Spy Valley - Marlborough New Zealand
Accolades 2008
Here are our accolades, reviews and awards for 2008.
Top Wine & Joint Best Value Wine - 2008 Sauv Blanc Wine NZ, Summer 08, December 2008
Top Wine & Joint Best Value Wine of the Tasting
"This Spy Valley wine seems to show some development on nose already, it is complex and fragrant. There is moderate weight in the mouth, showing a touch of sweat, lifted passionfruit, gooseberry and underlying notes of ripe peach. It is nice to see this degree of complexity. With its combination of lovely concentration, really nice ripeness and clean bright acid on the finish, this Sauvignon is a cut above the rest and at $17 RRP is super buying for this summer." Wine NZ, Summer 2008
GOLD - 07 Sauvignon Blanc The U.S. Professional Wine Buyer's Competition 2008, December 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a Gold Medal at the U.S. Professional Wine Buyer's Competition 2008.
Blue Gold Medal - 2008 Pinot Gris Sydney International Wine Competition 2009, December 2008
Spy Valley 2008 Pinot Gris was awarded a Blue Gold Medal at the prestigious Sydney International Wine Competition 2009
Blue Gold Medal - 2007 Pinot Noir Sydney International Wine Competition 2009, December 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Noir was awarded a Blue Gold Medal at the Prestigious Sydney International Wine Competition 2009
Highly Commended - Gewurztraminer 2008 Sydney International Wine Competition 2009, December 2008
Spy Valley 2008 Gewurztraminer was given a Highly Commended award at the prestigious Sydney International Wine Competition 2009.
5 STARS - 2006 Envoy Riesling Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009, November 2008
5 STARS
"The 2006 vintage is gently sweet. Matured in large oak casks, it is yellow/green, with a beautifully scented, complex bouquet, slightly toasty and rich. Light, it has deep, vibrant, citrusy, limey, slightly minerally flavours, racy and long."
"The 2006 vintage is gently sweet. Matured in large oak casks, it is yellow/green, with a beautifully scented, complex bouquet, slightly toasty and rich. Light, it has deep, vibrant, citrusy, limey, slightly minerally flavours, racy and long."
4 Stars - Spy Valley 07 Pinot Noir Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009, November 2008
4 Stars
"Generous and silky-textured, it is bright ruby, with a floral bouquet. Mouthfilling, with fresh, strong, cherryish, plummy flavours, rich and rounded, it is delicious now, but should be even better during 2009."
"Generous and silky-textured, it is bright ruby, with a floral bouquet. Mouthfilling, with fresh, strong, cherryish, plummy flavours, rich and rounded, it is delicious now, but should be even better during 2009."
5 Stars - 2006 Envoy Chardonnay Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009, November 2008
5 Stars
"Launched from the 2005 vintage (5 Stars), this distinguished wine is estate-grown in the Waihopai Valley. The 2006 is poised and immaculate. Pale straw, with a fresh, slightly nutty bouquet, it is mouthfilliing and youthful with rich, ripe, peach and grapefruit flavours, subtle oak and a long, harmonious finish. A very classy wine, it's still unfolding and likely to be at its peak around 2010."
"Launched from the 2005 vintage (5 Stars), this distinguished wine is estate-grown in the Waihopai Valley. The 2006 is poised and immaculate. Pale straw, with a fresh, slightly nutty bouquet, it is mouthfilliing and youthful with rich, ripe, peach and grapefruit flavours, subtle oak and a long, harmonious finish. A very classy wine, it's still unfolding and likely to be at its peak around 2010."
4 Stars - Spy Valley 2007 Chardonnay Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009, November 2008
4 Stars
"A consistently attractive, top value wine. A fresh, mouthfilling wine with strong grapefruit and stone-fruit flavours, it shows good weight and concentration, with a dry, lingering finish."
4 Stars - Spy Valley 2008 Gewurztraminer Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009, November 2008
4 Stars
"This wine consistently offers great value. It's a full-bodied wine with soft, slightly sweet pear, citrus fruit and spice flavours, a hint of ginger, and excellent depth, varietal character and harmony."
4 1/2 Stars - Envoy 07 Pinot Gris Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009, November 2008
4 1/2 Stars
"The 2007 is still very youthful, but lush and lovely, with a soft texture and rich, peachy, gently sweet flavours. Fleshy and very harmonious, with greater complexity than most New Zealand Pinot Gris and obvious cellaring potential, it is best opened mid-2009+"
"The 2007 is still very youthful, but lush and lovely, with a soft texture and rich, peachy, gently sweet flavours. Fleshy and very harmonious, with greater complexity than most New Zealand Pinot Gris and obvious cellaring potential, it is best opened mid-2009+"
4 Stars - 08 Pinot Gris Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009, November 2008
4 Stars
"The 2008 is another winner. It's ripely scented and mouthfilling, with slightly sweet, peachy, spicy flavours, strongly varietal and very harmonious. Delicious from the start."
