Spy Valley - Marlborough New Zealand
Accolades 2009
Here are our accolades, reviews and awards for 2009.
Balanced to perfection - Pinot Gris 09 WineNZ magazine, December 2009
Peter Saunders recommends wines from his recent tastings;
"Very nice Marlborough Pinit Gris, an important strength of this winery. Nicely robust and full of flavour, just off dry and balanced to perfection. Very good wine, ready from now on." Peter Saunders, WineNZ, Spring/Summer 2009
Fragrance of honey and beeswax... WineNZ magazine, December 2009
"Fragrance of honey and beeswax on the nose. Palate is dryish showing a clean, honest palate with notes of lemonade, pineapple and lime. Good concentration of flavour with some appealing firmness on the finish." Martin Gillion, Wine NZ, Spring/Summer 2009
Silver medal - 2008 SV Pinot Noir Houston Rodeo Wine Competition 2009, December 2009
Spy Valley 2008 Pinot Noir was awarded a Silver Medal at the Houston Rodeo Wine Competition 2008
Class Champion & Gold Medal - 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Houston Rodeo Wine Competition 2009, December 2009
Spy Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a gold medal and Class Champion at the Houston Rodeo Wine Competition 2009
08 Spy Valley Pinot Noir - Best of the Best Wine Guide 2009 Best of the Best Wine Guide 2009, December 2009
An all-fruit statement without overt oak; a single vineyard wine from the company vineyard at Waihopai. Layers of flavours are opening up perfectly in the second year and showing beautifully with chicken, lamb, veal and more. Plenty of time to enjoy.
Envoy Pinot Gris 07 - Best of the Best Wine Guide 2009 Best of the Best Wine Guide 2009, December 2009
Being almost three years old is a rarity in itself for this variety! This is outstanding wine, full fruited, quite a lot of weight and intensity and perfectly made from the vineyard through the winery to protect some wonderful flavours. Everyone should experience this wine as a view seldom seen in New Zealand. This lifts the whole status of pinot gris.
Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2009 Hospitality - Dec 2009, December 2009
Sound, quite robust style, especially for its age on release. Label describes 'a medley of spices and citrus fruits' and that shows very well, with plenty of body and balance. A very nice glass of gewurz, certainly in no hurry and very enjoyable from now on.
Spy Valley Riesling 2009 Hospitality - Dec 2009, December 2009
Very aromatic wine while young and fresh; a wine that lists itself as medium-dry on the continuum. Lovely fruit, light, tasty, refreshing, a straightforward style done well. Ideal with light food and nibbles and with heaps of life ahead
89 Points, 4 1/2 Stars 2009 Spy Valley Gewurztraminer Bob Campbell, December 2009
Typically lush and concentrated wine that's as good as any Gewurztraminer made by this high-performing producer. Strong lychee and rose petal with a suggestion of lavender.
Blue-Gold Medal - Gewurztraminer 2009! Sydney International Wine Competition 2010, December 2009
Spy Valley's newly released 2009 Gewurztraminer has collected yet another top award, receiving a Blue-Gold medal at the prestigious Sydney International Wine Competition 2010.
TOP 100 Wine - Riesling 2008! Sydney International Wine Competition 2010, December 2009
Spy Valley Riesling 2008 was awarded a Blue-Gold Medal and named a Top 100 Wine at the prestigious Sydney International Wine Competition 2010. Only 5% of the wines receive Top 100 Wine status.
92 Points - Spy Valley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc The Sydney Morning Herald, November 2009
"The aromas are very intense lemon and kiwifruit; a hint of garden salad. It's clean, fresh and vibrant in the mouth, with light to medium body and good, soft acidity that cleans the finish and helps the finish linger. A benchmark Marlborough sauvignon. 92/100. Food Caprese salad."
Huon Hooke, Top 50 Summer Wines, The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 November 2009.
Huon Hooke, Top 50 Summer Wines, The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 November 2009.
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 matched with paua SunLive, November 2009
"The 2008 vintage is very good and is drinking well right now. The grapes for this wine were carefully selected, half from their own vineyard in Waihopai and the rest from vineyards from the Wairau Valley. This blending ensures that the different flavours from the different sites are brought together to find a profile that results in this wonderful Sauvignon Blanc. The 2009 vintage has just been released and is already an award winner.
