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2008 Marlborough Gewurztraminer |
Bird Wines
Owners Steve and Caroline Bird bring nearly three decades of New Zealand wine industry experience to Bird Wines—and it shows. Epitomizing the best that the Marlborough region has to offer, Bird wines are aromatic, flavorsome, textural, and balanced with a purity of varietal fruit and vibrant structure.
Quick Facts
OWNER: Steve and Caroline Bird
WINEMAKER: Steve Bird
APPELLATION: Marlborough, Wairau Valley
VINEYARD AREA: 20 acres
ACCREDITED: Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand
WEB SITE: http://www.birdwines.com
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Featured Wines
2008 Marlborough Gewurztraminer
Bouquet: Fragrant floral approach, rose petals, spices, tropical fruit.
Palate: Hints of Lychee and exotic fruit, slightest touch of sweetness through the middle, finishes dry.
Serving Suggestions: Works well with highly fragrant, herbaceous and spicy foods such as Thai or curry dishes.Reviews and Awards
89 Points
"The 2008 Old Schoolhouse Vineyard Gewurztraminer has very fine definition on the nose with touches of apricot, orange-blossom, nectarine and a touch of jasmine. Not too blowsy – more refined than others encountered in this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied, good balance and acidity cutting through that controlled aromatic fruit: dried apricot, a touch of spice and a hint of ginger in the background. Very refined: this is a well-crafted Gewurztraminer for medium-term drinking."
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, August 2009
2007 Marlborough Pinot Gris
Bouquet: Fragrant approach, stone fruit, pears, apples.
Palate: Outstanding weight and a beautiful texture. Stone fruits with hints of dried tropical fruits.
Serving Suggestions: Lovely as an aperitif. A versatile wine suited with chicken or veal. Serve lightly chilled.2007 Marlborough Pinot Noir
Bouquet: Bright red fruits and forest floor.
Palate: Spice, chocolate and earth.
Serving Suggestions: Game birds with a slightly sweetened pinot noir reduction, mushrooms (especially truffles).Reviews and Awards
90 Points
"The 2007 Old Schoolhouse Vineyard Big Barrel Pinot Noir fulfils its promise out of barrel last year, this has a great sense of transparency on the nose with cranberry, raspberry and redcurrant fruit with understated use of oak. This is how Pinot should be. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, quite peppery on the entry, leading to rounded red-berried fruit, raspberry and cranberry with that peppery/spicy edge reappearing towards the finish. Nicely balanced, very pure and utterly charming. Excellent, but I think future offerings will be even better. "
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, August 2009
2007 Marlborough Riesling
Overall Impression: Keen fresh acidity, crisp dry finish, persistent flavors.
Bouquet: Fresh floral, citrus blossom.
Palate: Ripe citrus, threads of apple and melon, lingering mineral backbone.
Serving Suggestions: Shellfish such as clams, scallops, and steamed mussels. The acidity will handle cream sauces and dishes with some sweetness. Serve chilled.Reviews and Awards
Exceptional
"Spiced, floral, and somewhat more exotic [than others reviewed]. We loved the 2006 and this wine is better."
Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences, March 20092008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Bouquet: Full, rich, fruit forward.
Palate: Lime, melon, passionfruit
Serving Suggestions: At lunch, one bottle per person with two dozen oysters each, followed by a short nap. Also perfect with ceviche.Reviews and Awards
90 Points
"The aromatics on the 2008 Old Schoolhouse Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc are muted at present, but it gradually unfurls to reveal aromas of Granny Smiths, gooseberry and kiwi fruit. Delicate; coquettish. The palate is well balanced with crisp green fruit, nice definition, very harmonious and natural towards the finish with gooseberry, nettle and apple. Great focus and precision, this remains a top notch Marlborough Sauvignon."
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, August 20092007 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Bouquet: Fresh floral, ripe citrus, sweet herbs.
Palate: Juicy ripe stone fruit, passion fruit, hints of grapefruit.
Serving Suggestions: Lovely with fish, shellfish, light white meat dishes and salads. More delicate in structure than the average Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - be careful not to swamp it with heavy cream sauces. Serve chilled.Reviews and Awards
"Top Tip award for exceptional quality regardless of price. Though not a complicated wine, this is absolutely delicious. The sweet, ripe, tropical nose precedes excellent gooseberry flavours that are beautifully balanced with the wine's acidity. A winner."
TiZ Wine February 2008
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