"The 2008 is another winner. It's ripely scented and mouthfilling, with slightly sweet, peachy, spicy flavours, strongly varietal and very harmonious. Delicious from the start."
Another GOLD for Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008! International Aromatic Wine Competition 2008, November 2008
Spy Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc continues it's gold-winning streak with another medal at the International Aromatic Wine Competition 2008
GOLD - 08 Sauvignon Blanc Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition 2008, November 2008
Spy Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a Gold Medal at the Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition 2008 - the competition where wines are tasted alongside freshly shucked oysters!
A Simply Remarkable Wine Hospitality, November 2008
Spy Valley 2008 Gewurztraminer
"This wine smacks you in the nose with a large bouquet of roses, a tray of homemade gingernuts and box of lavender scented Turkish delight. If that doesn't get you, the palate has a flavour of ginger beer, violets, roses and apples. The acid and alcohol are balanced, the wine is fresh and delicious. A simply remarkable wine."
A Charming Wine Hospitality, November 2008
Spy Valley Riesling 2008
"Sun-warmed granny smith apples, honeysuckle and summer flowers burst from the glass. The palate is off-dry with a splash of sugar, but very juicy with sweet citrus flavours of mandarin and grapefruit with apple and honeysuckle. A charming wine with high acidity, clean and distinctive flavours and lengthy apple finish."
"Sun-warmed granny smith apples, honeysuckle and summer flowers burst from the glass. The palate is off-dry with a splash of sugar, but very juicy with sweet citrus flavours of mandarin and grapefruit with apple and honeysuckle. A charming wine with high acidity, clean and distinctive flavours and lengthy apple finish."
Sure to Please Hospitality, November 2008
Spy Valley 2008 Pinot Gris
"Strong varietal aromas of pear, pineapple and peach with citrus blossom and spice. The palate is rich, full and spicy with white pepper laced stone fruits, sweet apple and a splash of ginger. Well balanced, dry and tasty. Sure to please by the glass or with moderate to strong starters."
"Strong varietal aromas of pear, pineapple and peach with citrus blossom and spice. The palate is rich, full and spicy with white pepper laced stone fruits, sweet apple and a splash of ginger. Well balanced, dry and tasty. Sure to please by the glass or with moderate to strong starters."
TOP WHITE WINE - Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2008! India Wine Challenge 2008, November 2008
Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2008 was awarded a Gold Medal at the India Wine Challenge 2008, before picking up the Top White Wine trophy! Great result!
GOLD - Spy Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc India Wine Challenge 2008, November 2008
Spy Valley's newly released 2008 Sauvignon Blanc collected a Gold Medal at the India Wine Challenge 2008
5 STARS Spy Pinot Noir 2007- Cuisine magazine Cuisine, November 2008, October 2008
5 Stars. "Pinot succeeds when it keeps you guessing, the way this wine does. It has mascularity in structure, but there's no denying the overall finesse and elegance. 'A very stylish palate', noted Larry McKenna.
GOLD - 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Denver International Wine Competition 2008, October 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a Gold Medal at the Denver International Wine Competition 2008.
90 Points! Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008 BobsWineReviews.com, October 2008
"4 Stars. 90 Points. In a normal vintage I would pick this as an Awatere wine with typical pea pod and tomato leaf flavours. The wine shows reasonable concentration and has an appealing mineral/slate character. The flavours show good focus and purity. Good acidity gives a pleasantly drying finish." http://www.bobswinereviews.com/spy-valley-marlborough-nz-sauvignon-blanc-2008-review.html
GOLD - 2008 Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand International Wine Show, October 2008
"Abundantly fragrant and mouthwateringly juicy with bright racy flavours of grapefruit, passionfruit, gooseberry and lime."
Silver & Best In Class - Sauvignon Blanc 2008 International Wine & Spirits Competition 2008, October 2008
Newly released Spy Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc has been awarded a Silver Medal and Best-In-Class award at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition 2008
Silver - 2007 Pinot Noir International Wine & Spirits Competition 2008, October 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Noir was awarded a Silver Medal at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition 2008 held in London.
Silver - Gewurztraminer 2008 Liquorland Top 100, October 2008
Spy Valley 2008 Gewurztraminer was awarded a Silver Medal at New Zealand's Liquorland Top 100 wine competition.