(Spy's winemaker) Paul (Bourgeois) suggests matching with Marlborough scallops, however, I was pretty impressed matching it with Whitianga paua, with its aromas of passionfruit and grapefruit and hints of mineral and sweet-pea to add a bit of interest. The palate is rich with generous weight and a lingering, dry finish. The paua needs to be very fresh and it pays to lightly tenderise it first. I then marinated the paua for 24 hours in lemon and lime juice with a dash of fish sauce and a squeeze of honey. Remove from the marinade and pat dry, then lightly coat in rice flower and lightly pan fry. Slice thinly and serve, the result is mouth watering. Enjoy." Claire Rogers, All about Wine, Sun Live, 20 November 2009
4 1/2 Stars - Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2008 Winestate Magazine, November 2009
Spy Valley 2008 Pinot Noir was awarded 4 1/2 stars in the Marlborough Regional Tasting in Winestate magazine (edition to be released March/April 2010)
Pure Gold Medal - Spy Valley 2009 Gewurztraminer Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009, November 2009
Spy Valley 2009 Gewurztraminer was awarded a Pure Gold Medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009
Gold - newly-released Gewurz 09 International Aromatic Wine Awards 2009, November 2009
The newly-released Spy Valley 2009 Gewurztraminer was awarded a gold medal at the International Aromatic Wine Competition 2009
GOLD - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand International Wine Show 2009, November 2009
Spy Valley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a gold medal at the NZ International Wine Show 2009
Silver medal - 2009 SV Sauvignon Blanc Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2009, November 2009
Spy Valley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a silver medal at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2009
Silver medal - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc International Aromatic Wine Awards 2009, November 2009
Spy Valley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a silver medal at the International Aromatic Wine Awards 2009
GRAND CHAMPION! 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition 2009, November 2009
Spy Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was named Grand Champion at the Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition 2009!
Pure Silver medal - Satellite Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009, November 2009
Satellite 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a Pure Silver Medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009. "Pure" means the wine is made from sustainable-accredited vineyards in a sustainable-accredited winery.
Pure Silver medal - Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2009 Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009, November 2009
Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2009 was awarded a Pure Silver Medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009. "Pure" means the wine is made from sustainable-accredited vineyards in a sustainable-accredited winery (Spy Valley's).
Nicely robust and full of flavour - 2009 Pinot Gris Hospitality/Thirst magazine, November 2009
Peter's Picks:
"Very nice Marlborough pinot gris, an important strength of this winery. Nicely robust and full of flavour, just off dry and balanced to perfection. Very good wine, ready through 2010." Peter Saunders, Hospitality/Thirst, Nov 2009
BEST IN CLASS - Spy Valley Gewurz 08 International Wine & Spirits Competition 2009, November 2009
Silver (Best in Class)
"A fine example of the varietal with a rich, firm, intense and complete bouquet featuring white fruit, flower-blossom and subtle spices. The palate is opulent, sweet and multifaceted, of great depth and splendidly framed and reigned in by a gentle vein of acidity. This shows real class and distinction."
"A fine example of the varietal with a rich, firm, intense and complete bouquet featuring white fruit, flower-blossom and subtle spices. The palate is opulent, sweet and multifaceted, of great depth and splendidly framed and reigned in by a gentle vein of acidity. This shows real class and distinction."
BEST IN CLASS - Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2008 International Wine & Spirits Competition 2009, November 2009
Silver (Best in Class)
"Ripe strawberries and a suggestion of boiled beetroot allied to herbal, spicy oak combine in this wine's splendid, mature nose which is heady and very forward. In the mouth, too, there is a medley of nuances and aromas, and ample dry, spicy flavours in a mellow frame with salty finish. Stylish and very accomplished."
"Ripe strawberries and a suggestion of boiled beetroot allied to herbal, spicy oak combine in this wine's splendid, mature nose which is heady and very forward. In the mouth, too, there is a medley of nuances and aromas, and ample dry, spicy flavours in a mellow frame with salty finish. Stylish and very accomplished."
Pinot Gris and swordfish wine and food match Gourmet Traveller Wine, October 2009
Wine to try - Spy Valley Pinot Gris
"Swordfish is a dense, deep-water fish with a tendency to dry out if it is not carefully cooked. The sweetness of the accompanying roasted capsicum requires a wine with both depth and richness. A light red could work, but here the weight, texture and intensity of good pinot gris is perfect (not a lean, tight, Italianate pinot grigio style but rather the full, rich Alsace style). There are a number of Australian pinot gris that fit that mould, but it's the New Zealanders who are showing us how to make the variety with extra depth, power and concentration. The folk at Spy Valley use partial barrel fermentation, some malolactic influences and leave a touch of residual sugar to build weight and add complexity to this delicious (food-friendly) white wine. Gourmet Traveller Wine, Oct/Nov 2009
93/100 - 2007 Envoy Pinot Noir Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, October 2009
BEST IMPORT: This is the reserve wine from one of Marlborough's better emerging wineries. It's soft, flesh and fruit-sweet with lots of whole-bunch character-adding complexity. Pepper, cedar and spicy oak; elegant and perfumed with plummy palate flavours and more tannin than most of its kind. 93/100. Food: spit roast quail.
