Regarded by some as the premium Marlborough producer (if not New Zealand) Hans (formerly known as Herzog) is the new name for this range of fine wines.
The estate is situated next to the Wairau River and offers the sort of terroir that appealed to the vine-growing ethos and winemaking sensibilities of Hans, making complex, structured and age-worthy wines. Hand harvesting and grading and minimal intervention winemaking go without saying. A willingness to experiment has resulted in one of the greatest Italian varietals grown outside Italy - the 'Secret of Marlborough' Montepulciano.
Copper hues and warm peach and white blossom on the nose with a hint of ginger bread and lemon zest, while the palate shares some of these flavours it is also unctuous and round, yet sewn neatly together with a golden thread of acidity.
As fine and rare as Viogner can be. This is not over blown in any way and shows no heat. What it does have is a smooth silky texture, wafts of peach kernel and honey suckle blossom and a delicious, slightly spicy palate that is the desire of every Viognier lover in the world!
The rosy hue of the wine draws one in to the exotic raspberry, cinnamon and plump damson nose which is elegance personified. A dense, but not stewed palate, exudes red and black summer fruit, spice and a lick of well integrated oak that serves to present the whole wine on a vinous silver platter.
60% Merlot with 15% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this is a classic Bordeaux blend (and stylistically similar to Pomerol in the words of Hans Herzog), it would be easy to describe it thus, but what stands out here is the clarity of fruit and structure, and the balance of fruit and tannin. Long on the finish, clean as a whistle and deeply complex, and satisfies all the flavour expectations with interest!
As one of the only (and first) Montepulcianos to be made in New Zealand, there is little to compare this with, however its rich, dense black fruit and coffee aromas, coupled to hints of black cherry and silky spice will have Italian wine lovers in no doubt of the provenance of the grape and the excellent structure and long finish are a clear hallmark of the producer.