Gold Spy Valley Riesling 2007 International Wine & Spirits Competition 2008, October 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Riesling was awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigiious International Wine & Spirits Competition 2008.
GOLD - 07 Pinot Noir New Zealand International Wine Show, September 2008
"Dried rosemary, thyme and French oak nuances infuse the silky, spicy palate that's full of fruitcake cherries and plum."
GOLD - 08 Gewurz New Zealand International Wine Show, September 2008
"Oak adds richness to the orange zest and honeysuckle aroma and slightly sweetish lychee and zingy ginger flavours."
Silver Medal - 2008 Pinot Gris New Zealand International Wine Show, September 2008
New release, Spy Valley 2008 Pinot Gris was awarded a silver medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2008.
4 Stars for Bubbly Bob's Wine Reviews, September 2008
"4 Stars, 85 Points. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Apple, citrus and bready yeast flavours with a suggestion of chocolate box from the Pinot Noir component. The wine is rich with a good texture. A fresh and exuberant sparkling wine offering good value." http://www.bobswinereviews.com/spy-valley-echelon-marlborough-nz-review.html
GOLD - 08 Riesling New Zealand International Wine Show, September 2008
"Honeysuckle aromas and citrus and tropical flavours are balanced by crisp acidity in this juicy off-dry style."
4 1/2 Stars - 07 Gewurztraminer Wine Orbit, September 2008
"The nose on this wine is irresistible showing opulent apricot characters with gentle spice and floral notes. The palate starts with a subtle sweetness followed by lovely silky texture through the mid range then finishes with beautifully balanced acidity leaving the palate nice and fresh. Not too sweet, not over the top in floral notes, it's very pleasingly poised." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Sept 2008
4 1/2 Stars - 07 Pinot Gris Wine Orbit, September 2008
"This is a very friendly and approachable wine showing floral, pear and apricot characters with soft spice notes on the nose. The well weighted palate has attractive sweetness, smooth texture and well harmonised acidity." Wine Orbit, Sam Kim, Sept 2008
Wines that add sparkle - Spy Valley Riesling The Publican, September 2008
"Salmon filled with lemon cous cous matched with Spy Valley Riesling - Salmon is quite a strong flavour and the flesh has a residual oily texture which means that you need a wine which is able to cut through this and has enough flavour to stand up to the salmon. The Spy Valley Riesling is the perfect wine to match with this as it has lovely fruit flavours of citrus, peach and apricot coupled with an underlying backbone of acidity to cut through the oily salmon flesh." The Publican, www.thepublican.com, 8 September 2008
GOLD & Top 50 wine - Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 New World Wine Awards 2008, September 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc has picked up another fantastic award, winning a Gold Medal & Top 50 placement at the New World Wine Awards 2007
4 Stars - 07 Pinot Noir Winestate Magazine, September 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Noir - 4 Stars
"Generous, silky-textured and instantly appealing. Bright ruby, with a floral bouquet, it has mouthfilling body and fresh, strong, cherryish, plummy flavours, rich and rounded. Should be even better in 2009." Michael Cooper, Winestate, Sept/Oct 2008
"Generous, silky-textured and instantly appealing. Bright ruby, with a floral bouquet, it has mouthfilling body and fresh, strong, cherryish, plummy flavours, rich and rounded. Should be even better in 2009." Michael Cooper, Winestate, Sept/Oct 2008
TROPHY - Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Decanter World Wine Awards 2008, August 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy Under £10 at the most influential wine competition in the world, the Decanter World Wine Awards 2008!
4 Stars - Spy Pinot Noir BobsWineReviews.com, August 2008
"4 Stars, 89 Points. This is the best vintage of Spy Valley Pinot Noir I have tasted. Bright plum, cherry, liquorice and spicy oak flavours with smooth, almost syrupy texture. Concentrated wine with character. Deliciously drinkable." http://www.bobswinereviews.com/spy-valley-marlborough-nz-pinot-noir-2007-review.html
Best Value New Zealand Pinot Noir Decanter, August 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Noir - 5 Stars and Best Value Pinot Noir
"Rich, ripe cherry, layered fruit. Full, round, concentrated style, beautiful balance, lifted structure. Sweet, long finish. Delicious. From 2008."
GOLD - Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Noir Japan Wine Challange 2008, July 2008
The newly released Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Noir has picked up a gold medal at the 2008 Japan Wine Challenge.