Food match - Noble Chardonnay 2009 Hospitality magazine, October 2009
"The sweet fruit and crisp acids make this nicely balanced wine a good match for a fresh fruit salad based around pineapple and melon, drizzled with a chilled syrup made by dissolving brown sugar in water spiked with a squeeze of lemon juice." Vic Williams, Hospitality, October 2009
4 Stars, 88 Points, Spy Valley Merlot 2007 Wine Orbit magazine, October 2009
Spy Valley Merlot 2007
4 Stars, 88 Points
"Bright medium-deep red in colour with a touch of purple around the rim. The nose is aromatic and fruity displaying dark plum, cherry, floral and cedary oak characters. It's juicy and nicely flowing on the palate with well balanced acidity and supple tannins. A medium-weighted, silky Merlot with plenty of appeal. At its best: now to 2011." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Issue 6 Oct 2009
4 Stars, 88 Points
"Bright medium-deep red in colour with a touch of purple around the rim. The nose is aromatic and fruity displaying dark plum, cherry, floral and cedary oak characters. It's juicy and nicely flowing on the palate with well balanced acidity and supple tannins. A medium-weighted, silky Merlot with plenty of appeal. At its best: now to 2011." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Issue 6 Oct 2009
91 Points & 4.5 stars - Spy Sauv Blanc 2008 Wine Orbit magazine, October 2009
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008
91 Points & 4.5 Stars
"A classic Marlborough Sauvignon displaying lifted aromas of passionfruit, pineapple and lime zest characters. The palate is juicy and intense with vibrant acidity and nicely flowing texture. Beautifully balanced and finishes with lovely lingering ripe fruit notes. This is a more rounded version of Marlborough Sauvignon making it a brilliant drink. At its best: now to 2011." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Issue 6 October 2009
96 Points - Envoy Chardonnay 06 Wine100 magazine, October 2009
Tyson's Pick of the "Other" Varieties of Marlborough.
96 Points - Spy Valley Envoy Chardonnay 2006!
Tyson Stelzer, Wine 100, Oct 2009.
95 Points! Envoy Riesling 2007 Wine100 magazine, October 2009
Tyson's Pick of the "OTher" Varieties of Marlborough.
95 Points - Spy Valley Envoy Riesling 2007!
Tyson Stelzer, Wine 100, Oct 2009.
91 Points - Spy Gewurz 08 Wine100 magazine, October 2009
Tyson's Pick of the "Other" Varieties of Marlborough.
Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2008 - 91 Points!
Tyson Stelzer, Wine 100, Oct 2009.
4 stars - Pinot Gris 08 Sunday magazine, September 2009
Spy Valley 2008 Pinot Gris - 4 Stars
"They often wheel out pinot gris with sweet things in Alsace, and this rich, creamy rendition will wrap itself nicely around Ray's orange cakes. G'sund! (as they say in Alsace). John Saker, Sunday magazine, Sunday Star Times, 20 Sept 09
Silver medal - newly released Noble Chardonnay 09 New Zealand International Wine Show 2009, September 2009
The newly-released Spy Valley 2009 Noble Chardonnay was awarded a silver medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2009.
Silver medal - Spy Chardonnay 2007 New Zealand International Wine Show 2009, September 2009
Spy Valley Chardonnay 2007 was awarded a Silver Medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2009
Excellent fruit base and lots of spine! Spy Pinot Noir 08 Hospitality magazine, September 2009
"Very nice Marlborough pinot noir, yet again from this winery that has a strong pinot noir record. Nicely clean and alive, very accessible with excellent fruit base and lots of youthful spine to ensure plenty of development ahead. A wine that shows the potential of this Waihopai sub-region of Marlborough for vibrant, characterful fruit tones." Peter Saunders, Hospitality, Sept 09
Bob's Best Buys - 2007 Envoy Pinot Gris Bob Campbell, KiaOra Magazine, August 2009
Spy Valley has a reputation for making terrific wines and offering them at reasonable prices. A few years ago, the company decided to create a limited-edition flagship label called "Envoy".
They've now made a string of cracking wines under the label. Its pinot gris is spectacularly good. It's a wine that in my opinion would still rush off the shelves at a much higher price. Here's what I wrote in my tasting notes:
"Rich and creamy Alsace-style wine with a medley of tree- and exotic-fruit flavours, plus an appealing lifted spicy character. Very intense and sophisticated wine that's in danger of giving New Zealand pinot gris a good name."
