sure to review our Australian wine guide and our full list of New Zealand wine ratings right here in the Buying Guide.
Oyster Bay 2009 Chardonnay (Marlborough)
- Editors' Choice
- $15
Oyster Bay is better known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but this Chardonnay is one of its top drops. It’s medium in body, with hints of buttered nuts and custardy richness in place of primary fruit, yet ending with a clean, citrusy finish. Drink now
— J.C.
(9/1/2011)
Mount Mary 2006 Pinot Noir (Yarra Valley)
- $125
Restraint is one of the buzzwords in Australian wine, which might be one reason that for all of this winery’s cult status in Australia, it remains relatively unknown in America. This medium-bodied wine’s black cherry fruit is definitely restrained, flecked with delicate herbal notes and rounded out by supple tannins. It’s well made and well balanced, but lacks sizzle.
— J.C.
(7/1/2011)
Millton 2007 Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc (Gisborne)
- Online Exclusive
- $24
James Millton's Chenin Blanc is a unique Kiwi classic, and displays the variety's hallmark wooly character. It's buoyed by apple and melon notes, finishing with citrusy acids.
— J.C.
(12/22/2011)
Martinborough Vineyard 2009 Russian Jack Pinot Noir (Martinborough)
- Editors' Choice
- $20
The 2009 vintage is shaping up to be a good one for Martinborough Pinot Noir, and this bottling is nicely priced for the quality. It’s herbal, spicy, floral and savory all at once on the nose, then delivers soft waves of dark cherries on the palate. Drink now–2016.
— J.C.
(4/1/2011)
Martin's Rake 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- $22
Nicely done from the start, beginning with hints of stuck flint and going through some honeyed tree fruit and citrus flavors. It’s a touch creamy on the midpalate, imparting some extra richness, before fading a little abruptly on the finish.
— J.C.
(9/1/2011)
Kim Crawford 2007 SP Rise-and-Shine Creek Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
- Online Exclusive
- $33
Nicely executed New World Pinot Noir, with ripe black cherry fruit forming the core of the wine, garnished with hints of rhubarb and brown sugar. The tannins are supple, the acids crisp, so the finish comes across as tart, buffered by a velvety texture. Drink now–2013.
— J.C.
(6/1/2011)
Keith Tulloch 2007 Sémillon (Hunter Valley)
A typical expression of Hunter Valley Semillon, with modest alcohol and crisp acids. Struck flint and lime custard mark the nose, while the flavors suggest the dust of crushed stones and citrus. Drink now–2017.
— J.C.
(11/1/2011)
Jules Taylor 2008 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $20
This slightly chunky Pinot Noir boasts robust aromas and flavors of black cherries, roasted parsnip and hickory smoke. It’s not the most finesseful Pinot Noir out there, but it’s assertively flavored, varietally correct and should drink well over the next several years.
— J.C.
(4/1/2011)
Jasper Hill 2007 Emily's Paddock Shiraz-Cabernet Franc Red (Heathcote)
- Cellar Selection
- $125
In 5–10 years, this rating may look conservative, but right now, this wine’s tannins are just too rustic and tough to be certain of its future evolution. It’s a massive wine overall, with brambly, briary fruit, tinged with clove, cedar and chocolate, and those drying, astringent tannins on the finish.
— J.C.
(7/1/2011)
Hungerford Hill 2009 Chardonnay (Tumbarumba)
- Online Exclusive
- $30
Tumbarumba is an up-and-coming cool-climate viticulture region, and this Chardonnay is a fine example of why the area is considered to have promise. The wine is medium in body and nicely plump in the mouth, and displays a harmonious blend of apple, pear, citrus and butter flavors and an elegant, lingering finish. Drink now and over the next 1–2 years.
— J.C.
(7/1/2011)
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