Consumer Magazine's Pick of the Pinots Sunday Star Times, July 2008
17.2 points, 4 stars - Spy Valley 2006 Pinot Noir - Raymond Chan, Consumer Magazine, Sunday Star Times, July 20 2008
1st Place The Fine Wine Delivery Company, July 2008
"Before entering the wine industry my first wine experience was Marlborough Gewurztraminer, I can remember being hooked instantly by it's intense perfumed aromas and delicious sweet flavours. These days I'm still hooked and have narrowed my favourites down to a few with Spy Valley taking 1st place as my favourite traminer of the 2007 vintage. Lifted aromas of rose petal, lychee and spice follow through into a palate that is generous yet lusciously textured with hints of Turkish delight emerging in the long satisfying finish. It's no secret that this wine is the perfect match for Thai cuisine. Chris's July Favourites, The Fine Wine Delivery Company, July 2008
Adorable from the first smell - Spy Riesling 2007 The Fine Wine Delivery Company, July 2008
"Adorable from the first smell this stunning offering bursts with a ripe infusion of citrus zest and tropical fruits. These flavours are repeated on the clean structured palate and enhanced by a touch of honey merged by a fine acid backbone that will make you smile after every sip. Aromatic wine lovers get back on the Risling bandwagon! It's great drinking now and will improve for 10+ years in the cellar and in this case superbly priced. Enjoy!" Chris's July Favourites, The Fine Wine Delivery Company, July 2008
Join the Pinot Gris fan club with quality wines such as this! The Fine Wine Delivery Company, July 2008
"It's impossible not to join the Pinot Gris fan club with quality wines such as this being released. Hot days and cold Marlborough nights have contributed to this stunning drop that oozes with classic notes of baked pear and stone fruit characters. The absence of oak ensures the style remains fruit driven and suitable to be consumed with or without food. Chris's July Favourites, The Fine Wine Delivery Company, July 2008
89 pts - Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 WBM100 magazine, July 2008
"Shows bright tropical fruits and leafy, grassy aromas, plenty of ripe impact and a real focus on freshness. The palate is accessible and ripe with lots of passion fruit flavour - softly balanced." WBM 100, July 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc - a charming wine Gourmet, July 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc
"There has been a judicious mellowing, and though most Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs still have at least a whispier of that original herbaceousness, others that I recommend temper grassiness with hints of melon and apple and are generally more graceful and less assertive. My favorite for our grilled poussins is Spy Valley '07, a charming, discreetly herbaceous wine, with melon and other nuances in the background." Gerald Asher, Gourmet, New York, Tues July 01, 2008
"There has been a judicious mellowing, and though most Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs still have at least a whispier of that original herbaceousness, others that I recommend temper grassiness with hints of melon and apple and are generally more graceful and less assertive. My favorite for our grilled poussins is Spy Valley '07, a charming, discreetly herbaceous wine, with melon and other nuances in the background." Gerald Asher, Gourmet, New York, Tues July 01, 2008
Pinot Noir - the old vixen gets versatile F&B Magazine, June 2008
Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2007
"Very nice Marlborough pinot noir, from a winery with a strong record for this variety. Quite silky, young and fresh and opening up well each month to show a classy pinot with both finesse and drinkability and some lovely fruit." Peter Saunders, F&B, June 2008
"Very nice Marlborough pinot noir, from a winery with a strong record for this variety. Quite silky, young and fresh and opening up well each month to show a classy pinot with both finesse and drinkability and some lovely fruit." Peter Saunders, F&B, June 2008
Pinot Noir Under $35 Short List Wine NZ, Winter 2008, June 2008
Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2007
"Big colour. Some plum with lots of oak on nose. Ripe, round fruit flavours of cherry, plum and dried herb, black currant and some raspberry. Really nice depth of flavour and concentration with flavour right through the core of the wine. Quite soft and glyceroly in the mouth with beautiful tannins. Has definite potential to develop too." Wine NZ Winter 2008
Successful Pinot Gris requires fine balancing act Otago Daily Times, June 2008
"Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 is zesty with delicious bright fruit suggesting ripe pears and peaches and a hint of tropical, with intensity yet delicacy on the palate and lively, tingly finish." Rating 4/5
Gewurztraminer food match NZ House & Garden, June 2008
"Try a gewurztraminer with vanilla-braised duck. The salsa and ginger coconut rice call for something crisp and fragrant - Spy Valley Gewurztraminer will please the crowd." Yvonne Marie Lorkin, NZ House & Garden, June 08