Invigorating and satisfying - Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 Glengarry Wines, July 2009
"Far from being an easy off-the-vine-and-onto-the-bottling-line kinda wine, 'oak-less' means that there is nowhere to hide. Not for the fruit, nor the winemaker. Any blemish or fault will immediately show up in the final wine. Not here, though; the pristine fruit is lashed to a lush crush of peaches and melons. Invigorating and satisfying." Glengarry Wines, July 2009
An embarrassment of riches...Pinot Noir 2008 Glengarry Wines, July 2009
"Darkly shaded in the glass, this has an embarrassment of riches on the palate; after the heady aromatic delights, there is a core of red fruits with a mushrooming firmness parading up the centre aisle. The faint earthiness integrates nicely and drags this back away from the fruit bomb end of the continuum, the tannin component merely an indicator of youth. Excellent." Glengarry Wines, July 2009
A different take on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc WineNZ magazine, July 2009
Spy Valley Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2008
"A different take on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet stone fruit and tropical fruits are balanced by acids and minerals to produce a long, sweet but clean finish." Wine NZ, Winter 2009
Crisp, clean and refreshing - Sauv Blanc 2008 WineNZ magazine, July 2009
"The bouquet combines grapefruit and lemon rind notes with a touch of the region's typical 'sweat.' The flavour profile is crisp, clean and superbly refreshing thanks to nicely balanced acids that bring out the best in the fruit. Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acids sit nicely alongside salty foods. If you’re using it to accompany casual nibbles, think olives, cubes of feta cheese or salt-and-pepper squid. Later, as part of the meal, it would be good with a salad built around rocket leaves, cubed firm feta and grainy croutons, tossed in a dressing made from a little lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper” Wine NZ, Winter 2009
Pinot Noir 2008 - Under $35 Shortlist WineNZ magazine, July 2009
"Very dark in the glass. Rich, ripe and floral on nose. The palate here is dense and ripe with cherry, strawberry, blackberry and creamy, toasty oak. And there's good concentration of flavour with reasonable complexity showing too. A superbly balanced wine with strapping young tannins and all the components it will require to mature nicely." Wine NZ, July 2009
5 Stars, 93 Points - Envoy Chardonnay 06 BobsWineReviews.com, July 2009
5 Stars, 93 Points
"Creamy, sophisticated Chardonnay with layers of pineapple, grapefruit, sizzled butter, brioche and spicy oak flavours. Seamless wine with impressive power and length. Very classy Chardonnay indeed." Bob Campbell MW, BobsWineReviews.com, Tasted Feb 2009
"Creamy, sophisticated Chardonnay with layers of pineapple, grapefruit, sizzled butter, brioche and spicy oak flavours. Seamless wine with impressive power and length. Very classy Chardonnay indeed." Bob Campbell MW, BobsWineReviews.com, Tasted Feb 2009
Spy Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Margaret Swaine, National Post, July 2009
I love this sauvignon from Marlborough on the South Island, for its value and flavours. The bouquet jumps out of the glass with passionfruit, kiwi and snap pea aromatics. Its fresh uplifted tastes are reminiscent of passionfruit and pink grapefruit granite. Perfect for summer sipping.
Judges' Choice - Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2008 International Value Wine Awards 2009, July 2009
Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2008 was awarded the Judges' Choice Award (runner up in a category) at the International Value Wine Awards 2009.
Judges' Choice - Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2008 International Value Wine Awards 2009, July 2009
Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2008 was awarded the Judges' Choice Award (runner up in a category) at the International Value Wine Awards 2009.
Judges' Choice - Spy Valley Riesling 2008 International Value Wine Awards 2009, July 2009
Spy Valley Riesling 2008 was awarded the Judges' Choice Award (runner up in a category) at the International Value Wine Awards 2009.
92 Points - Envoy Gewurztraminer 2007 Gourmet Traveller Wine, June 2009
92 Points, 4 Stars - Envoy Gewurztraminer 2007
"Attractive creamy wine with strong Turkish Delight flavours and lifted spice/anise characters. Suave and seamless with a pleasantly dry finish. Another top wine under the flagship Envoy label. Excellent value." Gourmet Traveller Wine, June/July 2007
95 Points - Envoy Pinot Gris 2007 Gourmet Traveller Wine, June 2009
95 Points, 5 Stars - Envoy Pinot Gris 2007
"Rich and creamy Alsace-style wine with a medley of tree and exotic fruit flavours plus an appealing lifted spicy character. Very intense and sophisticated drop that's in danger of giving New Zealand pinot gris a good name." Gourmet Traveller Wine, June/July 2009
"Rich and creamy Alsace-style wine with a medley of tree and exotic fruit flavours plus an appealing lifted spicy character. Very intense and sophisticated drop that's in danger of giving New Zealand pinot gris a good name." Gourmet Traveller Wine, June/July 2009
Best Buy Wines - Spy Noble Riesling 2008 Gourmet Traveller Wine, June 2009
"This wine has a high degree of botrytis influence with strong honey and musk flavours but citrus and root ginger varietal notes remain very evident. Even though it's quite sweet, the wine is perfectly balanced by crisp acidity and is certainly not cloying. It offers particularly good value at this price." Bob Campbell MW, Gourmet Traveller Wine, June/July 2009
Vibrant, characterful fruit tones...Spy Pinot Noir 08 F&B, June 2009
"Nicely clean and alive, very accessible with excellent fruit base and lots of youthful spine to ensure plenty of development ahead. A wine that shows the potential of the Waihopai sub-region of Marlborough for vibrant, characterful fruit tones. Will work well and develop further over the next three years." Peter Saunders, F&B, June 2009
Hints of earl grey tea and mandarin peel. Otago Daily Times, June 2009
"Hints of earl grey tea and mandarin peel with underlying quinces, dried apricot and passionfruit, bring an underlying richness to this bright, slightly herbal wine. Good with not-too-sweeet apple pie." Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 3 June 09
4 Stars - Noble Riesling 08 Otago Daily Times, June 2009
4 Stars
"A good example of the rich, honeyed botrytised wine that can come from Marlborough in suitable years. Hints of dried apricot, grapefruit, mandarin skin, golden kiwi and ginger with a sweet, unctuous intensity, complexity from a little oak aging and a nicely bright crisp finish. Good with a sharp blue or a cardamom and almond biscotti. Good value." Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 3 June 2009
"A good example of the rich, honeyed botrytised wine that can come from Marlborough in suitable years. Hints of dried apricot, grapefruit, mandarin skin, golden kiwi and ginger with a sweet, unctuous intensity, complexity from a little oak aging and a nicely bright crisp finish. Good with a sharp blue or a cardamom and almond biscotti. Good value." Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 3 June 2009
Looking Good - Spy Pinot Gris 08 Viva, The NZ Herald, June 2009
Wonderfully fresh and fragrant, this gris has mouthfilling ripe pear and stonefruit spiced with nutmeg, and a faint infusion of smoke. Jo Burzynska, 27 May 09
4 1/2 Stars, 90 Points, Spy Pinot Gris 07 Wine Orbit, May 2009
4 1/2 Stars, 90 Points
"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." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Issue 5, May 2009
"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." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Issue 5, May 2009
4 1/2 Stars, 92 Points, Spy Gewurz 07 Wine Orbit, May 2009
4 1/2 Stars, 92 Points
"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, Issue 5, May 2009
"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, Issue 5, May 2009
Wine for Asian Food - Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2008 Hospitality, May 2009
"Gewurz is often suggested as a match for curry, but some Indian versions can kill its delicate flavours. Look instead towards Thailand, and try shredding roast duck from a Chinese food market into a mixture of red curry paste, peanut butter, coconut milk, chicken stock and lime juice." Vic Williams, Hospitality, May 2009
A little beauty - Noble Riesling 08 F&B Magazine, May 2009
"'Unashamedly rich' the label says, and it is. Quite thick in texture, a botrytis effect present yet not dominant and the fruit is gutsy and strong for the heartiest of desserts. Different and full of mouth-interest, something to savour and enjoy for a long time. A little beauty." F&B Behind Bars, May 2009
Pinot Gris Short List - Spy Pinot Gris 08 WineNZ, May 2009
Pinot Gris Short List
"Rich, creamy nose. Full-bodied and relatively dry with lush, ripe fruit flavours; grapefruit and lychee with notes of rose and spice. Quite big wine, yet nicely structured and well-concentrated. Shows good balance too with well-controlled alcohol." Wine NZ, May 2009
Full bodied - Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 WineNZ, May 2009
"Deep yellow. Quite full on the nose. Nice quince, stonefruit and mealy characters, full bodied with some richness to the flavour and texture too." Wine NZ, Autumn 2009
96 Points - Envoy 06 Chardonnay Wine100, May 2009
96 Points
"Poised to enter the ranks of New Zealand's greatest Chardonnays, this ultrafine style is both concentrated and elegant, with pure white peach, grapefruit and a supporting layer of hazelnut oak. River pebble minerality gives this a Burgundian feel." May 2009
"Poised to enter the ranks of New Zealand's greatest Chardonnays, this ultrafine style is both concentrated and elegant, with pure white peach, grapefruit and a supporting layer of hazelnut oak. River pebble minerality gives this a Burgundian feel." May 2009
95 Points - Envoy 07 Riesling Wine100, May 2009
95 Points
"Pure and classy, this is a medium sweet Riesling of beautiful structure and great longevity. Pure lemon and grapefruit pith flavours ripple over river pebble minerality with incrediblle line, length and poise." May 2009
"Pure and classy, this is a medium sweet Riesling of beautiful structure and great longevity. Pure lemon and grapefruit pith flavours ripple over river pebble minerality with incrediblle line, length and poise." May 2009
95 points, 5 Stars - Envoy 2006 Chardonnay Gourmet Traveller Wine, April 2009
95 Points, 5 Stars
"Creamy, sophisticated chardonnay with layers of pineapple, grapefruit, sizzled butter, brioche and spicy oak flavours. Seamless wine with impressive power and length. Very classy chardonnay indeed."