When the weather isn't crisp, the wine should be Contra Costa Times, June 2008
"So, white wine fans, my picks this week are for you. Better yet, they all cost $20 or less... I also love the 2007 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc which is fresh and vivid, with honeydew melon and some grassiness." Laurie Daniel on Wine, Contra Costa Times, 4 June 08
90 pts - Envoy Chardonnay 2006 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, June 2008
Spy Valley Envoy 2006 Chardonnay
90 points
"The 2006 Envoy Chardonnay is yet again, very well-defined on the nose with subtle honey aromas with hints of beeswax and lanolin. The palate is more malic but well-balanced with vibrant green apples and bitter lemon. Fresh and vibrant, this is a lovely Chardonnay to drink over the next five years." Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Issue 176
90 points
"The 2006 Envoy Chardonnay is yet again, very well-defined on the nose with subtle honey aromas with hints of beeswax and lanolin. The palate is more malic but well-balanced with vibrant green apples and bitter lemon. Fresh and vibrant, this is a lovely Chardonnay to drink over the next five years." Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Issue 176
89 points - Envoy Riesling 2006 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, June 2008
Spy Valley Envoy Riesling 2006
89 Points
"...the palate has an engaging, waxy nose with grapefruit, lemon and apple with lanolin overtones. Lively peach and apricot flavors vie for attention on the Mosel-like palate that should develop nicely over 3-4 years." Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Issue 176
89 Points
"...the palate has an engaging, waxy nose with grapefruit, lemon and apple with lanolin overtones. Lively peach and apricot flavors vie for attention on the Mosel-like palate that should develop nicely over 3-4 years." Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Issue 176
Medal-winning bubbly Scenic Cellars Newsletter, May 2008
"This wine has a beautifully developed ripe golden colour. The nice biscuity, nutty nose is followed by soft fruit, lemon characters and a creamy, yeasty finish. The very light and elegant bubbles show the refinement of this single vintage Champenoise." Scenic Cellars Newsletter
Highlights from the hills National Post, May 2008
"Marlborough's Waihopai Valley got its colloquial name of Spy Valley from the satellite communications monitoring base in the area. Here, winemaker Paul Bourgeois gets good fruity intensity from his wines. This pinot, fermented on indigenous yeasts and aged a year in French oak, has lots of fruit, supple tannins and a nice, open, balanced style. The chardonnay is also generous with good fruit." Margaret Swaine, Wine & Spirits, National Post, May 08
5 STARS - 2005 Envoy Pinot Noir Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, May 2008
"A serious yet seductive wine, deep and youthful in colour, it is finely fragrant, very rich and supple, with layers of plum/spice flavours, highly concentrated and velvet smooth." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08
5 STARS - 2006 Envoy Pinot Gris VT Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, May 2008
"Pale gold, it has sweet but not cloying flavours of stone-fruits and spices, notably rich, ripe and smooth. It's a softly seductive wine, already hard to resist." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08
4 1/2 STARS - 2005 Envoy Riesling Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, May 2008
"Light lemon/green, it is very scented and punchy, with intense grapefruit and lime flavours, firm acid spine, a splsh of sweetness, and bottle-aged, toasty notes just starting to emerge." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08
5 STARS - 2006 Envoy Pinot Gris Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, May 2008
"Beautifully scented and seductively soft, it's a medium style with substantial body and rich, ripe flavours of stone-fruits, pears, lychees and ginger. Very smooth and harmonious, it's highly reminiscent of the classic Alsace style." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08
5 STARS - 2006 Envoy Gewurztraminer Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, May 2008
"Light lemon/green, with a perfumed bouquet of lychees and spices, it's a distincly medium style, less alcoholic than many, with gentle acidity and rich, complex, delicate, slightly earthy and gingery flavours, already delicious." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08
5 STARS - 2005 Envoy Chardonnay Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, May 2008
""Youthful in colour, with a complex, mealy bouquet, it is tight, stylish and minerally, with a fine thread of acidity and intense grapefruit and toast flavours, showing excellent delicacy, intensity and structure." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08