"Creamy, sophisticated chardonnay with layers of pineapple, grapefruit, sizzled butter, brioche and spicy oak flavours. Seamless wine with impressive power and length. Very classy chardonnay indeed."
95 points, 5 Stars - Envoy 2007 Riesling Gourmet Traveller Wine, April 2009
95 Points, 5 Stars
"Spy Valley are well recognised as one of the country's best-value wine producers, making consistently good wines at reasonable prices. The company's new flagship Envoy label raises the quality bar while retaining sensible pricing. Masses of sweetness balanced by sharp acidity produces a finish that's almost medium-dry. This terrific wine makes a strong statement. Powerful lime juice, rose petal and slate/mineral characters with good weight and considerable length."
"Spy Valley are well recognised as one of the country's best-value wine producers, making consistently good wines at reasonable prices. The company's new flagship Envoy label raises the quality bar while retaining sensible pricing. Masses of sweetness balanced by sharp acidity produces a finish that's almost medium-dry. This terrific wine makes a strong statement. Powerful lime juice, rose petal and slate/mineral characters with good weight and considerable length."
Best Under $20 - Spy Valley Chardonnay 2007 Otago Daily Times, April 2009
"White-fleshed peach and sweet nectarine, with a hint of nuts and a silky texture give this wine a little more complexity than its unoaked stablemate. It is silky, attractive and well balanced. Good value." Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 22 April 2009
4 STARS - newly released Spy Valley 2008 Pinot Noir Winestate magazine, April 2009
4 STARS "Weighty and full-coloured, with a spicy, slightly earthy bouquet. Finely textured red with strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing good complexity and harmony, gentle acidity and a backbone of ripe, supple tannins." Winestate magazine, Michael Cooper's New Releases, July/August 2009
4 1/2 Stars - Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Ontario Wine Review, April 2009
"Big tropical fruit nose with gooseberry, grapefruit on the tongue - this is a four star wine but with the excellent price it offers great affordable value for those who like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - so I'll slip it a half mark for that. 4 1/2 Stars." Ontario Wine Review, www.grapeguyvintages.blogspot.com , Michael Pinkus
A hedonist's wine - Gewurztraminer 2008 REMIX Magazine, April 2009
“Another favourite producer of mine is Spy Valley in Marlborough and they certainly know how to make a powerful Gewurztraminer. A hedonist’s wine is their Gewurztraminer 2008, with lashings of Turkish delight and ginger on the nose followed through with fresh citrus in the mouth. Drinking this wine is a pure pleasure; soft, alluring and sumptuous it is so inviting the bottle just disappears.” Mandy Carter, REMIX Magazine, Issue 91
92 Points - Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2007 WBM100 Magazine, April 2009
92 Points “With accurate black cherry fruits, plums, spice and a lifted violet bouquet, this is a deeper, more black-fruited Pinot Noir than the norm for Marlborough, thanks to the cool location of the Johnson Estate vineyard from which it is sourced. The result is a delicious style with balanced coffee/mocha oak and very long, fine tannins.” WBM100, April 2009
Recommended - Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 Canvas Magazine, April 2009
"Soft around the edges with a concentrated tropical fruit core and hints of peach and spice. Lovely texture." John Hawkesby, Canvas Magazine, 4 April 2009
4 Stars - "You know you're onto a winner" Envoy Pinot Gris 07 www.wineoftheweek.com, April 2009
“You know you are on to a winner when you pour your friend s glass of wine and they say, ‘Mmmm that’s delicious.’
‘What is it?’ they ask. You tell them it is Pinot Gris and they raise their eyebrows. ‘Really,’ one of them says. ‘I’ve never tasted Pinot Gris like this before,’ says another.
Yes, Pinot Gris, but not just any Pinot Gris. This is Spy Valley’s top label ‘Envoy’ and the 2007 vintage is a stunning successor to the inaugural 2006 release.
Grapes were hand selected and picked from their original plantings of Pinot Gris. They were then whole bunch pressed and fermented in German oak ovals. The wine was aged for a further seven months on lees prior to bottling. Now that the wine has had over a year in bottle, it is simply delicious.
Spy Valley Envoy Pinot Gris 2007 is a light golden colour. The scents entice with spice and floral nuances. In the mouth the texture is satin sheet smooth and the taste is spicy and gently floral with a lovely fresh seam of tangy citrus and a finish that fleshes out with freshly picked yellow-flesh peach. A hint of oak adds just the right amount of complexity. The result is very satisfying as the wine slips across the tongue to coat it with a vinous memory.” Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com, 15 March 2009
‘What is it?’ they ask. You tell them it is Pinot Gris and they raise their eyebrows. ‘Really,’ one of them says. ‘I’ve never tasted Pinot Gris like this before,’ says another.
Yes, Pinot Gris, but not just any Pinot Gris. This is Spy Valley’s top label ‘Envoy’ and the 2007 vintage is a stunning successor to the inaugural 2006 release.
Grapes were hand selected and picked from their original plantings of Pinot Gris. They were then whole bunch pressed and fermented in German oak ovals. The wine was aged for a further seven months on lees prior to bottling. Now that the wine has had over a year in bottle, it is simply delicious.
Spy Valley Envoy Pinot Gris 2007 is a light golden colour. The scents entice with spice and floral nuances. In the mouth the texture is satin sheet smooth and the taste is spicy and gently floral with a lovely fresh seam of tangy citrus and a finish that fleshes out with freshly picked yellow-flesh peach. A hint of oak adds just the right amount of complexity. The result is very satisfying as the wine slips across the tongue to coat it with a vinous memory.” Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com, 15 March 2009
4 stars - 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, April 2009
Pungent with hints of kiwiberries, fresh guava and a hint of greywacke, this fresh, intense wine has a long, tingly finish. Spy Valley invariably offers good value.
4 stars - 2008 Pinot Gris Otago Daily Times - Charmian Smith, April 2009
One of the best and most reasonably priced in this group, this medium wine hints of eau de cologne, mint and tropical fruit with a hint of toffee and nuts. I enjoyed the intensity, balance and the long aftertaste.
Best Under $20 - Spy Valley Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 Otago Daily Times, April 2009
"A fresh, zesty wine with sweet stonefruit and a hint of celery, and a juicy, crisp finish." Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 22 April 2009
4 stars - 2007 Envoy Gewurztraminer Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, April 2009
This wine has had some barrel fermentation and lees aging which tones down the tropical fruit salad effect and gives more complexity, texture and a nutty undertone to the luscious fruit. Delicious.
4 stars - 2008 Gewurztraminer Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, April 2009
There's decadence in the wonderful aromas of lychees, jasmine, roses and eau de cologne, but the flavours are more precise and poised in this surprisingly alert and fresh wine with a long, stylish finish suggesting eau de cologne mint and toffee. Delicious.
90 Points - 2008 Riesling Wine Spectator, March 2009
Light and tart, with a haunting gingerbread undertone to the lime, guava, mineral and floral flavors, lingering on the expressive finish.
EXCEPTIONAL - 2007 Riesling Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences (Volume XIV, Issue 6), March 2009
"Quince and a tad of kerosene, with a layer of tropical fruit. Soft and balanced."
4 STARS - 2007 Envoy Riesling Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, March 2009
"Suggestions of zesty sweet lime and mineral, sweetish, but so taut and racy it's like dancing on a tightrope. A late harvest style with a steely, crisp finish."
5 STARS - 2007 Envoy Riesling Yvonne Larkin - NZ Wine Writer (NZ House & Garden), March 2009
"Wow! My first sip of Riesling in 2009 and this is an absolute beauty! Scented with yellow plum, apple skin, beeswax and ripe lime and white peach characters this wine simply sings on the palate. Beautifully fresh and at only 9% alcohol it holds deliciously crisp, pure fruit sweetness and fullness on the finish. Just stunning with crayfish and coriander salad."
4 STARS - 91 points - 2008 Gewurztraminer Gourmet Traveller Wine, March 2009
"Spy Valley is a specialist with Gewurztraminer, so it was no surprise when this lovely wine was unmasked. I found the nose rich and honeyed, with lychee and rose-petal fragrance. The flavour is eqully rich, assisted by a little sweetness, and is complex and varietally precise."
3 STARS 2008 Riesling Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, March 2009
"Perfumed with pineapple, lime and a hint of gorse flowers, this is a taut, racy wine, medium sweet but with a tingly textural finish. One of the few rieslings that invite a second glass."