Silver Medal - International Wine Challenge International Wine Challenge 2008, May 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Gris scooped a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge 2008
90 Points! Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Wine Spectator, May 2008
"Tangy and very fragrant, with gooseberry, grass, grapefruit-lime and stone nuances. Vivid citrus acidity and graphite minerality shape an intense finish." Daniel Sogg, Wine Spectator, 15 May 2008
88 pts - Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2006 Wine Spectator, May 2008
"Focused and supple, with very good intensity to the wild berry, anise, green tea and black cherry flavors. Cedary oak and herb-edged tannins firm up on the earthy, lively finish." Wine Spectator, 15 May 2008
88 pts - Spy Valley Riesling 2007 Wine Spectator, May 2008
Spy Valley Riesling 2007 88 pts
"Fragrant jasmine, tart green apple and tangy peach flavors give way to a touch of welcome sweetness, with lingering citrus acidty and persistent stoniness." Wine Spectator, 15 May 2008
"Fragrant jasmine, tart green apple and tangy peach flavors give way to a touch of welcome sweetness, with lingering citrus acidty and persistent stoniness." Wine Spectator, 15 May 2008
Silver Medal - International Wine Challenge International Wine Challenge 2008, May 2008
Spy Valley 2006 Chardonnay scooped a Silver Medal at the prestigious International Wine Challenge 2008
Menu Match - Gewurz Hospitality, May 2008
"A light North Indian-style curry woudl suit this wine's attributes well. Use plenty of ginger, and don't be cautious with the tumeric." Vic Williams, Hospitality, May 08
Valuing those bright Sauvignon Blancs Otago Daily Times, May 2008
"Spy Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is another good-value wine, slightly pungent with hints of raw quince, golden queen peaches and a bright, crisp finish." Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 14 May 08
4 Star Pinot Noir Winepointer, May 2008
4 Stars "The fruit in this Pinot is quite lovely - concentrated depth, with a core of fruit sweetness and radiating layers of flavour. Great stuff. The acid is in good balance, producing a texture that's somewhere between juicy and tangy, and the tannins are exercising a modest grip; it's firm, but you get a sense they don't really mean it, and you can happily drink this now." Rod Phillips, Winepointer, no. 6, May 8, 2008
Gold - 07 Gewurztraminer Dallas Morning News Wine Competition 2008, April 2008
Gold Medal - Spy Valley 2007 Gewurztraminer was awarded a gold medal at the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition 2008
Royal Easter Show Gold Medalists F&B Magazine, April 2008
"Pale pink colour from the pinot noir, a pretty dry aperiitf and canape style; a great appetiser to stimulate the palate for food. Plenty of bubble and life; a classy wine and the sparkling enthusiast will be well pleased with this presentation of a dry, tasty presentation with both life and maturity." Peter Suanders, F&B, April 08
Royal Easter Show Gold Medalist F&B Magazine, April 2008
"Plenty of gutsy spices here, tasting pretty dry yet with fully ripe fruit flavours. A serious full-bodied Marlborough gewurz, expanding and melding very well after a year. Shows best with food yet a balanced and wide appeal style like this is very versatile. No surprise at a gold medal; this is a top flight wine in fine form. Ready, no hurry." Peter Saunders, F&B, April 08
There are still some great Rieslings Observer, April 2008
"there are still some great Rieslings in the southern hemisphere...2007 Spy Valley Riesling is perfumed, yet under-stated, with fruit and acidity in harmony." Observer, 20 April 2008
Rich, fragrant stickies! Otago Daily Times, April 2008
"Spy Valley Noble Chardonnay 2007 is a full-on wine, hinting of apricots, greengages and honey, with overtones of golden syrup and a wonderful texture and lingering finish." Charmian Smith, Otago Dailiy Times, 30 April 08
Marlborough Sauvignons live up to reputation San Jose Mercury News, April 2008
"A current favourite of mine is the 2007 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc which blends fruit from the Wairau and cooler Waihopai Valleys. The wine is fresh and vivid, with honeydew melon and some grassiness." Laurie Daniel, San Jose Mercury News, 16 April 08.
Spy Valley 2006 Riesling in the air Gourmet Traveller Qantas Inflight Guide to Wine, April 2008
"Mellow, delicately tangy riesling with flavours suggesting stone fruit, lime/citrus, ginger and honeycomb. An initial hint of sweetness is restrained by gentle acidity to give a pleasantly drying finish. The wine has impressive fruit purity and a silken texture." Gourmet Traveller, Qantas Inflight Guide to Wine, April 08
Open Sweepstakes Winner - 07 Sauvignon Blanc National Women's Wine Competition 2008, April 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc scoops the Open Sweepstakes prize in the White Table Wines category, National Women's Wine Competition 2008.
92 Points - Chardonnay WBM100 magazine, April 2008
Spy Valley 2006 Chardonnay - 92 Points!
"Overlooking a US intelligence base in Marlborough, Spy Valley is emerging as a producer of note in the region. Its latest Chardonnay is a citrus-driven style with a fine, minerally acid background and spicy lemon flavours lingering on a long finish." WBM100, April 2008
GOLD - Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Gris National Women's Wine Competition 2008, April 2008
Gold Medal - Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Gris
4 Stars/87 Pts - Sauvignon Blanc 07 Wine Orbit, April 2008
4 Stars/87 Points - Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc
"A tank fermented wine with 4 months on lees ageing which has provided upfront fruit characters as well as soft, fine texture. The nose is fresh and floral with ripe passion fruit and sweet herbs. The palate is juicy and lively with rounded mid palate texture and zingy acidity. At its best: now to 2009." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, April 07
Wines for the Cellar Wine NZ, March/April 08, April 2008
2007 Spy Valley Gewurztraminer
"Gewurztraminer is at best a supremely aromatic grape, with so much character it is hard to make subtle ones. John Avery of the famous Bristol wine merchants Avery's, calls it 'a harlot among wines.' A pleasure then to find this elegant restrained yet flavoursome example from Spy Valley, Marlborough. It smells of flowering ginger, rosepetal and lychee, and tastes of slightly-spiced bottled yellow stonefruits." Geoff Kelly, Wine NZ, Mar/Apr 08
Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Gris Wine NZ, Autumn 08, March 2008
"Pleasant, rockmelon and lychee notes, nicely focussed and in reasonable intensity with good acidity on the finish."
Chardonnay Under $20 Short List Wine NZ, Autumn 08, March 2008
"Vanillary oak notes on nose. Palate shows nice citrus and peach with a hint of lemon. Lots of oak influence. Full and flavoursome up front, tapering through the mid-palate. This is a big flavoursome wine with plenty to offer."
Fragrant, floral, citrusy, vibrantly fruity... Wine NZ, Autumn 08, March 2008
"Fragrant, floral, citrusy, vibrantly fruity nose. A clean, bright, fruit driven style with tropical fruit flavours. Aromatic but with Chardonnay's palate weight. Lively, balancing acidity on finish."
4 1/2 Stars - 2006 Gewurztraminer Winepointer, March 2008
"4 1/2 Stars - Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2006. This is a totally delicious Gewurztraminer from a region more commonly associated with Sauvignon Blanc. My initial reaction was that this was an uber-Gewurztraminer but that might imply that the varietal character is distorted. What you have here are flavours and texture that take the variety to the max without losing touch with it: aromatic, bold, pungent, ripe, intense, fat, well structured...Enjoy this with well-spiced Thai food." Winepointer No. 3: March 26, 2008
Viscous & flavoursome - Noble Riesling Truewines, March 2008
Spy Valley 2006 Noble Riesling: "Very viscous, oily example with delicious upfront apricot and nectarine flavours and a rich, generous palate that stays commendably focused, and never becomes overwhelming. A pleasant limey minerality carries the finish." Truewines, March 08
Wine of the Week - Spy Chardonnay 06 The Northern Advocate, March 2008
"This 13% chardonnay has all the flavour, interest and elegance you want from a Marlborough chardonnay, and is perfectly balanced to boot. Tasty and toasty, with some oak vanilla but not overdone, it is nutty ad citric and extremely drinkable. Very good value too." Graeme Barrow, The Northern Advocate
"Absolutely delicious" Noble Chardonnay F&B Magazine, March 2008
Peter's Picks: "Absolutely delicious, a lovely dessert style, rich and indulgent without heaviness. Another to show the over-looked qualities of chardonnay, this one with a slow five week ferment then maturation in oak barrels. Excellent drinking now, but a wine in no hurry." Peter Saunders, F&B, March 08
Robustly flavoured Chardonnay F&B Magazine, March 2008
"Robustly flavoured wine, some malo-lactic butterscotch tones with lees and oak-ferment condiments. Collectively a mouth-filling chardonnay with plenty to say; well suited to a wide range of foods, from veal to chicken and game meats. Two years fine drinking to come." Peter Saunders, F&B, March 2008
Stand-out Sauvignon Blanc Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, March 2008
2006 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc
"The Spy Valley easily stood out among the hundreds of wines. The refreshing and quality characteristics were easily recognised as another example of New Zealand's undeniable ability to produce exceptional sauvignon blanc. The winery, in Marlborough's Wairau Valley, is producing a classic example of how this grape should taste. This wine is a bright lemon color with pronounced gooseberry and a hint of floral aromas. The palate offers tastes of grapefruit, mineral and green apple folded into a crisp refreshing acidity." 05 March 08, Lorri Hambuchen, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
"The Spy Valley easily stood out among the hundreds of wines. The refreshing and quality characteristics were easily recognised as another example of New Zealand's undeniable ability to produce exceptional sauvignon blanc. The winery, in Marlborough's Wairau Valley, is producing a classic example of how this grape should taste. This wine is a bright lemon color with pronounced gooseberry and a hint of floral aromas. The palate offers tastes of grapefruit, mineral and green apple folded into a crisp refreshing acidity." 05 March 08, Lorri Hambuchen, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
5 STARS - 2007 Gewurztraminer Winestate Magazine, March 2008
"5 Stars. Exotically perfumed, with substantial body and a strong surge of citrusy, spicy flavour. Oily and rich, with lovely weight and texture. Already drinking well."