4 STARS - 90 Points - 2008 Riesling Gourmet Traveller Wine, March 2009
Spy Valley impressed me with its generous tropical fruit, including pawpaw and pineapple. Bourne agreed, adding 'richness, honey and lime'. The wine's full and round in the mouth with good depth of ripe flavour and a touch of sweetness. It finishes softly, with a light grip.
89 Points - 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Wine Spectator's daily wine picks, March 2009
Serves up a fragrant medley of tart, black currant, grapefruit and crushed stone nuances. Sea salt and oyster shell give this a savory edge, with fresh thyme and lime extending through the finish. Drink now.
SILVER - 2008 Riesling Royal Easter Wine Show Awards 2009, March 2009
Spy Valley's 2008 Riesling wins silver at the Royal Easter Wine Show Awards.
TROPHY & GOLD - 2008 Noble Riesling Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2009, March 2009
Spy Valley's 2008 Noble Riesling wins TROPHY & GOLD at the Royal Easter Wine Show Awards.
4 stars - 2008 Noble Sauvignon Blanc Winestate Magazine, March 2009
Delicious young, with concentrated, very ripe (31.6 brix) peach and passionfruit flavours and a hint of honey. Very harmonious, with a subtle botrytis influence and well-rounded finish.
4 Stars - 2008 Spy Valley Noble Riesling Winestate magazine, March 2009
Attractively scented, citrusy, gently honeyed bouquet. Already delicious, with generous depth of ripe, citrusy, honeyed flavours, hints of lime and marmalade, and a sweet, smooth finish.
2008 Pinot Gris - HIGH 4 STARS, Top Five and Best Buy Cuisine, February 2009
"According to our surveillance, Spy Valley is up to it's old tricks - creamy, generous, oozing Alsatian-esque white stonefruit and nashi pear characters. Excellent food style; foie gras comes to mind."
2008 Gewurztraminer - 5 STARS, Top Five & Best Buy Cuisine, February 2009
"Rich without being too bold" thought Cameron Douglas. Out-there ginger, orange peel and spice flavours are delivered on a rich, oily tide. This would be a great aperitif, with a smoked salmon mousse
Wine Spectator List of Top Values 2008 Wine Spectator, February 2009
*88 points Spy Valley Riesling 2007
*90 points Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007
(top values are $20/bottle or less with over 88 points)
92 points - 2008 Year's Best - Spy Valley Pinot Noir Wine & Spirits, January 2009
The concentrated 2007 has enough structure to carry its substantial fruit. It's a big wine...flavours are ripe and long lasting, with an Asian spice complexity.
3 stars - 2008 Spy Valley Riesling - highest rated NZ wine! San Francisco Chronicle, January 2009
"Lemon zest and mineral emerge on the subdued nose. The palate is more assertive, showing sweet pink grapefruit, pomelo and a back note of tropical fruit. Clean, persistence and polished finish; great balance."
4 Stars - 2008 Pinot Gris Winestate Magazine, January 2009
4 Stars
"Slightly honeyed, mouthfilling wine with ripe stonefruit and spice flavours. Musky and oily, with an impressive richness." Marlborough Regional Tasting, Winestate, March/April 2009
"Slightly honeyed, mouthfilling wine with ripe stonefruit and spice flavours. Musky and oily, with an impressive richness." Marlborough Regional Tasting, Winestate, March/April 2009
5 STARS - 2008 Gewurz Winestate Magazine, January 2009
5 STARS
"Exotically perfumed, gingery bouquet. Mouthfilling and intensely varietal, with concentrated spice and lychee flavours, slight sweetness and balanced acidity. Weighty, rich and already delicious." Marlborough Regional Tasting, Winestate, March/April 2009
"Exotically perfumed, gingery bouquet. Mouthfilling and intensely varietal, with concentrated spice and lychee flavours, slight sweetness and balanced acidity. Weighty, rich and already delicious." Marlborough Regional Tasting, Winestate, March/April 2009
The Pleasure of Unoaked Chardonnay Wine NZ, Summer 08, January 2009
"Lovely fruit, quite generous in its own way whilst still dry. An excellent food wine or aperitif and with two years of very good drinking ahead. A classic case of uncluttered, undemanding enjoyment." Wine NZ, Summer 2008
Sauv Blanc 08 - Outstanding & Best Value Sauvignon Blanc! Wine NZ, Summer 08, January 2009
Outstanding and Best Value Sauvignon Blanc!
"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 nice 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 and is super buying for this summer." Wine NZ, Summer 2008
"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 nice 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 and is super buying for this summer." Wine NZ, Summer 2008