4 Stars - Spy Valley 2006 Chardonnay Winestate Magazine, March 2008
"4 Stars. Robust, generous wine with good weight, rich, citrusy flavours and mealy, toasty characters. Powerful style with impressive complexity and length."
4 Stars - Spy Valley 2007 Pinot Gris Winestate Magazine, March 2008
"4 Stars. Fleshy, distinctly medium style with an array of citrus fruit, pear and spice flavours, showing excellent depth, balance and weight."
4 Stars - Spy Valley 2007 Noble Chardonnay Winestate Magazine, March 2008
"4 Stars. Fragrant bouquet of apricots, citrus fruit and honey. Briefly barrel-aged, with rich stone-fruit and honey flavours, sweet and oily."
Gold Medal - Echelon! Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2008, March 2008
Spy Valley 2005 Echelon won a gold medal at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2008
New Release Envoy Riesling - 94 points! Taste magazine, Mar 08, March 2008
Gold medal, 94 Points - Envoy Riesling 2006 (Bob Campbell)
TROPHY for 2007 Gewurz! Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2008, March 2008
Spy Valley 2007 Gewurztraminer impressed at the 55th Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2008, winning the trophy for Champion Gewurztraminer!
Wine of the Week - Spy Unoaked Chardonnay 07 The Northern Advocate, February 2008
"There are many wine drinkers who love the taste of good chardonnay, but are averse to a lot of oak flavour in wine. And so, because most chardonnays are oaked to some degree, they avoid them altogether. This is a pity, as chardonnay is the ultimate food white wine, and when crisp and fresh is ideal with summer seafood. Unoaked chardonnays are invariably fresh, although not all are crisp, but this wine certainly is both. It is citric and leesy, creamy with a hint of toffee, balanced, tasty and very drinkable. Well priced too." Greame Barrow, The Northern Advocate, 9 Feb 08
Gewurztraminer Short List WineNZ, January 2008
"Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2007; Consistency is something to look for in a wine producer - and Spy Valley have it and their wines feature regularly in our short-lists. This gold medal winning 2007 Gewurztraminer is mid yellow with a vibrant, youthful nose while rose petal and lavender mix with citrus in the mouth. There is moderate weight and concentration but really impressive balance with the alcohol particularly restrained and controlled. Recently bottled, this should really open and sing with a little more time." Martin Gillion, Spring/Summer 2007
4 Stars - 07 Sauvignon Blanc Winestate Special Edition 2007, January 2008
"4 Stars. Smells of freshly picked passionfruit with nice varietal pungency. The well-balanced palate has some pleasing 'crunchiness.' A well-made wine." Winestate Varietal Tasting Sauvignon Blanc
92 Points - Spy Valley Riesling 2007 WBM100 magazine, January 2008
"92 Points. We all need a little bit of semi-sweet work from time to time. Spy Valley pulls it off at a fraction of the cost of most others, in this fresh lemon and lime style, knit together with a long line of fine acidity." Tyson Stelzer.
Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc - lovely, powerful, balanced... NZ 2008 Guide, DECANTER, January 2008
4 Stars. Sweat and gooseberry, citrussy Marlborough nose. The palate has vibrant tropical notes. A lovely, powerful, balanced wine. Adam Lechmere, Editor of decanter.com
4 1/2 Stars - 2007 Gewurztraminer Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, January 2008
"Spy Valley 2007 Gewurztraminer - 4 1/2 Stars. Estate-grown in the Waihopai Valley, this wine consistently offers great value. It has a punchy, ripe, spicy bouquet. It's a mouthfilling wine with rich, ripe, well-rounded citrus fruit, lychee and spice flavours and a touch of complexity, in the classic Alsace style. Delicious from the start." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines 2008
4 Stars - Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, January 2008
"4 Stars. A consistently good buy. Pale and full-bodied, it's very youthful, with fresh, crisp, passionfruit/lime flavours, punchy dry and long." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines 2008
4 Stars - Spy Valley 2006 Pinot Noir Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide 08, January 2008
"4 Stars. It's a refined wine, ruby-hued, with mouthfilling body and intensely varietal cherry/plum flavours, deliciously supple and floral." Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines 2008